This study of photosynthetic pigments is directed at understanding the processes that control biological and chemical variability in the upper water column. Observations will continue to be made on the distribution, transformation and degradation of photosynthetic pigments in the oceans. Research has emphasized: 1) pigments as chemotaxonomic markers, 2) physical-chemical-biological interactions in frontal areas, 3) photo-adaptation strategies of marine phytoplankton, and 4) grazing by zooplankton. High performance liquid chromatographic (HPLC) techniques have been used to quantify porphyrin and carotenoid distributions, zooplankton feeding selectivity, and differential rates of photosynthetic pigment synthesis. These studies will continue in cooperation with investigators at WHOI, U Miami, UCSB and at laboratories in the Soviet Union. The results of this research will have direct applications to issues in the U. S. JGOFS.
