KUANTAN, July 22 — A bioluminescent “blue tears” phenomenon illuminating the sea at Tembeling Beach here at night has drawn crowds after videos and images of the spectacle went viral on social media.
A Bernama check found the beach has attracted a steady stream of visitors over the past few days, with people of all ages seizing the opportunity to witness the rare display and capture photographs and videos.
The phenomenon is characterised by bioluminescence, a natural process in which certain marine organisms emit light through biochemical reactions.
Assoc Prof Dr Nina Suhaity Azmi, a biotechnology and biochemistry expert, said the phenomenon generally occurs when there is a temporary increase in the population of light-producing marine organisms, particularly dinoflagellates.
The lecturer at the Faculty of Industrial Sciences and Technology, Universiti Malaysia Pahang Al-Sultan Abdullah (UMPSA), said the occurrence is typically influenced by a combination of factors, including water temperature, nutrient levels, ocean currents, tides and the overall stability of the marine environment.
“Various marine organisms and microbes are capable of producing their own light. Marine microorganisms known as dinoflagellates, a type of microscopic phytoplankton, are most commonly associated with bioluminescence,” she told Bernama.
However, she said the exact species responsible for the phenomenon can only be identified through scientific methods, including seawater sampling and laboratory analysis.
Nina said similar occurrences have previously been reported in several parts of Malaysia, including Kuala Selangor in Selangor, Pangkor Island in Perak, Langkawi Island in Kedah and several islands off the east coast of Peninsular Malaysia.
She noted that the phenomenon is not a permanent feature and that its appearance largely depends on prevailing environmental conditions.
“Different locations may involve different species because plankton communities are influenced by local conditions such as temperature, currents, nutrient availability and other oceanographic factors,” she said.
Nina explained that when dense populations of these organisms are disturbed by waves, splashing water or movement in the sea, they emit a bluish-green glow through a reaction involving the compound luciferin and the enzyme luciferase.
“The light is not caused by moonlight reflection or pollution, but by a natural biological process. From an evolutionary perspective, the light emission is believed to serve as a defence mechanism against predators,” she said.
According to Nina, bioluminescence is an important natural light source in marine ecosystems, particularly in the deep sea where little or no sunlight penetrates. The glow is also more visible on moonless nights.
“Calm seas and favourable weather increase the likelihood of observing the phenomenon. However, based on current observations, there is no specific season that guarantees its appearance,” she said.
Nina also stressed that bioluminescence generally poses no danger to humans as the light is produced solely through biological reactions within the organisms.
“However, the public should understand that bioluminescence is not the same as a harmful algal bloom. Not all light-producing organisms release toxins, and not all algal blooms produce light.
“The presence of blue light in the sea should not be regarded as the sole indicator that the water is either safe or hazardous. If unusual changes occur, such as fish deaths, significant water discolouration or abnormal odours, further investigation should be carried out,” she added.
