Aerosol amount and type affect the “atmospheric correction” needed to derive ocean surface chlorophyll a concentration (Chl) from satellite remote sensing and, conversely, the ocean surface representation affects aerosol retrieval products. We introduce a coupled atmosphere-surface retrieval for Multi-angle Imaging SpectroRadiometer observations over dark water aimed at improving both aerosol and Chl results. We also refine the MISR calibration, critical to achieving high-quality retrievals.