Literature-based records of phytoplankton taxa reported from South African coastal waters across the Benguela and Agulhas current systems.

This dataset compiles observations of phytoplankton taxa along the coastal and offshore waters of South Africa and Namibia, compiled from previously published peer-reviewed studies. It includes the regional coast, specific sampling locations, oceanographic regions, observed water depths, and reported phytoplankton taxa. Additional information, such as upwelling events, red tides and observation periods, is also included. The table provides references to all original studies, allowing traceability to the source data. This compilation offers a comprehensive overview of spatial and temporal variability in phytoplankton communities across the Benguela and Agulhas current systems.