Oceanic gyres are typically regions of low productivity.
Ekman transport causes downwelling and thus nutrients are removed from the photic zone. Continental shelves and coastal regions are generally characterized by moderate to high productivity values. Biological Productivity of Upwelling Water Upwelling regions are among the most productive areas in the ocean. This is because nutrients are brought to the surface in the upwelled water. These high levels of primary productivity also make upwelling regions the site of some of the most productive fisheries.