SWIMMING WITH SPARKLE
SWIMMING WITH SPARKLE
When the sea begins to glow, it feels like swimming through a waking dream. Marine biologist Helen Scales dives into the science and wonder of bioluminescence, from tropical shorelines dusted with living light to the deep ocean where creatures flash, flare and vanish in blue fire. For swimmers lucky enough to encounter it, she reveals what’s really happening when the water starts to sparkle
When the sea starts to sparkle
I remember a magical swim, on a moonless night many years ago. It was unusual for me to be venturing into the water after dark. I was working as a marine biologist in Malaysia, on the northern coast of Borneo, and spending long days conducting research underwater while snorkelling and scuba diving. Most days, by the time the sun sank below the horizon at 6pm sharp, I was ready to wash off the salt and get an early night.
But there were times when the peaceful darkness of the tropical sea called me back.
During the daytime, whenever I was working in the sea I would always zip myself into a wetsuit to protect my skin from sunshine and stingers and to stay warm throughout long hours watching fish. So, it was liberating to feel the warm, night time water against my skin. And after a few moments floating on the surface, my eyes adapting to the dark, I began to notice the sparkles. Whenever I moved, my body ignited a puff of twinkling lights that lasted for the blink of an eye.