Context: Recently, beaches along the coast of Visakhapatnam started glowing due to a unique natural phenomenon called bioluminescence.

What is Bioluminescence?

• Bioluminescence occurs due to the presence of some marine planktons called dinoflagellates that produce light when the water is disturbed. These planktons emit light on the ocean surface at night.

• The dinoflagellates follow a circadian cycle (24-hour cycle) and as a result, this phenomenon occurs during the night which is visible in low light conditions.

• Reason: Many marine creatures like sponges, jellyfish, worms, species of fish, anthropods, echinoderms and unicellular alga exhibit bioluminescence to either evade predators, attract prey or during mating.

• Process of bioluminescence among dinoflagellates: It occurs when the luciferase enzyme reacts with the luciferin compound in the presence of oxygen to produce a cold light.

• Past instances of bioluminescence in India: Havelock Island in the Andamans, Thiruvanmiyur Beach in Chennai, Mattu Beach in Karnataka and Bangaram Island in Lakshadweep have also provided experiences of bioluminescence in the past.

About bioluminescence along the Visakhapatnam coast

• Reason for visibility at night: In Visakhapanam, this phenomenon is most likely the result of an algal bloom of the dinoflagellate species of noctiluca and ceratium.

• Significance: It is being reported during the night hours on larger stretches of Visakhapatnam beach for the first time.