Bioluminescent Red Tide in San Diego County

Beautiful Blue Bioluminescence at Scripps Pier

Some amazing bioluminescence shot shot on May 14, 2020. The Scripps Institution of Oceanography (sometimes referred to as SIO, Scripps Oceanography, or Scripps) in San Diego, California, founded in 1903, is one of the oldest and largest centers for ocean and Earth science research, public service, undergraduate and graduate training in the world. Hundreds of ocean and Earth scientists conduct research with the aid of oceanographic research vessels and shorebased laboratories. My brother got his Ph. D. in Geophysics here. The red tide is named for the rusty red color it makes the water in the daytime. This is one of the best instances of bioluminescence I've experienced in San Diego since 2011. Shot with a Canon EOS R mirrorless camera. Red tides, which often contain harmful algal blooms (HABs), are caused by chemical reactions that occur between algae and other substances. Red by day, blue by night, this colorful ocean phenomenon is a relatively rare natural occurrence that has spawned a number of imitations in movies and literature, the most recent example being a rather striking scene in the visually-driven movie Life of Pi. Bioluminescent algae blooms (like the ever-popular dinoflagellate marine algae called Sea Sparkle) are most frequently observed away from shorelines. Though beautiful in the dead of night, during the day these blooming phytoplankton are less than stunning. They often turn ocean water red and murky, and emit a distasteful smell of decay that comes from the algae starving the water of oxygen.

Beautiful Blue Bioluminescence at Scripps Pier

Some amazing bioluminescence shot shot on May 14, 2020. The Scripps Institution of Oceanography (sometimes referred to as SIO, Scripps Oceanography, or Scripps) in San Diego, California, founded in 1903, is one of the oldest and largest centers for ocean and Earth science research, public service, undergraduate and graduate training in the world. Hundreds of ocean and Earth scientists conduct research with the aid of oceanographic research vessels and shorebased laboratories. My brother got his Ph. D. in Geophysics here. The red tide is named for the rusty red color it makes the water in the daytime. This is one of the best instances of bioluminescence I've experienced in San Diego since 2011. Shot with a Canon EOS R mirrorless camera. Red tides, which often contain harmful algal blooms (HABs), are caused by chemical reactions that occur between algae and other substances. Red by day, blue by night, this colorful ocean phenomenon is a relatively rare natural occurrence that has spawned a number of imitations in movies and literature, the most recent example being a rather striking scene in the visually-driven movie Life of Pi. Bioluminescent algae blooms (like the ever-popular dinoflagellate marine algae called Sea Sparkle) are most frequently observed away from shorelines. Though beautiful in the dead of night, during the day these blooming phytoplankton are less than stunning. They often turn ocean water red and murky, and emit a distasteful smell of decay that comes from the algae starving the water of oxygen.

Beautiful Blue Bioluminescence at Scripps Coastal Reserve.

Some amazing bioluminescence shot shot on May 14, 2020. The Scripps Institution of Oceanography (sometimes referred to as SIO, Scripps Oceanography, or Scripps) in San Diego, California, founded in 1903, is one of the oldest and largest centers for ocean and Earth science research, public service, undergraduate and graduate training in the world. Hundreds of ocean and Earth scientists conduct research with the aid of oceanographic research vessels and shorebased laboratories. My brother got his Ph. D. in Geophysics here. The red tide is named for the rusty red color it makes the water in the daytime. This is one of the best instances of bioluminescence I've experienced in San Diego since 2011. Shot with a Canon EOS R mirrorless camera. Red tides, which often contain harmful algal blooms (HABs), are caused by chemical reactions that occur between algae and other substances. Red by day, blue by night, this colorful ocean phenomenon is a relatively rare natural occurrence that has spawned a number of imitations in movies and literature, the most recent example being a rather striking scene in the visually-driven movie Life of Pi. Bioluminescent algae blooms (like the ever-popular dinoflagellate marine algae called Sea Sparkle) are most frequently observed away from shorelines. Though beautiful in the dead of night, during the day these blooming phytoplankton are less than stunning. They often turn ocean water red and murky, and emit a distasteful smell of decay that comes from the algae starving the water of oxygen.

Beautiful Blue Bioluminescence at Scripps Pier

Some amazing bioluminescence shot shot on May 14, 2020. The Scripps Institution of Oceanography (sometimes referred to as SIO, Scripps Oceanography, or Scripps) in San Diego, California, founded in 1903, is one of the oldest and largest centers for ocean and Earth science research, public service, undergraduate and graduate training in the world. Hundreds of ocean and Earth scientists conduct research with the aid of oceanographic research vessels and shorebased laboratories. My brother got his Ph. D. in Geophysics here. The red tide is named for the rusty red color it makes the water in the daytime. This is one of the best instances of bioluminescence I've experienced in San Diego since 2011. Shot with a Canon EOS R mirrorless camera. Red tides, which often contain harmful algal blooms (HABs), are caused by chemical reactions that occur between algae and other substances. Red by day, blue by night, this colorful ocean phenomenon is a relatively rare natural occurrence that has spawned a number of imitations in movies and literature, the most recent example being a rather striking scene in the visually-driven movie Life of Pi. Bioluminescent algae blooms (like the ever-popular dinoflagellate marine algae called Sea Sparkle) are most frequently observed away from shorelines. Though beautiful in the dead of night, during the day these blooming phytoplankton are less than stunning. They often turn ocean water red and murky, and emit a distasteful smell of decay that comes from the algae starving the water of oxygen.

Beautiful Blue Bioluminescence at Scripps Pier

Some amazing bioluminescence shot shot on May 14, 2020. The Scripps Institution of Oceanography (sometimes referred to as SIO, Scripps Oceanography, or Scripps) in San Diego, California, founded in 1903, is one of the oldest and largest centers for ocean and Earth science research, public service, undergraduate and graduate training in the world. Hundreds of ocean and Earth scientists conduct research with the aid of oceanographic research vessels and shorebased laboratories. My brother got his Ph. D. in Geophysics here. The red tide is named for the rusty red color it makes the water in the daytime. This is one of the best instances of bioluminescence I've experienced in San Diego since 2011. Shot with a Canon EOS R mirrorless camera. Red tides, which often contain harmful algal blooms (HABs), are caused by chemical reactions that occur between algae and other substances. Red by day, blue by night, this colorful ocean phenomenon is a relatively rare natural occurrence that has spawned a number of imitations in movies and literature, the most recent example being a rather striking scene in the visually-driven movie Life of Pi. Bioluminescent algae blooms (like the ever-popular dinoflagellate marine algae called Sea Sparkle) are most frequently observed away from shorelines. Though beautiful in the dead of night, during the day these blooming phytoplankton are less than stunning. They often turn ocean water red and murky, and emit a distasteful smell of decay that comes from the algae starving the water of oxygen.

Black's Beach Bioluminescence.

Some amazing bioluminescence shot from the bluffs above Black's Beach on May 15, 2020. Black’s Beach is a famous clothing-optional beach below the gliderport parking area on Torrey Pines Mesa. Back in the 60’s, surfers would take Blacks Beach road down, which was always under protection of William Black. Apparently, he was known to fire a shotgun loaded with rock salt at trespassers! A longtime clothing-optional advocacy group called the Black’s Beach Bares (not the city) actually maintains the stairways leading from the Gliderport to the beach. The red tide is named for the rusty red color it makes the water in the daytime. This is one of the best instances of bioluminescence I've experienced in San Diego since 2011. Shot with a Canon EOS R mirrorless camera. Red tides, which often contain harmful algal blooms (HABs), are caused by chemical reactions that occur between algae and other substances. Red by day, blue by night, this colorful ocean phenomenon is a relatively rare natural occurrence that has spawned a number of imitations in movies and literature, the most recent example being a rather striking scene in the visually-driven movie Life of Pi. Bioluminescent algae blooms (like the ever-popular dinoflagellate marine algae called Sea Sparkle) are most frequently observed away from shorelines. Though beautiful in the dead of night, during the day these blooming phytoplankton are less than stunning. They often turn ocean water red and murky, and emit a distasteful smell of decay that comes from the algae starving the water of oxygen.

Black's Beach Bioluminescence.

Some amazing bioluminescence shot from the bluffs above Black's Beach on May 15, 2020. Black’s Beach is a famous clothing-optional beach below the gliderport parking area on Torrey Pines Mesa. Back in the 60’s, surfers would take Blacks Beach road down, which was always under protection of William Black. Apparently, he was known to fire a shotgun loaded with rock salt at trespassers! A longtime clothing-optional advocacy group called the Black’s Beach Bares (not the city) actually maintains the stairways leading from the Gliderport to the beach. The red tide is named for the rusty red color it makes the water in the daytime. This is one of the best instances of bioluminescence I've experienced in San Diego since 2011. Shot with a Canon EOS R mirrorless camera. Red tides, which often contain harmful algal blooms (HABs), are caused by chemical reactions that occur between algae and other substances. Red by day, blue by night, this colorful ocean phenomenon is a relatively rare natural occurrence that has spawned a number of imitations in movies and literature, the most recent example being a rather striking scene in the visually-driven movie Life of Pi. Bioluminescent algae blooms (like the ever-popular dinoflagellate marine algae called Sea Sparkle) are most frequently observed away from shorelines. Though beautiful in the dead of night, during the day these blooming phytoplankton are less than stunning. They often turn ocean water red and murky, and emit a distasteful smell of decay that comes from the algae starving the water of oxygen.

Black's Beach Bioluminescence.

Some amazing bioluminescence shot from the bluffs above Black's Beach on May 15, 2020. Black’s Beach is a famous clothing-optional beach below the gliderport parking area on Torrey Pines Mesa. Back in the 60’s, surfers would take Blacks Beach road down, which was always under protection of William Black. Apparently, he was known to fire a shotgun loaded with rock salt at trespassers! A longtime clothing-optional advocacy group called the Black’s Beach Bares (not the city) actually maintains the stairways leading from the Gliderport to the beach. The red tide is named for the rusty red color it makes the water in the daytime. This is one of the best instances of bioluminescence I've experienced in San Diego since 2011. Shot with a Canon EOS R mirrorless camera. Red tides, which often contain harmful algal blooms (HABs), are caused by chemical reactions that occur between algae and other substances. Red by day, blue by night, this colorful ocean phenomenon is a relatively rare natural occurrence that has spawned a number of imitations in movies and literature, the most recent example being a rather striking scene in the visually-driven movie Life of Pi. Bioluminescent algae blooms (like the ever-popular dinoflagellate marine algae called Sea Sparkle) are most frequently observed away from shorelines. Though beautiful in the dead of night, during the day these blooming phytoplankton are less than stunning. They often turn ocean water red and murky, and emit a distasteful smell of decay that comes from the algae starving the water of oxygen.

Black's Beach Bioluminescence.

Some amazing bioluminescence shot from the bluffs above Black's Beach on May 15, 2020. Black’s Beach is a famous clothing-optional beach below the gliderport parking area on Torrey Pines Mesa. Back in the 60’s, surfers would take Blacks Beach road down, which was always under protection of William Black. Apparently, he was known to fire a shotgun loaded with rock salt at trespassers! A longtime clothing-optional advocacy group called the Black’s Beach Bares (not the city) actually maintains the stairways leading from the Gliderport to the beach. The red tide is named for the rusty red color it makes the water in the daytime. This is one of the best instances of bioluminescence I've experienced in San Diego since 2011. Shot with a Canon EOS R mirrorless camera. Red tides, which often contain harmful algal blooms (HABs), are caused by chemical reactions that occur between algae and other substances. Red by day, blue by night, this colorful ocean phenomenon is a relatively rare natural occurrence that has spawned a number of imitations in movies and literature, the most recent example being a rather striking scene in the visually-driven movie Life of Pi. Bioluminescent algae blooms (like the ever-popular dinoflagellate marine algae called Sea Sparkle) are most frequently observed away from shorelines. Though beautiful in the dead of night, during the day these blooming phytoplankton are less than stunning. They often turn ocean water red and murky, and emit a distasteful smell of decay that comes from the algae starving the water of oxygen.

Black's Beach Bioluminescence.

Some amazing bioluminescence shot from the bluffs above Black's Beach on May 15, 2020. Black’s Beach is a famous clothing-optional beach below the gliderport parking area on Torrey Pines Mesa. Back in the 60’s, surfers would take Blacks Beach road down, which was always under protection of William Black. Apparently, he was known to fire a shotgun loaded with rock salt at trespassers! A longtime clothing-optional advocacy group called the Black’s Beach Bares (not the city) actually maintains the stairways leading from the Gliderport to the beach. The red tide is named for the rusty red color it makes the water in the daytime. This is one of the best instances of bioluminescence I've experienced in San Diego since 2011. Shot with a Canon EOS R mirrorless camera. Red tides, which often contain harmful algal blooms (HABs), are caused by chemical reactions that occur between algae and other substances. Red by day, blue by night, this colorful ocean phenomenon is a relatively rare natural occurrence that has spawned a number of imitations in movies and literature, the most recent example being a rather striking scene in the visually-driven movie Life of Pi. Bioluminescent algae blooms (like the ever-popular dinoflagellate marine algae called Sea Sparkle) are most frequently observed away from shorelines. Though beautiful in the dead of night, during the day these blooming phytoplankton are less than stunning. They often turn ocean water red and murky, and emit a distasteful smell of decay that comes from the algae starving the water of oxygen.

But first, let me take a #selfie

I shot a bunch of self-portraits on the cliffs above Black's Beach during the bioluminescence last night. The red tide is named for the rusty red color it makes the water in the daytime. This is one of the best instances of bioluminescence I've experienced in San Diego since 2011. Shot with a Canon EOS R mirrorless camera. Red tides, which often contain harmful algal blooms (HABs), are caused by chemical reactions that occur between algae and other substances. Red by day, blue by night, this colorful ocean phenomenon is a relatively rare natural occurrence that has spawned a number of imitations in movies and literature, the most recent example being a rather striking scene in the visually-driven movie Life of Pi. Bioluminescent algae blooms (like the ever-popular dinoflagellate marine algae called Sea Sparkle) are most frequently observed away from shorelines. Though beautiful in the dead of night, during the day these blooming phytoplankton are less than stunning. They often turn ocean water red and murky, and emit a distasteful smell of decay that comes from the algae starving the water of oxygen.

But first, let me take a #selfie

I shot a bunch of self-portraits on the cliffs above Black's Beach during the bioluminescence last night. The red tide is named for the rusty red color it makes the water in the daytime. This is one of the best instances of bioluminescence I've experienced in San Diego since 2011. Shot with a Canon EOS R mirrorless camera. Red tides, which often contain harmful algal blooms (HABs), are caused by chemical reactions that occur between algae and other substances. Red by day, blue by night, this colorful ocean phenomenon is a relatively rare natural occurrence that has spawned a number of imitations in movies and literature, the most recent example being a rather striking scene in the visually-driven movie Life of Pi. Bioluminescent algae blooms (like the ever-popular dinoflagellate marine algae called Sea Sparkle) are most frequently observed away from shorelines. Though beautiful in the dead of night, during the day these blooming phytoplankton are less than stunning. They often turn ocean water red and murky, and emit a distasteful smell of decay that comes from the algae starving the water of oxygen.

But first, let me take a #selfie

I shot a bunch of self-portraits on the cliffs above Black's Beach during the bioluminescence last night. The red tide is named for the rusty red color it makes the water in the daytime. This is one of the best instances of bioluminescence I've experienced in San Diego since 2011. Shot with a Canon EOS R mirrorless camera. Red tides, which often contain harmful algal blooms (HABs), are caused by chemical reactions that occur between algae and other substances. Red by day, blue by night, this colorful ocean phenomenon is a relatively rare natural occurrence that has spawned a number of imitations in movies and literature, the most recent example being a rather striking scene in the visually-driven movie Life of Pi. Bioluminescent algae blooms (like the ever-popular dinoflagellate marine algae called Sea Sparkle) are most frequently observed away from shorelines. Though beautiful in the dead of night, during the day these blooming phytoplankton are less than stunning. They often turn ocean water red and murky, and emit a distasteful smell of decay that comes from the algae starving the water of oxygen.

Some more photos of the bioluminescent tide at Dog Beach (Del Mar North Beach) in Del Mar.

The red tide is named for the rusty red color it makes the water in the daytime. This is one of the best instances of bioluminescence I've experienced in San Diego since 2011. Shot with a Canon EOS R mirrorless camera. Red tides, which often contain harmful algal blooms (HABs), are caused by chemical reactions that occur between algae and other substances. Red by day, blue by night, this colorful ocean phenomenon is a relatively rare natural occurrence that has spawned a number of imitations in movies and literature, the most recent example being a rather striking scene in the visually-driven movie Life of Pi. Bioluminescent algae blooms (like the ever-popular dinoflagellate marine algae called Sea Sparkle) are most frequently observed away from shorelines. Though beautiful in the dead of night, during the day these blooming phytoplankton are less than stunning. They often turn ocean water red and murky, and emit a distasteful smell of decay that comes from the algae starving the water of oxygen.

Some more photos of the bioluminescent tide at Dog Beach (Del Mar North Beach) in Del Mar.

The red tide is named for the rusty red color it makes the water in the daytime. This is one of the best instances of bioluminescence I've experienced in San Diego since 2011. Shot with a Canon EOS R mirrorless camera. Red tides, which often contain harmful algal blooms (HABs), are caused by chemical reactions that occur between algae and other substances. Red by day, blue by night, this colorful ocean phenomenon is a relatively rare natural occurrence that has spawned a number of imitations in movies and literature, the most recent example being a rather striking scene in the visually-driven movie Life of Pi. Bioluminescent algae blooms (like the ever-popular dinoflagellate marine algae called Sea Sparkle) are most frequently observed away from shorelines. Though beautiful in the dead of night, during the day these blooming phytoplankton are less than stunning. They often turn ocean water red and murky, and emit a distasteful smell of decay that comes from the algae starving the water of oxygen.

Some more photos of the bioluminescent tide at Dog Beach (Del Mar North Beach) in Del Mar.

The red tide is named for the rusty red color it makes the water in the daytime. This is one of the best instances of bioluminescence I've experienced in San Diego since 2011. Shot with a Canon EOS R mirrorless camera. Red tides, which often contain harmful algal blooms (HABs), are caused by chemical reactions that occur between algae and other substances. Red by day, blue by night, this colorful ocean phenomenon is a relatively rare natural occurrence that has spawned a number of imitations in movies and literature, the most recent example being a rather striking scene in the visually-driven movie Life of Pi. Bioluminescent algae blooms (like the ever-popular dinoflagellate marine algae called Sea Sparkle) are most frequently observed away from shorelines. Though beautiful in the dead of night, during the day these blooming phytoplankton are less than stunning. They often turn ocean water red and murky, and emit a distasteful smell of decay that comes from the algae starving the water of oxygen.

Some more photos of the bioluminescent tide at Dog Beach (Del Mar North Beach) in Del Mar.

The red tide is named for the rusty red color it makes the water in the daytime. This is one of the best instances of bioluminescence I've experienced in San Diego since 2011. Shot with a Canon EOS R mirrorless camera. Red tides, which often contain harmful algal blooms (HABs), are caused by chemical reactions that occur between algae and other substances. Red by day, blue by night, this colorful ocean phenomenon is a relatively rare natural occurrence that has spawned a number of imitations in movies and literature, the most recent example being a rather striking scene in the visually-driven movie Life of Pi. Bioluminescent algae blooms (like the ever-popular dinoflagellate marine algae called Sea Sparkle) are most frequently observed away from shorelines. Though beautiful in the dead of night, during the day these blooming phytoplankton are less than stunning. They often turn ocean water red and murky, and emit a distasteful smell of decay that comes from the algae starving the water of oxygen.

Enjoying the Bioluminescence at the Windansea Beach Surf Shack.

I shot this last night (May 8, 2020). The glow has gotten brighter here again - after weakening earlier in the week - but the glowing waves are far less frequent. Windansea Beach is a stretch of coastline located in La Jolla, a community of San Diego, California. The neighborhood adjacent to the beach is named Windansea after the beach. It is named after the 1909 oceanfront Strand Hotel that was renamed "Windansea" Hotel in 1919 after the owner Arthur Snell ran a "naming contest". The Windansea Hotel which was located on Neptune Avenue between Playa del Sur and Playa del Norte burned down in 1943. The distinguishing landmark at Windansea is a palm-covered shack that was originally constructed in 1946 by Woody Ekstrom, Fred Kenyon and Don Okey. "The Surf Shack at Windansea Beach" was designated as an historical landmark by the San Diego Historical Resources Board on May 27, 1998. The shack was struck down by large waves during a high tide on December 24, 2015 but rebuilt by locals in June 2016.

Bioluminescent Tide In San Diego.

Some more shots of the epic and psychedelic red tide that I've photographed on the coast of San Diego County the past few days. The red tide is named for the rusty red color it makes the water in the daytime. This is one of the best instances of bioluminescence I've experienced in San Diego since 2011. Shot with a Canon EOS R mirrorless camera. Red tides, which often contain harmful algal blooms (HABs), are caused by chemical reactions that occur between algae and other substances. Red by day, blue by night, this colorful ocean phenomenon is a relatively rare natural occurrence that has spawned a number of imitations in movies and literature, the most recent example being a rather striking scene in the visually-driven movie Life of Pi. Bioluminescent algae blooms (like the ever-popular dinoflagellate marine algae called Sea Sparkle) are most frequently observed away from shorelines. Though beautiful in the dead of night, during the day these blooming phytoplankton are less than stunning. They often turn ocean water red and murky, and emit a distasteful smell of decay that comes from the algae starving the water of oxygen.

Bioluminescent Tide In San Diego.

Some more shots of the epic and psychedelic red tide that I've photographed on the coast of San Diego County the past few days. The red tide is named for the rusty red color it makes the water in the daytime. This is one of the best instances of bioluminescence I've experienced in San Diego since 2011. Shot with a Canon EOS R mirrorless camera. Red tides, which often contain harmful algal blooms (HABs), are caused by chemical reactions that occur between algae and other substances. Red by day, blue by night, this colorful ocean phenomenon is a relatively rare natural occurrence that has spawned a number of imitations in movies and literature, the most recent example being a rather striking scene in the visually-driven movie Life of Pi. Bioluminescent algae blooms (like the ever-popular dinoflagellate marine algae called Sea Sparkle) are most frequently observed away from shorelines. Though beautiful in the dead of night, during the day these blooming phytoplankton are less than stunning. They often turn ocean water red and murky, and emit a distasteful smell of decay that comes from the algae starving the water of oxygen.

Bioluminescent Tide In San Diego.

Some more shots of the epic and psychedelic red tide that I've photographed on the coast of San Diego County the past few days. The red tide is named for the rusty red color it makes the water in the daytime. This is one of the best instances of bioluminescence I've experienced in San Diego since 2011. Shot with a Canon EOS R mirrorless camera. Red tides, which often contain harmful algal blooms (HABs), are caused by chemical reactions that occur between algae and other substances. Red by day, blue by night, this colorful ocean phenomenon is a relatively rare natural occurrence that has spawned a number of imitations in movies and literature, the most recent example being a rather striking scene in the visually-driven movie Life of Pi. Bioluminescent algae blooms (like the ever-popular dinoflagellate marine algae called Sea Sparkle) are most frequently observed away from shorelines. Though beautiful in the dead of night, during the day these blooming phytoplankton are less than stunning. They often turn ocean water red and murky, and emit a distasteful smell of decay that comes from the algae starving the water of oxygen.

Bioluminescent Tide In San Diego.

Some more shots of the epic and psychedelic red tide that I've photographed on the coast of San Diego County the past few days. The red tide is named for the rusty red color it makes the water in the daytime. This is one of the best instances of bioluminescence I've experienced in San Diego since 2011. Shot with a Canon EOS R mirrorless camera. Red tides, which often contain harmful algal blooms (HABs), are caused by chemical reactions that occur between algae and other substances. Red by day, blue by night, this colorful ocean phenomenon is a relatively rare natural occurrence that has spawned a number of imitations in movies and literature, the most recent example being a rather striking scene in the visually-driven movie Life of Pi. Bioluminescent algae blooms (like the ever-popular dinoflagellate marine algae called Sea Sparkle) are most frequently observed away from shorelines. Though beautiful in the dead of night, during the day these blooming phytoplankton are less than stunning. They often turn ocean water red and murky, and emit a distasteful smell of decay that comes from the algae starving the water of oxygen.

Glow Rock: Bioluminescent Tide in La Jolla

The amazing red tide (named for the rusty red color it makes the water in the daytime) creates a vibrant psychedelic blue glow as a wave splashes over a rock on the night of April 29, 2020. This is one of the best instances of bioluminescence I've experienced in San Diego since 2011. Shot with a Canon EOS R and Canon 50mm f/1.8 lens north of Windansea Beach. Red tides, which often contain harmful algal blooms (HABs), are caused by chemical reactions that occur between algae and other substances. Red by day, blue by night, this colorful ocean phenomenon is a relatively rare natural occurrence that has spawned a number of imitations in movies and literature, the most recent example being a rather striking scene in the visually-driven movie Life of Pi. Bioluminescent algae blooms (like the ever-popular dinoflagellate marine algae called Sea Sparkle) are most frequently observed away from shorelines. Though beautiful in the dead of night, during the day these blooming phytoplankton are less than stunning. They often turn ocean water red and murky, and emit a distasteful smell of decay that comes from the algae starving the water of oxygen.

Bioluminescent Tide at Scripps Pier

The amazing red tide (named for the rusty red color it makes the water in the daytime) creates a vibrant blue glow in the wave near Scripps Pier on the night of April 27, 2020. This is one of the best instances of bioluminescence I've experienced in San Diego since 2011. Red tides, which often contain harmful algal blooms (HABs), are caused by chemical reactions that occur between algae and other substances. Red by day, blue by night, this colorful ocean phenomenon is a relatively rare natural occurrence that has spawned a number of imitations in movies and literature, the most recent example being a rather striking scene in the visually-driven movie Life of Pi. Bioluminescent algae blooms (like the ever-popular dinoflagellate marine algae called Sea Sparkle) are most frequently observed away from shorelines. Though beautiful in the dead of night, during the day these blooming phytoplankton are less than stunning. They often turn ocean water red and murky, and emit a distasteful smell of decay that comes from the algae starving the water of oxygen.

May 2018 Red Tide in San Diego County

This is a single exposure shot along the coast in Solana Beach, California on May 11, 2018. Lights from Encinitas can be seen in the distance to the right. A red tide caused the nighttime surf to light up in a striking blue color along parts of the Southern California coast. This phenomenon was caused by an algae bloom called bioluminescent phytoplankton and could be seen from from San Diego to Encinitas the week of 5/7/2018.

May 2018 Red Tide in San Diego County

This is a single exposure shot along the coast in Solana Beach, California on May 11, 2018. Lights from Encinitas can be seen in the distance to the right. A red tide caused the nighttime surf to light up in a striking blue color along parts of the Southern California coast. This phenomenon was caused by an algae bloom called bioluminescent phytoplankton and could be seen from from San Diego to Encinitas the week of 5/7/2018.

Red Tide At Night

This is a single exposure shot at South Ponto Beach in Encinitas, California on May 11, 2018. Lights from the Oceanside Pier can be seen in the distance to the left. A red tide caused the nighttime surf to light up in a striking blue color along parts of the Southern California coast. This phenomenon was caused by an algae bloom called bioluminescent phytoplankton and could be seen from from San Diego to Encinitas the week of 5/7/2018.

Red Tide At Night

This is a single exposure shot at South Ponto Beach in Encinitas, California on May 11, 2018. Lights from the Oceanside Pier can be seen in the distance to the left. A red tide caused the nighttime surf to light up in a striking blue color along parts of the Southern California coast. This phenomenon was caused by an algae bloom called bioluminescent phytoplankton and could be seen from from San Diego to Encinitas the week of 5/7/2018.