OBOO seeks to explore novel approaches for retrieving information on phytoplankton community composition based on bio-optical observations in view of applications to BGC-Argo profiling floats

The OBOO projects aims to develop a novel approach for retrieving tridimensional information on phytoplankton diversity based on measurements from BGC-Argo profiling floats. Our strategy relies on an optical package that can be deployed in the course of field cruises, in order to measure simultaneously hydrological, optical, biogeochemical and biological properties. The measurements thus collected in various open ocean regions are analyzed to assess the most relevant method and optical sensor (e.g. single-channel or multispectral fluorometer, back-scatterometer, transmissometer, or a combination of several) for the discrimination of different phytoplankton groups. Such work aims to propose recommendations for future deployments on BGC-Argo floats.