Cause of magical blue tides spotted in Mumbai Juhu beach: A sight to behold
Blue glitters of light that seem to mirror stars were seen in Mumbai Juhu beach. The dazzling blue tides in the sea looked spectacular and perfect for a romantic night. But have you ever wondered what is the reason behind this mysterious phenomenon?
What caused the blue waves in Mumbai Juhu Beach?
The vibrant display of colours of the sea is due to Bioluminescence. In this case, the blue waves or blue tides are caused by microscopic marine phytoplankton called dinoflagellates. Some species of dinoflagellates like Noctiluca scintillans, commonly known as Sea sparkle, exhibit this property and are the reason for the magical spectacle.
The bioluminescent seas in Taiwan’s Matsu Islands are dominated by this species and are famous tourist spots with a romantic name- “Blue tears.” The same phenomenon is also witnessed in China, Thailand, Vietnam, Australia, parts of the U.S., The Netherlands, Puerto Rico, and more.
What is Bioluminescence?
Bioluminescence is the property of some living organisms to produce and emit light. Remember the childhood game of catching a firefly between your palms? Making a lantern out of them? There you go- you have seen a terrestrial bioluminescent organism.
It is more prevalent in marine organisms such as jellyfish, squids, algae, worms, crustaceans, sea sharks, fishes, microbes.
Why some organisms illuminate?
Bioluminescence is used by organisms to lure and hunt prey, defend against predators, attract mates, and perform other important activities. When the tiny sea sparkles are disturbed by waves or sense danger, they use bioluminescence either to startle the predator or as a sort of “burglar alarm.” This means if anything swims across a large bloom of dinoflagellates, it flashes or creates a trail of light that might attract predators higher up in the food chain about the dinoflagellates’ nemesis. A chemical compound produced by the dinoflagellates called luciferin, named after Lucifer, the light-bearer, is responsible for light production. Check out this beautiful illustration for more information.
Impact of bioluminescence
- When large blooms of phytoplankton are present in the sea, it may impact deep-sea fishing, unlike smaller blooms which are harmless. According to some marine experts, this phenomenon indicates climate change.
- Nutrients from sewage discharge or fertilizer run-off from agriculture fields could also cause bioluminescence. Green tides are also witnessed due to the accumulation of uncontrollable growth of green seaweed algae.
- Many of the species in this group are toxic. If dinoflagellates reproduce rapidly and their number becomes out of control, producing toxic substances they may cause so-called “red tides.”
- Even predators(mollusks, fish, etc) feeding on this algal bloom accumulate a high amount of toxins. Eating these toxic sea animals may cause bowel irritation or food poisoning, whereas others, being neurotoxins, may even affect the memory.
Well, now you know the science of this out worldly spectacle. So next time you go to the beach with your friends, don't forget to share the story behind this mystical wonder.
