Surfers ride glowing bioluminescent waves off California coast - VIDEO

Wednesday, April 29, 2020
SAN CLEMENTE, Calif. -- Surfers were seen catching glowing bioluminescent waves off the California coast.

VIDEO: Rare bioluminescent waves turn ocean neon blue on California beach

ABC7 photojournalist Darryl Kim captured a stunning scene as surfers rode bright blue waves off the Southern California coast Tuesday evening.

Surfers were also seen gliding along the fluorescent waves in the San Diego area.

The neon blue appearance is usually caused by algae in the water.

Last week, a group of glowing dolphins was captured on video lighting up the waters of Newport Beach. Patrick Coyne captured the footage of the pod of dolphins in the bioluminescent waves and the video was also uploaded by Newport Coastal Adventure to its Facebook page.
Dolphins glow as they glide through bioluminescent waves in Newport Beach - VIDEO

Bioluminescent phytoplankton give the surf an electric blue glow, according to National Geographic. Some dinoflagellates -- single-celled planktonic creatures -- can produce toxins that are harmful to fish, humans and other creatures.

Scientists believe bioluminescence may also be a form of defense for the life-forms.

RELATED: What is bioluminescence? Expert explains phenomenon seen on SoCal beach


MORE: Rare bioluminescent waves captured on camera in spectacular sighting in Newport Beach
Rare bioluminescent waves captured on camera in spectacular sighting in Newport Beach
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