Multivariate correlations and regressions between environmental variables and Φe,C for different clusters and regions.

Results of the BEST test are the variable combinations resulting in the highest correlation coefficient (ρ) between the resemblance matrices of the environmental data and Φe,C. Abbreviations: GoF Gulf of Finland, UPW Upwelling region, SML surface mixed layer, DCM deep chlorophyll maximum, EUR European SPG South Pacific Gyre, HNLC High nutrient low chlorophyll area,. Cluster a was excluded from the BEST test and MLR due to its small sample size (n = 2).