Characterizing oceanographic conditions near Coiba Island and Pacific Panama using 20 years of satellite-based wind stress, SST and chlorophyll-a measurements

A 20-year analysis of satellite data reveals significant oceanographic variability near Coiba Island and the Pacific Panama coast, with distinct seasonal patterns in sea surface temperature (SST) and chlorophyll-a (Chl-a). During the dry season, the Panama wind jet induces SST cooling and upwelling-driven Chl-a peaks, particularly in February/March. However, the Gulf of Chiriqui exhibits unique warming trends, with SSTs 1°C warmer than east of Coiba Island and occasional extreme Chl-a blooms (up to 32 mg/m³) in May 2007 and June 2008, whose causes remain unexplained. The study also highlights the impact of the 2015-2016 El Niño event, which elevated SSTs by up to +2°C for 12 months in the Gulf of Chiriqui. This research provides a critical baseline for understanding climatological conditions and interannual variability in this understudied marine region.

Crawford, G., Mepstead, M., & Díaz-Ferguson, E. (2023). Characterizing oceanographic conditions near Coiba Island and Pacific Panama using 20 years of satellite-based wind stress, SST and chlorophyll-a measurements. Marine and Fishery Sciences (MAFIS), 37(xx). https://doi.org/10.47193/mafis.37x2024010112