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.
Lee McGrath, an expert in taking photos in total darkness, says capturing the magic of bioluminescence is as addictive as chasing the Aurora.
Bioluminescence happens 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.
On land, fireflies and glow worms are notable examples of animals that create bioluminescence but this phenomenon is also common in the deep sea.
Over three quarters of marine life is believed to be bioluminescent, including vampire squid, velvet belly lantern sharks and some species of anglerfish. One of the reasons giant squid have such big eyes (the size of a football) is so they can see their prey when the bioluminescence lights up around them. It can also give them a chance to escape an untimely fate by seeing approaching sperm whales, which hunt giant squid.
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’s so bright that you don’t need any torchlight to see it. Using torches actually makes it worse, McGrath says: “you will see less and only ruin photos for photographers when they are trying to capture this.”
These stunning photos were taken in the early hours of the morning. “It’s really a surreal experience which I can only describe it like meditation,” says McGrath who has been following the Welsh bioluminescence for many years. “There is nothing quite like being alone at the beach at 3am with a camera watching this amazing phenomenon.”
One reason plankton glow might be for protection. When movement – that might indicate something coming to eat them – 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.
When people can see the phenomenon depends a lot on chance. “You can only plan so much,” says McGrath. “You could go to the beach another 10 times at the same location and see nothing, it really is pot luck.”
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. “I just think the big question is how many are actively looking,” says McGrath.
Taking a great photo of this phenomenon in the dead of night isn’t easy. McGrath had to use just the right camera settings for his images. They were “ISO2000, F1.4 at 4 seconds exposures but you can get more detail with faster shutter speeds,” he says.
But you don’t need to be a photographer to see this magical marine light display. “Just enjoy yourself,” says McGrath. “The bioluminescence is amazing but what is more amazing is how it can bring people together and inspire people who wouldn't normally take an interest in the coast and the outdoors.”
If you do go to see the bioluminescence, remember to stay safe. “Be aware of all the conditions around you with tides in these locations and really be careful,” he says. “You can get carried away when you see it and lose sight of your position on the beach.”
Just like taking photos of the Northern Lights, McGrath won’t get bored of this scintillating spectacle and plans to continue following the bioluminescence. “Once you see it once,” he says, “it is very addictive.”
Photography: Lee McGrath
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