science.nasa.gov
In January 2026, a massive phytoplankton bloom transformed the ocean waters surrounding New Zealand’s remote Chatham Islands into a swirl of bright green and blue. Captured by the NOAA-20 satellite, this explosion of microscopic organisms highlights the nutrient-rich waters of the Chatham Rise, where cold Antarctic and warm subtropical currents converge.
These blooms form the foundation of a productive marine food web, supporting valuable fisheries and diverse wildlife, including seals, whales, and dolphins. However, the region is also known as a hotspot for marine strandings. The vivid imagery showcases a vital and dynamic ecosystem, thriving in one of the world’s most isolated environments.
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