Chlorophyll-a, Fv/Fm, and nutrient values for near surface waters and incubation experiment during SONNE cruise SO243

Near the Peruvian coastline, apparent photosystem II photochemical efficiencies (Fv/Fm) were unchanged by nutrient addition and chlorophyll-a tripled in untreated controls over two days, indicating nutrient replete conditions. Conversely, Fe amendment further away from the coastline in the high nitrate, low Fe zone significantly increased Fv/Fm and chlorophyll-a concentrations.

Mean chlorophyll-a was further enhanced following supply of Fe+Co and Fe+B12 relative to Fe alone, but this was not statistically significant; further offshore, reported Co depletion relative to Fe could enhance responses. The persistence of Fe limitation in this system under a developing El Niño, as previously demonstrated under non-El Niño conditions, suggests that diminished upwelled Fe is likely an important factor driving reductions in offshore phytoplankton productivity during these events.