Bioluminescent waves are lighting up beaches across West Cumbria.
The electric blue waves were photographed and spotted by a handful of lucky beach walkers in Seascale, Drigg, St Bees, Barrow and Nethertown late on Monday night.
Sapphron Turnage, of Seascale, was one of the lucky few to rush out and capture the spectacle on video after hearing other people had witnessed the waves further up the coast.
While it might seem like bioluminescent waves are more typical in warmer climates – it’s actually not uncommon to spot them on UK shores.
Marine biologist and Kendal College lecturer Sarah Neill, of Grange-Over-Sands, said that in the UK, bioluminescent waves are typically caused by tiny organisms known as marine plankton – which glow when disturbed by movement.
She added: “Bioluminescence is the natural emission of light by living organisms, often resulting from biochemical reactions where luiferin (a light-producing molecule) reacts with oxygen, catalyzed by the enzyme luciferase.
“In the UK, bioluminescence is mainly produced by marine plankton, particularly dinoflagellates, which are single-celled organisms capable of producing a blue or greenish glow when disturbed by movement in water.”
Sarah said the plankton is commonly seen along coastlines in the UK – including areas like Cornwall, Wales and occasionally Cumbria during late summer or early autumn, when temperatures are warm and conditions are calm.
While bioluminescent waves are beautiful – the water can be harmful if ingested and caution should be exercised by pet owners and swimmers.
Sarah said: “Some bioluminescent plankton are associated with ‘red tides’ which release toxins and can be harmful if ingested. This risk is higher in warmer waters, but can occasionally occur in the UK.
“Pets who drink from or swim in affected areas may experience gastrointestinal distress or more severe symptoms in rare cases.”
Sarah added that it may be possible to spot the bioluminescent waves again in the coming nights depending on conditions.
Did you spot the the bioluminescent waves last night? We’d love to see your pictures and videos. Email us at [email protected]
