This dataset contains monthly composite images of phytoplankton pigment concentrations in the North Western Pacific from December 1978 through June 1986, derived from about 4,000 elements of Coastal Zone Color Scanner (CZCS) data. Also included are associated images of the spectral radiance arising from the ocean body and atmosphere. These images convey information of temporal and spatial variability in marine biological/chemical processes such as the nutrient/primary production relation, as well as information of aerosol particle concentrations that may affect the oceanic processes. CZCS, aboard the Nimbus-7 satellite, was a scanning radiometer having four observation channels in the visible wavelengths. This ocean color instrument was the first to enable space-based mapping of ocean vegetation, mainly by measuring the concentration of surface phytoplankton pigment (approximately proportional to chlorophyll-a). Despite being designed with a life time of only one year, the instrument was operated over eight years, although the observation times were limited because of its experimental, "proof of concept," mission. Due to a mechanical problem, the opportunities for observation also decreased significantly from 1983. Nevertheless, CZCS collected valuable data over the global ocean, stimulating many applications and related studies. The information included in this dataset will contribute much to the requirements of researchers in ocean science, atmospheric science, and environmental management, as well as to environmental modelers and policy makers. The CZCS mission has now been succeeded by ADEOS-Ocean Color and Temperature Scanner (OCTS), after a period from 1986 to 1996 in which there were no satellite-borne ocean color sensors. The on-line monitoring and analysis of global change based on these missions are anticipated.