Bioluminescence waves have been reported at the Galle Face in Colombo last night, as per video footage shared on social media by a Sri Lankan.
Sharing the footage, Sri Lankan Marine Biologist Asha de Vos said there were no guarantees, but the public may try their luck to see it by heading out to the Galle Face tonight.
Explaining the cause of the Bioluminescence waves, Dr. Asha de Vos said dinoflagellates, single-celled organisms, are one of the main species that produce Bioluminescence and are responsible for most of the Bioluminescence observed on the surface of the ocean.
When conditions are right, dinoflagellates bloom in dense layers at the surface of the water, causing the ocean to take on a reddish-brown color during the day and a sparkling, blue sheen as they move in the waves at night.
Marine Bioluminescence is mainly blue and, therefore, tuned to the wavelengths that travel farthest through the water, she said.
Dr. Asha de Vos further said this display of bioluminescence is also known as a ‘milky sea’. Dinoflagellates invest heavily in their ability to luminesce, expending large amounts of energy. (NewsWire)
Bioluminescence in Galle face, Colombo last night! Worth heading out tonight – no guarantees but if you see it, it’s magical! Read this for more https://t.co/E4oijOqfz4 thanks @iFiri for the video! @OceanswellOrg pic.twitter.com/p6n4PIcXuw
— Dr. Asha de Vos (@ashadevos) September 22, 2022