Assessment of chlorophyll-a and sea surface temperature variability around the Mascarene Plateau, Nazareth Bank (Mauritius) using satellite data

The Mascarene Plateau is characterised by shallow banks namely Saya de Malha and Nazareth which are known to harbour high phytoplankton biomass along the slope down to the ridge. Correlation between sea surface temperature (SST) and Chlorophyll-a (Chl-a) distribution surrounding the plateau was investigated. Higher Chl-a concentration was observed during the period July to September, indicating higher productivity due to upwelling. The regions east (61-63(0)E) and west (57-59(0)E) of the Mascarene Plateau were also studied along latitudes 13(0)S up to 18(0)S in the exclusive economic zone of Mauritius, where most of the fishing activities are concentrated. In general, 2008 was observed to be less warm during the past 14 years registering a drop with respect to the maximum monthly mean records, whilst 2006 was the most productive during winter season in the region of study. Chl-a bloom was observed after cyclone Imelda in April 2013 showing Chl-a concentration above 0.3 mg m(-3) along latitude 13(0)S and longitude 57(0)E. The study reveals that the western side of the plateau is more productive with relatively warmer surface temperature compared to the eastern side of the plateau.