When to see bioluminescence in BC?
Late summer or early fall are the best times to see bioluminescence in B. C. UBC biologist Christopher Harley: The sparkly glow we see in the ocean is caused by single-cell creatures in plankton called Noctiluca, which means night light. Bioluminescent lights in the ocean are only visible after sunset. The darker it is, the better chance of seeing them. The best time to see bioluminescence is between 10pm-midnight. Visibility changes depending on location.Bioluminescent organisms produce and radiate light. There are thousands of bioluminescent animals, including species of fishes, squid, shrimps and jellyfish. The light these creatures emit is created inside their bodies, meaning they are able to glow and glitter in complete darkness.While relatively rare on land, bioluminescence is very common in the ocean, at least in the pelagic zone (the water column), where 80 percent of the animals that live between 200 and 1,000 meters (656 and 3,280 feet) depth are bioluminescent.Marine creatures – like some fish, squid, tiny crustaceans and algae – produce bioluminescence to either confuse predators, attract prey or even lure potential mates. We can witness this natural phenomenon when there is an abundance of bioluminescence in the water, usually from an algae bloom of plankton.Even the experts can’t accurately forecast bioluminescence. If you’re not familiar with this phenomenon, check out a video of a pod of common dolphins, glowing as if lit with neon as they light up bioluminescent waters that went viral a few years ago.
How many hours does bioluminescence last?
These events are typically linked to ‘red tides,’ where dense plankton blooms turn the water red or brown during the day and luminous at night. Bioluminescence can last anywhere from a day to a few weeks depending on the amount of algae found in the water. Things like bioluminescent algae that twinkle along the seascape can poison sea life from fish to sea turtles and can make humans very sick if they come into contact with it, so swimming is not advised.Harmful algal blooms (HABs): Not all glowing algae are harmless. Some dinoflagellates can be part of red tides, which produce toxins harmful to humans and marine life. Always verify with local authorities before swimming.The dinoflagellate algae Lingulodinium polyedrum is responsible for the glow off of San Diego’s coastline. In the daytime, it causes the water to appear red (red tide), but after sunset, the organisms’ natural defense mechanism results in the water turning blue.Most phytoplankton are harmless to animals. However, a few species can produce toxic, or poisonous, chemicals. Some dinoflagellates and diatoms can make poisonous compounds that cause diarrhea, paralysis, dizziness, and even memory loss.
What time of year is best for bioluminescence kayaking?
The best seasons to book a bioluminescent kayaking tour are May and September. July and August are often the peak seasons for kayaking, as dinoflagellates also appear bright every night. October to April is Glowing Jellies season. There’s nothing more awe-inspiring than when nature is stranger than fiction. The algae that produce bioluminescence thrives on plankton that prefers warmer, sunlit waters. In the Pacific Northwest, this means June through August are our most active months for bioluminescence, with less active periods in late spring and early fall.The best seasons to book a bioluminescent kayaking tour are May and September. July and August are often the peak seasons for kayaking, as dinoflagellates also appear bright every night. October to April is Glowing Jellies season. There’s nothing more awe-inspiring than when nature is stranger than fiction.