Karachi’s coastline was the stage for a mesmerizing display of nature’s light show on Monday night. The dark canvas of the sea was painted with strokes of sparkling blue, creating an ethereal spectacle that left onlookers in awe.
This enchanting phenomenon, known as bioluminescence, is a natural light show put on by certain marine organisms. According to Moazzam Khan, Technical Adviser at the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) Pakistan, these organisms emit light through a chemical process.
The star of this spectacle was a marine species known as “Noctiluca scintillans”, also referred to as “sea fire” or “sea twinkle”. Despite being smaller than a mustard seed, its presence is a testament to the richness of the sea.
While the azure glow of these organisms lights up the night sea, they appear green during the day. These phytoplankton species are found across tropical, subtropical, and temperate coastal environments, adding a touch of magic to the seascape.
