FWO research network. The network brings to gether specialists of different disciplines in order to discuss problematics and exchange ideas about the role of the ocean in the global carbon cycle. More specifically the following issues are addressed: What is primary production and how does it vary between the different groups of a phytoplankton production and how does it vary between the different groups of phytoplankton community? What is the fate of the synthesised organic carbon?What is the relative importance of the different physical, chemical and biological control processes?