{"id":39697,"date":"2024-06-26T15:40:36","date_gmt":"2024-06-26T13:40:36","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/9edbf886-3972-44fe-96c2-bf9ee107016f"},"modified":"2024-06-26T16:27:28","modified_gmt":"2024-06-26T14:27:28","slug":"its-as-addictive-as-chasing-the-aurora-photographer-captures-magical-bioluminescence-event-in-wales","status":"publish","type":"rss_feed","link":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/bbcwildlife\/rss_feed\/its-as-addictive-as-chasing-the-aurora-photographer-captures-magical-bioluminescence-event-in-wales\/","title":{"rendered":"“It’s as addictive as chasing the Aurora.” Photographer captures magical bioluminescence event in Wales"},"content":{"rendered":"

Parts of the Welsh ocean have been glowing neon blue thanks to tiny plankton that creates its own light. <\/p>

By <\/p>

Published: Wednesday, 26 June 2024 at 13:40 PM<\/p>

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A photographer in Wales has shared dazzling photos of the ocean lit up like a Christmas tree as tiny bioluminescent plankton reacts to the waves hitting the shore.\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>

Lee McGrath<\/a>,\u00a0an expert in taking photos in total darkness, says capturing the magic of bioluminescence<\/a> is as addictive as chasing the Aurora.\u00a0<\/p>

The bioluminescent plankton lit up the South Wales coastline (UK). Credit: Lee McGrath<\/figcaption><\/figure>

Bioluminescence\u00a0happens when tiny plankton in the water create their own light, either through a chemical reaction in their bodies or through symbiotic bacteria that live with them.\u00a0<\/p>

On land,\u00a0fireflies<\/a>\u00a0and glow worms are notable examples of animals that create bioluminescence but this phenomenon is also common in the deep sea. <\/p>

Over\u00a0three quarters<\/a>\u00a0of marine life is believed to be bioluminescent, including\u00a0vampire squid<\/a>,\u00a0velvet belly lantern sharks<\/a>\u00a0and some species of\u00a0anglerfish<\/a>. One of the reasons giant squid have such big eyes (the size of a football) is so they can see their\u00a0prey\u00a0when the bioluminescence lights up around them. It can also give them a chance to escape an untimely fate by seeing approaching\u00a0sperm whales<\/a>, which hunt giant squid.<\/p>

\"Bioluminescent
Bioluminescence\u00a0happens when tiny plankton in the water create their own light. Credit: Lee McGrath<\/figcaption><\/figure>

The crashing waves on the shoreline in South Wales, where the photos were taken, disturb the plankton in the water and cause them to glow. It\u2019s so bright that you don\u2019t need any torchlight to see it. Using torches actually makes it worse, McGrath says: \u201cyou will see less and only ruin photos for photographers when they are trying\u00a0to capture this.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>

These stunning photos were taken in the early hours of the morning. \u201cIt\u2019s really a surreal experience which I can only describe\u00a0it like meditation,\u201d says McGrath who has been following the Welsh bioluminescence for many years. \u201cThere is nothing quite like being alone at the beach at 3am with a camera watching this amazing phenomenon.\u201d<\/p>

One reason plankton glow might be for protection. When movement \u2013 that might indicate something coming to eat them \u2013 disturbs the water, the plankton create light so their predator can be easily seen by even larger animals and become prey itself before it has time to munch on the plankton.\u00a0<\/p>

When people can see the phenomenon depends a lot on chance. \u201cYou can only plan so much,\u201d says McGrath. \u201cYou could go to the beach another 10 times at the same location and see nothing, it really is pot luck.\u201d<\/p>

As summer approaches and the waters around South Wales get warmer, it may bring in plankton and make it more likely that people can spot the bioluminescence. \u201cI just think the big question is how many are actively\u00a0looking,\u201d says McGrath.\u00a0<\/p>

\"Bioluminescent
Photographer Lee McGrath said that experiencing the bioluminescence is like meditation. Credit: Lee McGrath<\/figcaption><\/figure>

Taking a great photo of this phenomenon in the dead of night isn\u2019t easy. McGrath had to use just the right camera settings for his images. They were \u201cISO2000, F1.4 at 4 seconds exposures but you can get more detail with faster shutter speeds,\u201d he says.\u00a0<\/p>

But you don\u2019t need to be a photographer to see this magical marine light display. \u201cJust\u00a0enjoy\u00a0yourself,\u201d says McGrath. \u201cThe bioluminescence is amazing but what is more amazing is how it can bring people together and inspire people who wouldn’t\u00a0normally take an\u00a0interest in the coast and the outdoors.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>

If you do go to see the bioluminescence, remember to stay safe. \u201cBe aware of all the conditions\u00a0around you with tides in these locations and really be careful,\u201d he says. \u201cYou can get carried away when you see it and lose sight of your position on the beach.\u201d<\/p>

Just like taking photos of the Northern Lights, McGrath won\u2019t get bored of this scintillating spectacle and plans to continue following the bioluminescence. \u201cOnce you see it once,\u201d he says, \u201cit is very addictive.\u201d<\/p>

Photography: Lee McGrath<\/em><\/p>

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