We note that our modelling focuses on aerosol mass concentrations, whereas benzene and toluene emissions are likely to also impact aerosol hygroscopicity and thus the ability of aerosol to form clouds. Further studies that track the fate of these aromatic compounds on marine aerosols should be conducted if we are to reduce the uncertainty of climate predictions due to aerosol direct and indirect forcing . Overall, this work provides new insights on the connections between polar ocean biological processes and climate through the identification and quantification of new natural sources of marine aerosol. This will help to define the pre-industrial baseline in aerosol precursors and aid modelling assessments of the subsequent anthropogenic forcing .