Upwelling is an oceanographic phenomenon that involves wind-
driven motion of dense, cooler, and usually nutrient-rich water
towards the ocean surface, replacing the warmer, usually
nutrient-depleted surface water. The nutrient-rich upwelled
water stimulates the growth and reproduction of primary
producers such as phytoplankton. Due to the biomass of
phytoplankton and presence of cool water in these regions,
upwelling zones can be identified by cool sea surface
temperatures (SST) and high concentrations of chlorophyll-a. The
increased availability in upwelling regions results in high
levels of primary productivity and thus fishery production.
Approximately 25% of the total global marine fish catches come
from five upwellings that occupy only 5% of the total ocean
area. Upwellings that are driven by coastal currents or
diverging open ocean have the greatest impact on nutrient-
enriched waters and global fishery yields. The three main
drivers that work together to cause upwelling are wind, Coriolis
effects, and E