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Eye-catchy bioluminescence result of global warming?

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fisheries glow 24112020Mangaluru: The phenomenon of bioluminescence that has been spotted on exotic locations in Bollywood films have become a reality for people living in coastal belt of Karnataka too.

Over the last few days the incidents of bioluminescence in the coastal waters along Malpe and adjacent areas have been hitting headlines.

Bioluminescence is the light emitted by living organisms or algae through chemical reactions in their bodies. It could also be the ghostly glow of bacteria on decaying organic matter or in the sediment/sand.

The glow or a sparkle in sea is due to the bloom of dinoflagellates scientifically called Noctiluca scintillans and commonly known as the sea sparkle. This plankton is a free-living, marine-dwelling species that exhibits bio luminescence when disturbed.

Based on the report, the Scientists from the College comprising of Dr. M. T. Lakshmipathi, Dr. T. S. Annappaswamy, Dr. Rajesh D. P., Mr. Chandhan and Mr Harshath visited the sites for observation and collected water samples along the coastal stretches of Pudukere, Sashihittalu and Surthkal beaches on November 21. These are the locations where the phenomenon was reported. The water samples are analysed for (1) the plankton composition and (2) bacterial composition.

The plankton analysis has been carried out using microscopic method and its found that the major plankton composition consists of Noctiluca scintillans, which causes bioluminescence in the coastal waters.

fisheries glow 24112020Bioluminescence occurs widely in marine vertebrates and invertebrates, as well as in some fungi, microorganisms, including some bio-luminescent bacteria. This phenomenon which is natural has been noticed since last two days at Padukere, Sashihithlu and NITK Suratkal beaches, and earlier at Tannirubavi, Panambur, Ullal and Someshwara beaches.

The scintillating effect of Noctiluca’s bioluminescence, which is most conspicuous at night during a bloom, was historically a mysterious phenomenon, frequently contributing to what was called “burning of the sea” or “sea sparkle” by sailors and coastal inhabitants.

Today, such blooms, which form a thick scum across the sea surface, visibly red or pink in daylight, are known to be hazardous to fish and certain other marine species. However, no such fish kill has been reported in these stretches so far.

fisheries glow 24112020 02High temperature, high quantity of organic material such as sewage and effluents and increased turbulence/wave action of the water could be the cause for this sudden bloom, say experts adding that apart from human causes, the adverse impact of global warming leading to increased sea water temperature could be playing a major role in such phenomenon. 

The scientists from the College are continuously monitoring the waters. The bacterial analysis is being carried out and the results will be analysed by Nov 24. The results will indicate if there are any other bioluminescent bacteria / other micro organisms as well.

Its important to note that western coastal stretches of India of late has been experiencing certain phenomenon. During the month of December 2019 to February 2020 there was invasion of Kargil fish, which was found in huge quantities.

Now, along the Goa coast there is presence of large number of jelly fish and tourist have been warned as their stings are poisonous.

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