Ocean Chlorophyll Concentrations
The concentration of chlorophyll is an indicator for the amount of photosynthetic plankton, or phytoplankton , present in the ocean. Phytoplankton populations are influenced by climatic factors such as sea surface temperatures and winds.
Date Range: 1998 - 2020
Contributors:
The concentration of chlorophyll is an indicator for the amount of photosynthetic plankton, or phytoplankton , present in the ocean. Phytoplankton populations are influenced by climatic factors such as sea surface temperatures and winds.
Date Range: 1998 - 2020
Contributors:
Changes in chlorophyll concentrations are affecting marine life
Some of the highest average chlorophyll concentrations are located near continental coasts of the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans.

The map shows average chlorophyll concentrations for the period 1998–2019. The graphs below the map show trends in chlorophyll concentrations (percent change relative to the 1998–2020 average) for different regions. The Hawaiian Islands (Graph 6) is the only region pictured with a downward trend in chlorophyll concentrations between 1998 and 2020.
About Ocean Chlorophyll Concentrations
Phytoplankton Microscopic organisms (single-celled plants, bacteria, and protists) capable of photosynthesis. Phytoplankton are found in oceans, seas, and freshwater, and are an essential component of aquatic ecosystems.
are microscopic, floating, plant-like organisms that live in oceans, lakes, and rivers. Phytoplankton form the base of the marine food web, converting solar energy into organic matter (primary production). This process ultimately feeds the world’s fish, sea birds, marine mammals, and humans. Because phytoplankton use photosynthetic pigments like chlorophyll to convert solar energy into organic matter, the amount of phytoplankton present in the ocean can be assessed by measuring chlorophyll concentrations. When phytoplankton populations are large, the color of the water appears greener because of high concentrations of chlorophyll.
Phytoplankton populations, as indicated by chlorophyll concentrations, respond to both seasonal (short-term) and climatic (long-term) changes. Primary production by phytoplankton can be affected indirectly by climatic factors, such as changes in water temperatures and surface winds, which affect mixing within the water column and the availability of
nutrients Chemicals (such as nitrogen and phosphorus) that plants and animals need to live and grow. At high concentrations, particularly in water, nutrients can become pollutants.
. Changes in cloud cover, which can reduce or increase solar energy available for photosynthesis, can also affect primary production.
The chlorophyll concentration data shown here were obtained from global satellite measurements by the SeaWiFS and MODIS-Aqua projects of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). Satellite data collection allows for large spatial coverage and frequent measurements over time, which is useful for assessing long-term changes. One limitation, however, is that satellites can only measure near-surface chlorophyll concentrations, thus potentially underestimating the total amount of phytoplankton present at all water depths. Chlorophyll concentrations also do not provide information on the composition of phytoplankton communities (for example, the abundance of larger versus smaller species).
Why It's Important
- Changes in phytoplankton populations may impact fish and other marine life, which can affect economic productivity and food availability.
- Decision makers can use this indicator An observation or calculation that allows scientists, analysts, decision makers, and others to track environmental trends, understand key factors that influence the environment, and identify effects on ecosystems and society.to understand the health and productivity of marine ecosystems that depend on phytoplankton.
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