Insights into global diatom distribution and diversity in the world’s ocean

TLDR

Diatoms, a highly diverse phytoplankton group, contribute about 20 % of global primary productivity and are especially abundant in nutrient‑rich coastal areas and high‑latitude waters. Using Tara Oceans data from diverse oceanic regions, we mapped global diatom diversity patterns. Our analysis confirms diatoms as the dominant photosynthetic group, identifies the most widespread and diverse genera, and provides a new estimate of marine planktonic diatom diversity and a global distribution map.

Abstract

Significance Diatoms, considered one of the most diverse and ecologically important phytoplanktonic groups, contribute around 20% of global primary productivity. They are particularly abundant in nutrient-rich coastal ecosystems and at high latitudes. Here, we have explored the dataset generated by Tara Oceans from a wide range of oceanic regions to characterize diatom diversity patterns on a global scale. We confirm the dominance of diatoms as a major photosynthetic group and identify the most widespread and diverse genera. We also provide a new estimate of marine planktonic diatom diversity and a global view of their distribution in the world’s ocean.