An assessment of chlorophyll-a algorithms available for SeaWiFS in coastal and open areas of the Bay of Bengal and Arabian Sea

► Chlorophyll-a algorithms for SeaWiFS were tested in coastal areas of the Bay of Bengal. ► Three algorithms were tested and OC5 was found to be the most accurate. ► Why and where the algorithms are failing is quantified. ► The most accurate algorithm was used to study the Chla dynamics in the Bay of Bengal.