Roman, Joe,Estes, James A,Morissette, Lyne,Smith, Craig,Costa, Daniel,McCarthy, James,Nation, JB,Nicol, Stephen,Pershing, Andrew,Smetacek, Victor
Whales as marine ecosystem engineers Journal Article
In: Frontiers in Ecology and the Environment, vol. 12, no. 448, pp. 377-385, 2014, ISBN: 1540-9309.
Abstract | BibTeX | Tags: cetaceans, ecosystem, oceanography, prey consumption, whales
@article{,
title = {Whales as marine ecosystem engineers},
author = {Roman, Joe,Estes, James A,Morissette, Lyne,Smith, Craig,Costa, Daniel,McCarthy, James,Nation, JB,Nicol, Stephen,Pershing, Andrew,Smetacek, Victor},
issn = {1540-9309},
year = {2014},
date = {2014-01-01},
journal = {Frontiers in Ecology and the Environment},
volume = {12},
number = {448},
pages = {377-385},
abstract = {Baleen and sperm whales, known collectively as the great whales, include the largest animals in the history of life
on Earth. With high metabolic demands and large populations, whales probably had a strong influence on
marine ecosystems before the advent of industrial whaling: as consumers of fish and invertebrates; as prey to
other large-bodied predators; as reservoirs of and vertical and horizontal vectors for nutrients; and as detrital
sources of energy and habitat in the deep sea. The decline in great whale numbers, estimated to be at least 66%
and perhaps as high as 90%, has likely altered the structure and function of the oceans, but recovery is possible
and in many cases is already underway. Future changes in the structure and function of the world’s oceans can be
expected with the restoration of great whale populations.},
keywords = {cetaceans, ecosystem, oceanography, prey consumption, whales},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
Baleen and sperm whales, known collectively as the great whales, include the largest animals in the history of life
on Earth. With high metabolic demands and large populations, whales probably had a strong influence on
marine ecosystems before the advent of industrial whaling: as consumers of fish and invertebrates; as prey to
other large-bodied predators; as reservoirs of and vertical and horizontal vectors for nutrients; and as detrital
sources of energy and habitat in the deep sea. The decline in great whale numbers, estimated to be at least 66%
and perhaps as high as 90%, has likely altered the structure and function of the oceans, but recovery is possible
and in many cases is already underway. Future changes in the structure and function of the world’s oceans can be
expected with the restoration of great whale populations.
on Earth. With high metabolic demands and large populations, whales probably had a strong influence on
marine ecosystems before the advent of industrial whaling: as consumers of fish and invertebrates; as prey to
other large-bodied predators; as reservoirs of and vertical and horizontal vectors for nutrients; and as detrital
sources of energy and habitat in the deep sea. The decline in great whale numbers, estimated to be at least 66%
and perhaps as high as 90%, has likely altered the structure and function of the oceans, but recovery is possible
and in many cases is already underway. Future changes in the structure and function of the world’s oceans can be
expected with the restoration of great whale populations.
Dickson,M-L.,Orchardo,J.,Barber,R.T.,Marra,J.,McCarthy,J.J.,Sambrotto,R.N.
Production and respiration rates in the Arabian Sea during the 1995 Northeast and Southwest Monsoons Journal Article
In: Deep-Sea Research Part II, vol. 48, no. 89, pp. 1199-1230, 2001.
Abstract | BibTeX | Tags: Arabian Sea, Distribution, ecosystem, location, nearshore, respiration
@article{,
title = {Production and respiration rates in the Arabian Sea during the 1995 Northeast and Southwest Monsoons},
author = {Dickson,M-L.,Orchardo,J.,Barber,R.T.,Marra,J.,McCarthy,J.J.,Sambrotto,R.N.},
year = {2001},
date = {2001-01-01},
journal = {Deep-Sea Research Part II},
volume = {48},
number = {89},
pages = {1199-1230},
abstract = {In this paper we examine the relationships among oxygen, carbon and nitrogen production and respiration rate measurements made in the Arabian Sea during the 1995 Northeast (NEM) and Southwest (SWM) Monsoons. Increased biological production characterized the SWM, with rates 12-53% higher than the NEM. Inmost cases, we found remarkable similarity in production rates during the two monsoons and an absence of strong spatial gradients in production between nearshore and offshore waters, especially during the SWM. Daily 14C and total 15Nproduction underestimated gross C production, and at the majority of stations 14C and total 15N production were either the same as net C production or between gross and net C production. Moreover, new production (15NO3), scaled to carbon, was substantially less than net C production. Approximately 50% of the PO14C was metabolized during the photoperiod, with smaller losses (7-11%) overnight. The simplest explanation for the discrepancy between gross and total 15N production and between net C and new production was the loss of 15N-labeled particulate matter as dissolved organic matter. Partitioning of metabolized gross C production into respiratory and dissolved pools showed distinct onshore-offshore distributions that appeared to be related to the composition of the phytoplankton assemblage and probably reflected the trophodynamics of the ecosystem. The percentage of gross C production released as dissolved organic carbon (DOC) was highest in the nearshore waters where diatoms dominated the phytoplankton assemblage, while community respiration was a more important fate for production further offshore where picoplankton prevailed. In general, stations that retained more gross C production as net production (i.e., high net C/gross C ratios) had higher rates of DOC production relative to community respiration. Locations where community respiration exceeded DOC production were characterized by low rates of net C production and had low net C/gross C ratios. In those ecosystems, less net C production was retained because higher metabolic losses reduced gross C production to a greater extent than at the more productive sites. },
keywords = {Arabian Sea, Distribution, ecosystem, location, nearshore, respiration},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
In this paper we examine the relationships among oxygen, carbon and nitrogen production and respiration rate measurements made in the Arabian Sea during the 1995 Northeast (NEM) and Southwest (SWM) Monsoons. Increased biological production characterized the SWM, with rates 12-53% higher than the NEM. Inmost cases, we found remarkable similarity in production rates during the two monsoons and an absence of strong spatial gradients in production between nearshore and offshore waters, especially during the SWM. Daily 14C and total 15Nproduction underestimated gross C production, and at the majority of stations 14C and total 15N production were either the same as net C production or between gross and net C production. Moreover, new production (15NO3), scaled to carbon, was substantially less than net C production. Approximately 50% of the PO14C was metabolized during the photoperiod, with smaller losses (7-11%) overnight. The simplest explanation for the discrepancy between gross and total 15N production and between net C and new production was the loss of 15N-labeled particulate matter as dissolved organic matter. Partitioning of metabolized gross C production into respiratory and dissolved pools showed distinct onshore-offshore distributions that appeared to be related to the composition of the phytoplankton assemblage and probably reflected the trophodynamics of the ecosystem. The percentage of gross C production released as dissolved organic carbon (DOC) was highest in the nearshore waters where diatoms dominated the phytoplankton assemblage, while community respiration was a more important fate for production further offshore where picoplankton prevailed. In general, stations that retained more gross C production as net production (i.e., high net C/gross C ratios) had higher rates of DOC production relative to community respiration. Locations where community respiration exceeded DOC production were characterized by low rates of net C production and had low net C/gross C ratios. In those ecosystems, less net C production was retained because higher metabolic losses reduced gross C production to a greater extent than at the more productive sites.
Ministry of Regional Municipalities; Environment
National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan Technical Report
no. 369, 2001.
Abstract | BibTeX | Tags: conservation, ecosystem, education, endangered, Fisheries, guiding, habitat, management, marine, objectives, Oman, population, productivity, protected areas, status
@techreport{,
title = {National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan},
author = {Ministry of Regional Municipalities and Environment},
year = {2001},
date = {2001-01-01},
volume = {86/2001},
number = {369},
pages = {1-56},
abstract = {Executive Summary Implementing the Convention on Biological Diversity Biodiversity supports human societies ecologically, economically, culturally and spiritually. Despite its importance, ecosystems are degrading and the species and genetic diversity reducing at an alarming rate due to the impact of growing human population and increasing resource consumption. The global decline of biodiversity is now recognized as one of the most serious environmental issues facing humanity. This inspired the global community to negotiate the United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity. Delegation from Oman actively participated in these negotiations and the Government of Oman signed the Convention in June 1992 and ratified it in 1994. The three objectives of the Biodiversity Convention are: -the conservation of biodiversity; -the sustainable use of biological resources; and -the fair and equitable sharing of benefits resulting from the use of genetic resources. These objectives form the three pillars of sustainable development, ecological integrity, economic sustainability and social equity thus illustrating the nature and scope of the Convention. As a global instrument, it sets the stage for each nation to assess the adequacy of current efforts to conserve biodiversity and sustainable use of biological resources and to determine how inadequacies will be rectified. One of the key obligations of the signatory parties to the Convention is to prepare a national biodiversity strategy and action plan. Thus, the National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan is a response to this obligation. It has been developed to guide the implementation of the Biodiversity Convention in Oman. All strategic directions contained in the Strategy are relevant from a national perspective. The National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan recognizes existing constitutional and legislative responsibilities for biodiversity in Oman. It also emphasizes the importance of intergovernmental co-operation to create the policy, management and research to advance ecological management. National and regional governments, sectoral agencies, and other stakeholders including the members of the public, will pursue the implementation of the Strategy as guided by their administrative and fiscal capabilities. Elements of the National Strategy and Action Plan Vision: The National Strategy and Action Plan presents a vision for Oman of: A society that is conscious of the role and issues related to biological diversity, convinced of its responsibilities toward future generations and determined to sustainably use natural resources in harmony with all other living things in accordance with the teachings of Islam. In support of this vision, the Strategy presents a series of guiding principles that provide a foundation for implementation. The Strategy provides a framework for action that will enhance our ability to ensure productivity, diversity and integrity of our natural ecosystems and, as a result, our ability as a nation to develop sustainably. It promotes the conservation of biodiversity and the sustainable use of biological resources, and describes how we will complement international efforts to implement the Convention. Mission: "To conserve the biological diversity of the Sultanate and its terrestrial and marine environment, in accordance with the articles of the Convention on Biological Diversity, for the benefit of the present and future generations of Omanis and for mankind as a whole, with respect to the guiding principles of Islam. " Main strategic goals: -Safeguard habitats and productive renewable resources for rational and sustainable exploitation .-Conserve habitat, plant and animal diversity especially of those uncommon and also of special interest; -Provide a high quality natural environment for recreational and tourist activities; - Improve the understanding of ecosystems and increase resource management capability; - Advocate the need to conserve biodiversity and use biological resources in a sustainable manner; - Develop legislation that insures the conservation of biodiversity and the sustainable use of biological resources; - Develop incentives that will promote, biodiversity conservation and provide employment for local people; - Equitably share the benefits of sustainable resources including genetic resources at local and regional levels. - Promote regional and international collaboration on biodiversity conservation and sustainability of natural resources. Proposed mechanisms for implementation: - Creation of a permanent interministerial biodiversity steering Committee and National Biodiversity office which will be responsible for : 1) the filing of an annual national report on policies, activities and plans aimed at implementing the Strategy; 2) co-ordinating the implementation of national and international elements of the Strategy; 3) recommend measures to permit and encourage non-government participation in the implementation of the Strategy; 4) Regular reporting on the status of biodiversity; and, 5) revision of the strategy after an initial implementation phase of five years. The National Strategy and Action Plan proposes a series of priority actions that are classified according to the following themes involving most sectors of society: .Conservation of Natural Resources (Protected areas, Endangered species, conservation) .Terrestrial and Freshwater Fauna . Marine Life and Fisheries .Terrestrial and Aquatic Flora .Agriculture Resources.Energy Resources .Mineral Resources .Industry, Technology and Services (Biotechnology and Biosafety, Tourism) .Urban Environment .Water Resources .Environmental Emergencies .Participation of the Public, Non-Governmental Organisations and Private Sector .Societal Values (Public awareness, education and training; Environmental impact assessments; Institutional and legal framework) .Quality of Life .Spiritual Values },
keywords = {conservation, ecosystem, education, endangered, Fisheries, guiding, habitat, management, marine, objectives, Oman, population, productivity, protected areas, status},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {techreport}
}
Executive Summary Implementing the Convention on Biological Diversity Biodiversity supports human societies ecologically, economically, culturally and spiritually. Despite its importance, ecosystems are degrading and the species and genetic diversity reducing at an alarming rate due to the impact of growing human population and increasing resource consumption. The global decline of biodiversity is now recognized as one of the most serious environmental issues facing humanity. This inspired the global community to negotiate the United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity. Delegation from Oman actively participated in these negotiations and the Government of Oman signed the Convention in June 1992 and ratified it in 1994. The three objectives of the Biodiversity Convention are: -the conservation of biodiversity; -the sustainable use of biological resources; and -the fair and equitable sharing of benefits resulting from the use of genetic resources. These objectives form the three pillars of sustainable development, ecological integrity, economic sustainability and social equity thus illustrating the nature and scope of the Convention. As a global instrument, it sets the stage for each nation to assess the adequacy of current efforts to conserve biodiversity and sustainable use of biological resources and to determine how inadequacies will be rectified. One of the key obligations of the signatory parties to the Convention is to prepare a national biodiversity strategy and action plan. Thus, the National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan is a response to this obligation. It has been developed to guide the implementation of the Biodiversity Convention in Oman. All strategic directions contained in the Strategy are relevant from a national perspective. The National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan recognizes existing constitutional and legislative responsibilities for biodiversity in Oman. It also emphasizes the importance of intergovernmental co-operation to create the policy, management and research to advance ecological management. National and regional governments, sectoral agencies, and other stakeholders including the members of the public, will pursue the implementation of the Strategy as guided by their administrative and fiscal capabilities. Elements of the National Strategy and Action Plan Vision: The National Strategy and Action Plan presents a vision for Oman of: A society that is conscious of the role and issues related to biological diversity, convinced of its responsibilities toward future generations and determined to sustainably use natural resources in harmony with all other living things in accordance with the teachings of Islam. In support of this vision, the Strategy presents a series of guiding principles that provide a foundation for implementation. The Strategy provides a framework for action that will enhance our ability to ensure productivity, diversity and integrity of our natural ecosystems and, as a result, our ability as a nation to develop sustainably. It promotes the conservation of biodiversity and the sustainable use of biological resources, and describes how we will complement international efforts to implement the Convention. Mission: "To conserve the biological diversity of the Sultanate and its terrestrial and marine environment, in accordance with the articles of the Convention on Biological Diversity, for the benefit of the present and future generations of Omanis and for mankind as a whole, with respect to the guiding principles of Islam. " Main strategic goals: -Safeguard habitats and productive renewable resources for rational and sustainable exploitation .-Conserve habitat, plant and animal diversity especially of those uncommon and also of special interest; -Provide a high quality natural environment for recreational and tourist activities; - Improve the understanding of ecosystems and increase resource management capability; - Advocate the need to conserve biodiversity and use biological resources in a sustainable manner; - Develop legislation that insures the conservation of biodiversity and the sustainable use of biological resources; - Develop incentives that will promote, biodiversity conservation and provide employment for local people; - Equitably share the benefits of sustainable resources including genetic resources at local and regional levels. - Promote regional and international collaboration on biodiversity conservation and sustainability of natural resources. Proposed mechanisms for implementation: - Creation of a permanent interministerial biodiversity steering Committee and National Biodiversity office which will be responsible for : 1) the filing of an annual national report on policies, activities and plans aimed at implementing the Strategy; 2) co-ordinating the implementation of national and international elements of the Strategy; 3) recommend measures to permit and encourage non-government participation in the implementation of the Strategy; 4) Regular reporting on the status of biodiversity; and, 5) revision of the strategy after an initial implementation phase of five years. The National Strategy and Action Plan proposes a series of priority actions that are classified according to the following themes involving most sectors of society: .Conservation of Natural Resources (Protected areas, Endangered species, conservation) .Terrestrial and Freshwater Fauna . Marine Life and Fisheries .Terrestrial and Aquatic Flora .Agriculture Resources.Energy Resources .Mineral Resources .Industry, Technology and Services (Biotechnology and Biosafety, Tourism) .Urban Environment .Water Resources .Environmental Emergencies .Participation of the Public, Non-Governmental Organisations and Private Sector .Societal Values (Public awareness, education and training; Environmental impact assessments; Institutional and legal framework) .Quality of Life .Spiritual Values
Dennett,M.R.,Caron,D.A.,Murzov,S.A.,Polikarpov,I.G.,Gavrilova,N.A.,Georgieva,L.V.,Kuzmenko,L.V.
Abundance and biomass of nano- and microplankton during the 1995 Northeast Monsoon and Spring Intermonsoon in the Arabian Sea Journal Article
In: Deep-Sea Research Part II, vol. 46, no. 87, pp. 1691-1717, 1999.
Abstract | BibTeX | Tags: abundance, Arabian Sea, ecosystem, Oceanic, oxygen minimum, plankton
@article{,
title = {Abundance and biomass of nano- and microplankton during the 1995 Northeast Monsoon and Spring Intermonsoon in the Arabian Sea},
author = {Dennett,M.R.,Caron,D.A.,Murzov,S.A.,Polikarpov,I.G.,Gavrilova,N.A.,Georgieva,L.V.,Kuzmenko,L.V.},
year = {1999},
date = {1999-01-01},
journal = {Deep-Sea Research Part II},
volume = {46},
number = {87},
pages = {1691-1717},
abstract = {Phototrophic and heterotrophic nanoplankton (PNAN, HNAN; 2-20 æm protists) and microplankton (PMIC, HMIC; 20-200 æm protists and micrometazoa) are major components of the producer and consumer assemblages in oceanic plankton communities. Abundances and biomasses of these microorganisms were determined from samples collected along two transects during the Northeast Monsoon and Spring Intermonsoon process cruises of the US JGOFS Arabian Sea Program in 1995. Vertical profiles of these assemblages were strongly affected by the presence of a subsurface oxygen minimum layer. Abundances of all four assemblages decreased dramatically below the top of this layer. Depth-integrated (0-160 m) abundances and biomasses of nanoplankton and microplankton were of similar magnitude for most samples. Exceptions to this rule were primarily due to PMIC (mostly diatom) species which dominated phytoplankton assemblages at a few stations during each season. Depth-integrated biomasses for the combined nano- and microplankton averaged over all stations for each cruise were surprisingly similar for the Northeast Monsoon and Spring Intermonsoon seasons in this ecosystem (2.0 and 1.8 g C m-2 [170 and 150 m moles C m-2] for the two seasons, respectively). Nano- and microplankton biomass for these two time periods constituted a significant portion of the total amount of the particulate organic carbon (POC) in the water column. Summed over all stations, these assemblages constituted approximately 25-35% of the POC in the top 160 m of the northern Arabian Sea.},
keywords = {abundance, Arabian Sea, ecosystem, Oceanic, oxygen minimum, plankton},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
Phototrophic and heterotrophic nanoplankton (PNAN, HNAN; 2-20 æm protists) and microplankton (PMIC, HMIC; 20-200 æm protists and micrometazoa) are major components of the producer and consumer assemblages in oceanic plankton communities. Abundances and biomasses of these microorganisms were determined from samples collected along two transects during the Northeast Monsoon and Spring Intermonsoon process cruises of the US JGOFS Arabian Sea Program in 1995. Vertical profiles of these assemblages were strongly affected by the presence of a subsurface oxygen minimum layer. Abundances of all four assemblages decreased dramatically below the top of this layer. Depth-integrated (0-160 m) abundances and biomasses of nanoplankton and microplankton were of similar magnitude for most samples. Exceptions to this rule were primarily due to PMIC (mostly diatom) species which dominated phytoplankton assemblages at a few stations during each season. Depth-integrated biomasses for the combined nano- and microplankton averaged over all stations for each cruise were surprisingly similar for the Northeast Monsoon and Spring Intermonsoon seasons in this ecosystem (2.0 and 1.8 g C m-2 [170 and 150 m moles C m-2] for the two seasons, respectively). Nano- and microplankton biomass for these two time periods constituted a significant portion of the total amount of the particulate organic carbon (POC) in the water column. Summed over all stations, these assemblages constituted approximately 25-35% of the POC in the top 160 m of the northern Arabian Sea.
Brock,J.C.,Sathyendranath,S.,Platt,T.
Biohydro-optical classification of the northwestern Indian Ocean Journal Article
In: Marine Ecology Progress Series, vol. 165, no. 338, pp. 1-15, 1998.
Abstract | BibTeX | Tags: Arabian Sea, chlorophyll, ecosystem, Gulf of Masirah, Indian Ocean, Oman, plankton, Upwelling
@article{,
title = {Biohydro-optical classification of the northwestern Indian Ocean},
author = {Brock,J.C.,Sathyendranath,S.,Platt,T.},
year = {1998},
date = {1998-01-01},
journal = {Marine Ecology Progress Series},
volume = {165},
number = {338},
pages = {1-15},
abstract = {An approach to a partial solution to the general problem of defining biogeochemical provinces for the accurate estimation of global-ocean primary production and realistic structuring of epipelagic plankton ecosystem models is presented for the northwestern Indian Ocean. This is accomplished through use of a new technique, biohydro-optical classification, that applies a rudimentary submarine light budget incorporating climatologies of incident light, mixed layer thickness, and chlorophyll to recognize fundamental modes of tropical plankton ecosystems. The three types of biohydro-optical classes found in the Arabian Sea, Typical Tropical, Mixed-Layer Bloom, and Transitional, are shown to evolve thorough the spring intermonsoon (March through May) summer southwest monsoon (June thorough August), and fall intermonsoon (Sep through Nov) under climatic forcing and in response to the resulting biological variability. Virtually all of the open Arabian Sea is within the Typical Tropical Class at the close of the spring intermonsoon. This class type is intended to identify the maximum (DCM) maintained by active algal growth, and light-rich oligotrophic shallow zone containing phytoplankton association which depends largely on regenerated nutrients. At the close of the southwest monsoon in August, a mixed layer bloom province covers much of the northern Arabian Sea. This province class corresponds to the ecosystem mode represented by tropical regions undergoing marginal or mid-ocean upwelling and greatly simplifies regional extrapolation of the local primary production algorithm. At the onset of the fall intermonsoon, the mixed layer algal bloom province in the northern and western Arabian Sea is superseded by a transitional province, which persists through the fall intermonsoon. We interpret the upper layer of the fall intermonsoon transitional province in the Arabian Sea as a special case of the shallow regenerative plankton ecosystem of oligotrophic ocean areas, where rates of zooplankton-driven nutrient regeneration and recycled production, key processes in the upper layer of the classic 2-layer euphotic zone or oligotrophic low-latitude oceans, reach extreme values.Note on diagrams/maps in paper:Of all the regions of the nw Arabian Sea, the coastal areas off Oman and Yemen are most often in the Transitional or Mixed layer bloom classes. The Gulf of Masirah maintains a mixed layer bloom class thorughout the year, even when other coastal areas of Oman switch to a Transitional class.},
keywords = {Arabian Sea, chlorophyll, ecosystem, Gulf of Masirah, Indian Ocean, Oman, plankton, Upwelling},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
An approach to a partial solution to the general problem of defining biogeochemical provinces for the accurate estimation of global-ocean primary production and realistic structuring of epipelagic plankton ecosystem models is presented for the northwestern Indian Ocean. This is accomplished through use of a new technique, biohydro-optical classification, that applies a rudimentary submarine light budget incorporating climatologies of incident light, mixed layer thickness, and chlorophyll to recognize fundamental modes of tropical plankton ecosystems. The three types of biohydro-optical classes found in the Arabian Sea, Typical Tropical, Mixed-Layer Bloom, and Transitional, are shown to evolve thorough the spring intermonsoon (March through May) summer southwest monsoon (June thorough August), and fall intermonsoon (Sep through Nov) under climatic forcing and in response to the resulting biological variability. Virtually all of the open Arabian Sea is within the Typical Tropical Class at the close of the spring intermonsoon. This class type is intended to identify the maximum (DCM) maintained by active algal growth, and light-rich oligotrophic shallow zone containing phytoplankton association which depends largely on regenerated nutrients. At the close of the southwest monsoon in August, a mixed layer bloom province covers much of the northern Arabian Sea. This province class corresponds to the ecosystem mode represented by tropical regions undergoing marginal or mid-ocean upwelling and greatly simplifies regional extrapolation of the local primary production algorithm. At the onset of the fall intermonsoon, the mixed layer algal bloom province in the northern and western Arabian Sea is superseded by a transitional province, which persists through the fall intermonsoon. We interpret the upper layer of the fall intermonsoon transitional province in the Arabian Sea as a special case of the shallow regenerative plankton ecosystem of oligotrophic ocean areas, where rates of zooplankton-driven nutrient regeneration and recycled production, key processes in the upper layer of the classic 2-layer euphotic zone or oligotrophic low-latitude oceans, reach extreme values.Note on diagrams/maps in paper:Of all the regions of the nw Arabian Sea, the coastal areas off Oman and Yemen are most often in the Transitional or Mixed layer bloom classes. The Gulf of Masirah maintains a mixed layer bloom class thorughout the year, even when other coastal areas of Oman switch to a Transitional class.