While watching the ocean at this time of year, I anxiously await alignment of water and biological conditions that create ocean phosphorescence.

It is the magic of nature in the ocean to rival the magic of aurora borealis in the northern skies.

I recall sitting for hours on a dark boat resting at anchor on a dark night, watching critters leave phosphorescent trails as they go about their business of eating, being eaten and fervently engaging in critter social life.

It is a light show that captures the imagination, especially while in a dark calm cove of the Channel Islands where there is very little light pollution to detract from the underwater light show.

I’m amazed by roving streaks of light caused by little critters less than an inch long as they flicker about in seemingly choreographed fashion with a cast of hundreds. Then the light shuts off in the blink of an eye and another performing group starts up a few feet away.

It is so easy to become entranced by the miniature light show, but then suddenly a much larger trail of light flits by as a fish chases its dinner.

Then a more massive flash jets by as a sea lion races after the fish.

Adding phosphorescent light to the wild activity of the food chain really helps bring it to life and make it more real.

The level of mortality required to keep the food chain rattling is mesmerizing when visually enhanced by light. It may be a harsh life for critters, but it is beautiful to watch.

What the heck is phosphorescence?

My basic understanding is that it is caused by stimulation (movement) of dinoflagellates in planktonic form, emitting a brief light which seems to glow for a moment.

This backlit trail might help a critter escape becoming a meal because the predator thinks the critter is in the light behind its actual position.

Score one for the little guy who gets away! You scientists among my readers may be able to do a much better job of explaining it.

Red tide causes this phenomenon on a large scale. You can create an impressive phosphorescent light show, when red tide is in by pouring fresh water (especially under pressure as from a hose) into the red tide on a dark night.

I’ve done this when red tide invades the harbor and it is a wild and wonderful sight.
Ocean phosphorescence is just one of many fascinating things to enjoy and celebrate as seaside dwellers.

I love these wild spectacles of nature.