High Nutrient, low chlorophyll a (HNLC) regions include

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HNLC regions are characterized by low levels of chlorophyll a, which is a photosynthetic pigment used by phytoplankton to capture sunlight and convert it into energy. These regions typically have high nutrient concentrations, but limited light availability, which prevents phytoplankton from thriving. The subarctic Pacific is considered an HNLC region because it has high nutrient concentrations but is limited by iron, which is necessary for chlorophyll production, and is often in short supply. The North Atlantic and Indian Ocean also have some HNLC regions, but the Gulf Stream and Gulf of Mexico are not typically considered HNLC regions.

High Nutrient, Low Chlorophyll a (HNLC) Regions Include