The primary productivity and rates of new production were assessed in the Northeast Water Polynya during July-August 1992 by using 1 4 C and 1 5 N tracer techniques. The average rate of primary production for the entire region, including an approximate correction for the effects of ice cover, was 0.21 g C m - 2 d - 1 , with the maximum observed rate being slightly over 1.1gCm - 2 d - 1 . Surface f ratios averaged 0.63, and depth-integrated f ratios equaled 0.69. A simple relationship among the attenuation of solar radiation by sea ice (and its associated snow cover and microbial community), the percentage of open water, ice thickness, water column attenuation, and phytoplankton photosynthesis is described.