Beyond Chlorophyll Fluorescence: The Time is Right to Expand Biological Measurements in Ocean Observing Programs

Abstract

A new Scientific Committee for Ocean Research (SCOR, http://www.scor‐int.org/) working group has been formed, entitled SCOR WG‐154 “Integration of Plankton‐Observing Sensor Systems to Existing Global Sampling Programs (P‐OBS, http://www.scor‐int.org/SCOR_WGs_WG154.htm.).” The working group (P‐OBS WG) is reviewing biological sensing technologies and measurements that are ready for integration into existing regional and global ocean observing programs. Multidisciplinary sets of measurements, whose choice is guided by research and societal benefit goals, will transform our understanding of ocean biology and its impacts on Earth systems