This study maps daily marine coastal algal blooms between 2003 and 2020 using global satellite observations. Globally, the spatial extent and frequency of blooms increased significantly over the study period, although blooms weakened in some tropical and subtropical Northern Hemisphere areas. The study documents the relationship between bloom trends and ocean circulation, and identifies the stimulatory effects of rising sea surface temperatures. The compiled data provides a basis for global assessments of bloom risks and benefits and for informing management and policy actions.

Yanhui Dai, Shangbo Yang, Dan Zhao, Chuanmin Hu, Wang Xu, Donald M. Anderson, Yun Li, Xiao-Peng Song, Daniel G. Boyce, Luke Gibson, Chunmiao Zheng, Lian Feng