A spectacle from another planet

Water that glows in the dark and covers the skin with a shiny film. Is there such a thing? Oh yes and Anja (Marketing) got to experience it in Puerto Escondido: “Magical, fascinating and incredibly beautiful!”

This unique natural spectacle can be observed in various places around the world. In Mexico, for example, in Puerto Escondido or on the island of Holbox at Playa de Coco. But what makes the water or the sea shine?

Classic marine lighting is created by the accumulation of microorganisms and is therefore part of the phenomenon of bioluminescence. The organisms that can cause a sea to glow include algae. When lighting up the sea, the sea water appears to luminesce blue to green. In fact, however, it is not the sea water itself that shines, but the tiny organisms in the sea water that emit long-lasting light signals when they are touched. The organisms that are touched become visible as small glowing dots.

The glowing sea happens only occasionally, because the necessary microorganisms do not always occur in the required concentration in the sea water. The exact framework conditions for the occurrence of the microorganisms has not yet been fully clarified. For example, it occurs more often in the months of November to March, but less with a full moon

And like so many things in nature, the glow has a function: the organisms shine for self-protection to irritate fish and other predators. Luminous prey signals something dangerous. Caution should be exercised. The glow is also said to attract larger animals which then chase away the natural enemies of the plankton. The glowing seems to serve simply for safety