Revaluating ocean warming impacts on global phytoplankton

Michael J. Behrenfeld (), Robert T. O’Malley, Emmanuel S. Boss, Toby K. Westberry, Jason R. Graff, Kimberly H. Halsey, Allen J. Milligan, David A. Siegel and Matthew B. Brown
Additional contact information
Michael J. Behrenfeld: Cordley Hall 2082, Oregon State University
Robert T. O’Malley: Cordley Hall 2082, Oregon State University
Emmanuel S. Boss: School of Marine Sciences, 5706 Aubert Hall, University of Maine
Toby K. Westberry: Cordley Hall 2082, Oregon State University
Jason R. Graff: Cordley Hall 2082, Oregon State University
Kimberly H. Halsey: 220 Nash Hall, Oregon State University
Allen J. Milligan: Cordley Hall 2082, Oregon State University
David A. Siegel: University of California
Matthew B. Brown: Cordley Hall 2082, Oregon State University

Nature Climate Change, 2016, vol. 6, issue 3, 323-330

Abstract: Abstract Global satellite observations document expansions of the low-chlorophyll central ocean gyres and an overall inverse relationship between anomalies in sea surface temperature and phytoplankton chlorophyll concentrations. These findings can provide an invaluable glimpse into potential future ocean changes, but only if the story they tell is accurately interpreted. Chlorophyll is not simply a measure of phytoplankton biomass, but also registers changes in intracellular pigmentation arising from light-driven (photoacclimation) and nutrient-driven physiological responses. Here, we show that the photoacclimation response is an important component of temporal chlorophyll variability across the global ocean. This attribution implies that contemporary relationships between chlorophyll changes and ocean warming are not indicative of proportional changes in productivity, as light-driven decreases in chlorophyll can be associated with constant or even increased photosynthesis. Extension of these results to future change, however, requires further evaluation of how the multifaceted stressors of a warmer, higher-CO2 world will impact plankton communities.

Date: 2016
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DOI: 10.1038/nclimate2838

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