Bioluminescent organisms illuminate shores of Capiz beach

The shoreline of a beach in Roxas City, Capiz enchanted a passerby when it strangely, yet beautifully, illuminated.

Shayne Lee said that the waters amazingly glimmered in a glowy blue color.

According to Kuya Kim's report on "24 Oras," Thursday, the illuminated waters were caused by organisms.

These organisms emit a light called bioluminescence, which is generated through a chemical reaction.

This light is a cold light, which means less than 20% of this light generates thermal energy or heat.

Two chemicals, luciferin and luciferase, must be present in an organism for them to produce bioluminescent light.

"Bioluminescence serves various purposes. It acts as a defense mechanism. It is used for attracting mates or also for luring prey. It could also be used to communicate with other organisms," said marine biologist Mylene Sadagnot.

Most bioluminescent organisms are found in our oceans, including fish, bacteria, and jellies.

According to the expert, the ones on the Roxas City beach were not limited to algae.

"There is a lot of organisms, so unless you're going to take that particular water sample and really identify the main cause," she said. "But the most common one that produce bioluminescence are often produced by planktonic dinoflagellates. These are single-celled organisms that are called protists."

—Carby Basina/MGP, GMA Integrated News