Shimmery Bioluminescence Spotted Along Goa¡¯s Beach Could Be Cause For Worry, Here's Why

The emergence of noctiluca blooms, commonly referred to as bioluminescence, along Goa's beaches is a cause for worry.

The phenomenon could lead to scarcity of fish off the state's coast, Sunil Kumar Singh, Director, National Institute of Oceanography (NIO) told IANS.

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"This situation is, of course, serious," Singh said while referring to the blooms when he was asked about the possibilities of a fish famine off Goa's coastline.

"Noctiluca blooms are not good for fisheries, because they consume most of the oxygen. They do not allow zooplankton (common fish fodder) to develop, which is important for fish. Without these zooplanktons the fish will die," Singh said.

#ExploreIndia Betalbatim beach in #Goa glows in the dark due to a natural phenomenon in which bioluminescent phytoplanktons in the waves emit a bluish glow when disturbed by the waves.The effect on the waters is dramatic. @TourismGoa @incredibleindia pic.twitter.com/vpWgOKehGM

¡ª India In Medan (@indiainmedan) November 19, 2020

Singh heads the NIO which functions under the aegis of the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research, a central government body.

Sightings of bioluminescence have been reported along some of the beaches in the state, as well as along the Konkan belt over the last one week.

Marine scientists have already warned of a likely fish famine in Goa on account of overkill of fish for export and to cater to the hospitality industry in the tourism-oriented state.

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Visitors to the beach along the East Coast Road in Chennai were left surprised after they witnessed an unusual sight on the evening of Sunday, August 18 - waves in the beach had a blue glow.

Analysis of samples has established that a blue glow witnessed recently in and around the city's coastline was due to blooming of sea sparkle species, a National Centre for Coastal Research scientist said on Sunday.

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Inputs: IANS