Again!!!!!!!!!!!

[joea]

Doesn't foam glow sometimes at sea?

http://www.nswseakayaker.asn.au/mag/...inescence.html

BIOLUMINESCENCE AND HUMANS

There are many interesting examples of the interaction between humans and bioluminescent organisms. Cages of fireflies are used a lights in some traditional communities. Japanese troops rubbed a dried extract from bioluminescent starfish on their fingers to help them read maps at night. The ability of bioluminescent plankton to give away the position of submarines and warships is being studied by the US and Royal Navies. Studies have found that even very low concentrations of bioluminescent plankton can ‘paint’ a submarine with enough light to be detectable by satellites. Interestingly the last German U boat sunk during World War I was because bioluminescent plankton enabled the non-sonar equipped corvette to accurately track and depth charge it. Scientists are looking at using bioluminescent plankton to detect heavy metal pollution in the environment (generically called ‘bio-indicators’). Despite these applications of the science of bioluminescence, the sight of sparks flying from your paddles or glowing trails across are something to be beholden. I hope you can now further observe and appreciate the complexity of these fascinating creatures.