In October 2024, residents of Thiruvanmiyur and Neelankarai in Tamil Nadu experienced a stunning spectacle as stretches of the beach glowed with bioluminescence.
Key points
- According to some researchers, it was likely that heavy rainfall in Chennai and surrounding areas brought a surge of nutrients into coastal waters, and the lower sea surface temperature also created favourable conditions for the multiplication of Noctilucascintillans.
- A study from the National Centre for Coastal Research found that a similar nutrient influx in 2019 triggered a bloom of the bioluminescent dinoflagellate.
- While dinoflagellates emit a captivating blue glow, their presence can deplete oxygen in the water, leading to hypoxia.
- Similar instances have been recorded in the Gulf of Mannar, where corals have been affected due to algal bloom.
What is Bioluminescence?
- Bioluminescence is the ability of certain organisms, including jellyfish and fireflies, to produce light.
- The light emitted by a bioluminescent organism is produced by energy released from chemical reactions occurring inside (or ejected by) the organism.
- Marine organisms use this ability for various purposes, including defence against predators, attracting prey, facilitating communication, and attracting mates.
- Common bioluminescent species, include dinoflagellates, copepods, jellyfish, and squids.
Bioflourescence
- While some animals in the ocean emit light, some organisms absorb light, transform it, and eject it as a different color.
- This phenomenon, called bioflourescence, may be used in communication and mating.
