Ocean productivity within and beyond the Oceanic Shoals CMR

Much of life on earth ultimately depends on the capture of energy from the sun and its translation into energy via photosynthesis. The relative extent to which this (primary production) occurs is a useful measure by which to compare the biological activity of regions. In the oceans, most primary production is done by phytoplankton which contain pigments containing chlorophyll. Satellites (specifically, SeaWifs and MODIS) can detect the concentration of chlorophyll in the oceans because the presence of chlorophyll changes the colour of the water (read how it works).

Use the interactive map below to view ocean productivity as measured by chloropyll concentrations within and beyond the Oceanic Shoals CMR. The lowest productivity is shown in blue and the highest in red.

How to use the map

	Click on this icon at the top left of the map to see a full screen version.
	Click on this icon also at the top left of the map to zoom in closer to (+) or further from (-) the map.