The subarctic Pacific is generally perceived as relatively homogeneous since the North Pacific Subpolar Gyre dominates the water circulation in the area. However, previous research showed significant spatial differences in phytoplankton abundance and community structure. This study aimed to identify regions associated with distinct phytoplankton phenology and composition to comprehensively describe the main phytoplankton variability patterns across the subarctic Pacific. To this end, satellite GlobColour time series observations and an extensive in situ phytoplankton pigment dataset were used in the analysis. Five bioregions were identified, based on the Self-Organized Mapping technique, using a greater than 20-year satellite data series. The bioregions in the open Pacific waters were dominated by green algae, haptophytes, and pelagophytes and were divided into the areas affected by the North Pacific Transition Zone and beyond. The other bioregions were defined around the Pacific basin margins where the diatom contribution was generally higher, with a particular distinction of waters surrounding the Kuril and the Aleutian Islands. Our bioregion designations allow for future evaluation of the processes controlling the physical and biological dynamics within each bioregion, which has direct implications for foraging conditions available to higher trophic levels, including potential food resource competition.

中文翻译：

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基于浮游植物物候和组成的亚北极太平洋生物区划


亚北极太平洋通常被认为相对均匀，因为北太平洋副极地环流主导着该地区的水循环。然而，先前的研究表明浮游植物丰度和群落结构存在显着的空间差异。本研究旨在确定与不同浮游植物物候和组成相关的区域，以全面描述整个亚北极太平洋的主要浮游植物变异模式。为此，分析中使用了卫星 GlobColour 时间序列观测和广泛的原位浮游植物色素数据集。基于自组织制图技术，使用超过 20 年的卫星数据系列，确定了五个生物区域。太平洋开阔水域的生物区以绿藻、触生植物和泥藻植物为主，并分为受北太平洋过渡区及其以外影响的区​​域。其他生物区被定义在太平洋盆地边缘周围，那里的硅藻贡献通常较高，特别是千岛群岛和阿留申群岛周围的水域。我们的生物区指定允许未来评估控制每个生物区内的物理和生物动态的过程，这对更高营养水平的觅食条件有直接影响，包括潜在的食物资源竞争。