Long-Term Presence of the Island Mass Effect at Rangiroa Atoll, French Polynesia

Enhancement of phytoplankton biomass near island and atoll reef ecosystems—termed the Island Mass Effect (IME)—is an ecologically important phenomenon driving marine ecosystem trophic structure fisheries in midst oligotrophic tropical oceans. This study investigated occurrence IME at Rangiroa Atoll French Polynesian Tuamotu archipelago, physical mechanisms IME, through analysis satellite situ data. Comparison chlorophyll-a concentration with open ocean water 50 km offshore, over a 16-year period, showed enhancement as high 130% nearshore, 75.7% period. Our statistical model examining drivers magnitude to be significantly enhanced by higher sea surface temperature (SST) lower photosynthetically active radiation (PAR). Further, measurements flowing Tiputa Channel revealed outflowing lagoon warmer, salinity, particulate load compared water. We suggest that inside Rangiroa’s is enriched nutrients organic material biological processes advected result tidal wave forcing coastal waters, where it fuels primary production. combination oceanographic play frequency Atoll. Understanding underlying essential for understanding future changes caused warming climate changing environmental conditions ecosystem.