Bio-optical characteristics of Cariaco Basin (Caribbean Sea) waters

► We report long-term variations of bio-optical properties in the Cariaco Basin. ► These 10 years of observations further our understandings of local oceanography. ► Bio-optical properties were tightly coupled to regional hydrography. ► aph(440) and ag(440) dominated total light absorption during upwelling season. ► Package effect and pigment composition affected aph⁎(λ) seasonally.