Characterization of bio-optical properties, the levels of primary and new production, and other carbon fluxes in selected areas of the Humboldt Current System.

Different oceanographic data sets have been collected during recent years, particularly during the JGOFS Chile Project and the Sectorial Antofagasta Project (CONICYT). At the same time basic oceanographic data is being routinely collected by IFOP (Institute for Fisheries Development) mainly in response to fisheries research programmes funded by the Fisheries Research Fund (FIP).

These results have allowed important generalizations to be made, for the first time, regarding carbon resevoirs (phytoplankton, zooplankton biomass, particulate organic carbon and dissolved organic carbon) and fluxes (primary production, bacterioplankton secondary production, zooplankton grazing, sedimenting rates) in the Humboldt Current System of Chile.