Introduction

The physics, chemistry and biology of the sea surface are closely interrelated. Plankton in the water column produce an abundance of particulate and dissolved organic material, some of which is transported to the surface either passively by floatation or actively by bubble transport. Atmospheric deposition also enriches the sea surface with natural and anthropogenic compounds, which often accumulate there in relatively high concentrations compared with those in the water column. The abundance of organic matter at the sea surface provides a substrate for the growth of organisms that inhabit the sea surface microlayer: the neuston. Most studies suggest that the sea surface represents a highly productive, metabolically active interface. Organisms from most major divisions of the plant and animal kingdoms either live, reproduce or feed in the surface layers. Of particular interest are the microneuston, which may be involved in biogeochemical cycling, and neustonic eggs and larvae of commercially important fish and shellfish.

The quantities and types of anthropogenic chemicals entering the earth's atmosphere continue to grow. Many of these chemicals, some of which are highly toxic, are now globally distributed in the atmosphere and deposit to the sea surface even in remote areas. Due to stratospheric ozone depletion, ultraviolet-b (UV-B) radiation reaching the sea surface is increasing annually.