In situ observation of holopelagic Sargassum distribution and aggregation state across the entire North Atlantic from 2011 to 2020.

ABSTRACT: Between 2011 and 2020, 6,790 visual observations of holopelagic Sargassum were recorded across the North Atlantic Ocean to describe regional distribution, presence, and aggregation state at hourly and 10 km scales. Influences of oceanographic region and wind/sea conditions as well as temporal trends were considered; marine megafauna associates documented the ecological value of aggregations. Holopelagic Sargassum was present in 64% of observations from the western North Atlantic. Dispersed holopelagic Sargassum fragments and clumps were found in 97% of positive observations whereas aggregated windrows (37%) and mats (1%) were less common. Most field observations noted holopelagic Sargassum in quantities below the AFAI algorithm detection limit for the MODIS sens

SUBMITTER: Goodwin DS 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC9509670 | biostudies-literature | 2022

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature