A satellite photo taken in 2026 shows a glowing ring of phytoplankton surrounding the Chatham Islands, a group of 10 islands in the Pacific Ocean. The islands, which are located around 520 miles west of Christchurch, are linked to the same underwater structure, the Chathom Rise, a shallow underwater plateau that extends up to 900 miles from the South Island's east coast. The circular bloom was largely composed of photosynthetic plankton, which convert sunlight into energy and surround themselves with intricate calcium carbonate armor. The Chatham islands are home to various animals, including penguins, albatrosses, seals, and sea lions, as well as commercially important populations of cod and lobsters. However, these animals often become disoriented in the shallow waters and often end up stranded due to the tide.