Incredible moment: Boogie boarders from California surf bright blue bioluminescent waves caused by neon-colored plankton that live just offshore

A photographer has captured bioluminescent plankton lighting up a California beach with a bright blue glow as boogie boarders surf the waves.

Bioluminescence is a phenomenon that is quite common in the state and is often attributed to marine animals that frequent the illuminated waters.

But photographer Patrick Coynewho specializes in capturing the mesmerizing bioluminescent scenes on film, has captured photos and videos of surfers splashing around in the glowing spectacle.

A group of surfers grabbed their boogie boards in Huntington Beach and headed out into the open water to experience the glow of the Pacific for themselves.

“Biography continues to give us a great show and we shot more footage at Salt Creek Beach!” “We originally stopped at Crescent Bay where there were some glowing waves but they weren’t very bright and that’s why we started “To explore other beaches,” Coyne wrote on Instagram.

A photographer has captured bioluminescent plankton lighting up a California beach with a bright blue glow as boogie boarders surf the waves

At night, the waves around the pier at the Scripps Institute of Oceanography in San Diego glow blue

The enchanting light is created by a species of plankton known as Lingulodinium polyedra, often referred to as L. poly

A bioluminescent wave crashes ashore next to the San Clemente Pier

The enchanting light is created by a species of plankton known as Lingulodinium polyedra, often referred to as L. poly.

Scientists believe the bioluminescence phenomenon is the result of a disruption in the plankton that causes it to emit light through a complex chemical reaction.

Organisms such as plankton, fireflies and anglerfish can glow by releasing the chemical luciferin, which reacts with oxygen to produce light.

The glowing effect, often referred to as “fire of the sea,” results in a distinctive blue flash that lasts just 100 milliseconds.

“It’s been a while since we’ve seen this phenomenon here, but this time the waves were exceptionally bright.” “The beach was full of people enjoying the spectacle and we all had a great time,” said Coyne KTLA.

Coyne previously shared videos of dolphins jumping for joy in the neon surf off Newport Beach in 2020, and in 2022 he photographed a group of mullet frolicking in the sparkling water.

From San Diego to Los Angeles, Californians watched the stunning bioluminescent waves crash on the coast (2020 file photo).

The glowing effect, often referred to as “fire of the sea,” is created by microscopic, single-celled organisms

A group of surfers grabbed their boogie boards in Huntington Beach and headed out into the open water to experience the glow of the Pacific for themselves

Spectators watch as bioluminescent plankton lights up the shoreline as it moves in the waves at Dockweiler State Beach in Los Angeles, California (Image 2020)

What is bioluminescence? And what makes the sea sparkle?

Bioluminescence is the production or emission of light by a living creature that can produce an incredible glow in the sea.

The phenomenon is the result of a chemical reaction that occurs when chemical energy is converted into light energy. For this to happen, the living creature must carry a molecule called luciferin.

When luciferin reacts with oxygen, it produces light energy, which we perceive as glowing.

Bright: Photographer Tom Bow said: “It has been spotted at various locations along the South Wales coast over the past week, although it is somewhat unpredictable.”

While only a few land creatures, such as fireflies, can produce their own light, about ninety percent of deep sea marine life can produce bioluminescence – often the light they emit is blue or green, so it can be easily transmitted through seawater. However, some emit red and infrared light to hunt in the almost pitch-black deep sea.

Sea sparkle – or – Noctiluca scintillans – usually found in hotter climates.

WPoor weather can cause a rapid increase in plankton growth and reproduction rates.

Once there are more than 100,000 algae cells in just one liter of water (which is usually only the case when it is very hot and dry), the plankton “charges” and produces a glow.

This only happens when it gets dark; during the day the plankton usually appears a rusty brown color.

Natural phenomenon: Bioluminescence is the production and emission of light by a living organism. The light is created through a complex chemical reaction