On the morning of October 17, representatives from UC San Diego's Scripps Institution of Oceanography captured stunning video footage of dolphins gliding through bioluminescent waters. The bioluminescence is caused by the dinoflagellate Lingulodinium polyedra, a phytoplankton that glows blue when disturbed. This phenomenon typically occurs during red tides near San Diego and showcases the natural beauty and ecological interactions in the region’s coastal waters.
Scripps Oceanography's diving locker supervisor Rich Walsh, who was responsible for piloting the boat during the dolphin cruise, emphasized the importance of such research endeavors for understanding marine ecosystems. As the bioluminescent display reflects a thriving population of phytoplankton, it also indicates the health of the oceanic environment in the area.
Photographer Erik Jepsen's footage not only provides a glimpse into these mesmerizing bioluminescent displays but also highlights the collaboration between scientists and creative media in communicating the wonders of oceanography. This initiative contributes to a wider understanding of marine biology and ecology as environmental awareness grows.
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