North winds and production in the eastern North Atlantic

Abstract

A long-term increase in northerly wind componentl over the eastern North Atlantic and European Seaboard between 1950 and 1980 is associated both with a decline of phytoplankton and zooplankton biomass in sea-areas around the British Isles, and with an increase in upwelling intensity along the Iberian west coast. The implications for certain pelagic fish stocks in the area are assessed.