Primary Productivity in Aquatic Environments presents a comprehensive and pioneering exploration of the biological foundations of aquatic ecosystems, marking a significant milestone in the International Biological Programme (I.B.P.). As the first symposium of the I.B.P., held in Pallanza, Italy, in 1965, this volume captures a moment of intense scientific collaboration aimed at standardizing methods and advancing understanding of primary productivity in both marine and freshwater environments. The proceedings bring together leading experts from multiple disciplines—including limnology, oceanography, plant physiology, and biochemistry—who collectively assess the latest methodologies and theoretical frameworks governing aquatic productivity. This collection not only reviews past achievements but also sets the stage for future research by fostering interdisciplinary dialogue and methodological refinement. A key outcome of the symposium is the development of a methodological manual on measuring primary productivity, ensuring consistency and comparability in future studies. The discussions documented in this volume highlight the interconnected nature of aquatic ecosystems and underscore the importance of rigorous, standardized approaches to measuring productivity at the base of the aquatic food chain. Essential reading for researchers in ecology and environmental science, Primary Productivity in Aquatic Environments serves as both a historical benchmark and a forward-looking guide for ongoing research in aquatic biology. This title is part of UC Press's Voices Revived program, which commemorates University of California Press’s mission to seek out and cultivate the brightest minds and give them voice, reach, and impact. Drawing on a backlist dating to 1893, Voices Revived makes high-quality, peer-reviewed scholarship accessible once again using print-on-demand technology. This title was originally published in 1966.