‘Glowing’ Dolphins Swim In California’s Bioluminescent Waters

It’s ordinary when a magician pulls out a rabbit from a hat. But it’s extraordinary when you spot the magic that Mother Earth has to offer. ‘Glowing’ dolphins were seen swimming in Calfornia’s bioluminescent waters. Amazing footage showed a pod of dolphins play through bioluminescent algae off the coast of California. Patrik Coyne, the photographer who shot the video off the coast of Newport Beach, California, described this to be one of the most ‘magical’ nights of his life. The light show took place after dolphins disturbed the tiny organisms, which glow in the form of a fear response.

What’s In It?

It all started with Netflix. Yes! You read that right. Patrik Coyne had watched a programmed on Netflix which showed dolphins swimming through bioluminescent waters. The talented photographer was inspired to witness and capture this natural spectacle. So, he decided to go on an excursion with Newport Coastal Adventure, a local tour agency. According to Coyne, the footage was a challenge to film, as it required the perfect conditions, as bioluminescence is short-lived in nature and also difficult to spot.

Getting this incredible footage was really tricky. The glowing effect also is known as ‘the fire of the sea’ is caused by microscopic, single-celled organisms called, dinoflagellates, specifically those of the species Noctiluca scintillans. These tiny creatures release two chemicals,  luciferin and luciferase, and enzyme. When these are combined, the enzyme catalysts a reaction on the luciferin. This results in a signature blue flash which lasts up to 100 milliseconds. When these single-celled algae are disturbed, they eject these two chemicals from their body, creating light. Inspite of the challenges, Patrick Coyne was able to capture this surreal moment and give us a glimpse of glow-in-the-dark dolphins playing in bioluminescent waters. It’s nothing short of magic.

What’s More?

Newport Coastal Adventure released the incredible video on social media. The company explained “The bioluminescence off Newport Beach has been out of this world. Last night Capt. Ryan took the Zodiac out to look for dolphins, and together with friend Patrick Coyne filmed this amazing interaction with a pod of dolphins as they lit up the night.”  The success of Newport Coastal Adventure and Patrick Coyne’s excursion is all seen in this one incredible footage. It really leaves us awestruck how much beauty the world has to offer. Until we can travel again, post lockdown, these ‘glowing’ dolphins is the little dose of magic that we really need right now.