Ocean color algorithms are based on the parameterization of apparent optical properties as a function of inherent optical properties. WET Labs underwater absorption and attenuation meters (ac-9 and ac-s) measure both the spectral beam attenuation c (lambda)] and absorption coefficient a (lambda)]. The ac-s reports in a continuous range of 390-750 nm with a band pass of 4 nm, totaling approximately 83 distinct wavelengths, while the ac-9 reports at 9 wavelengths. We performed the ac-s field measurements at nine stations in the Mid-Atlantic Bight from water calibrations to data analysis. Onboard the ship, the ac-s was calibrated daily using Milli Q-water. Corrections for the in situ temperature and salinity effects on optical properties of water were applied. Corrections for incomplete recovery of the scattered light in the ac-s absorption tube were performed. The fine scale of spectral and vertical distributions of c (lambda) and a (lambda) were described from the ac-s. The significant relationships between a (674) and that of spectrophotometric analysis and chlorophyll a concentration of discrete water samples were observed. Ohi, Nobuaki and Makinen, Carla P. and Mitchell, Richard and Moisan, Tiffany A. Goddard Space Flight Center; Wallops Flight Facility NASA/TM-2008-214157/Vol 3 ABSORPTIVITY; ATTENUATION COEFFICIENTS; BAYS (TOPOGRAPHIC FEATURES); TEMPERATURE EFFECTS; WATER COLOR; OPTICAL PROPERTIES; ELECTRIC FIELDS; CHLOROPHYLLS; CORRECTION; ALGORITHMS; PARAMETERIZATION