Galveston area is glowing with bioluminescence
Visitors to the beaches along the Bolivar Peninsula after the sun dips below the horizon have been treated with a special gift the past few days in the form of neon blue waves.
The special sight is thanks to the phenomena of bioluminescence.
Bioluminescence is the generation of visible light by living organisms. In the situation occurring off the Bolivar Peninsula, Texas A&M University at Galveston marine biology professor Jamie Steichen said it is likely a group of algae called Noctiluca scintillans, or sea sparkle, is blooming and causing the bioluminescence.
“During these blooms, there are enough cells present to where we can actually see the blue light in the crashing waves that is emitted from the cells,” Steichen said in an email. “Phytoplankton will ‘bloom’ or rapidly increase in cell concentration when temperature, light and nutrient concentrations are sufficient for rapid cell growth.”
Bioluminescence is a chemical process that occurs within many sea creatures ranging from fish to plankton to squids and more, according to the government of South Australia. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration notes that animals above land can also be bioluminescent —fireflies are the most obvious example.
While there are a fair number of bioluminescent animals, seeing bioluminescent waves is a much rarer sight.
“I have seen bioluminescence reported in the Gulf of Mexico at various locations, off the California coast, Chesapeake Bay, the North Sea, Australia and in Puerto Rico,” Steichen said. “I am sure it occurs in other locations but it is still a fairly rare event to occur.”
Noctiluca scintillans are found in coastal environments, and the blooming occurs only in certain conditions. Steichen said the temperature at this time of year is just right for sea sparkle to bloom.
“Not all phytoplankton produce bioluminescence and they each have specific temperature and nutrient requirements,” Steichen said. “Fortunately, the conditions off of Bolivar this time of year are conducive to ... blooms.”