Algae and lots of small animals colors the North sea, red and blue

Right now is parts of the North sea, coloured red, while the night-time bright blue.

The unusual color change is believed to be due to the algae and large populations of a small animal. It informs the environmental protection Agency in a press release.

The little animal with the Latin name noctiluca scintillans is probably come to the North sea in order to enjoy the benefits of the so-called diatoms. In latin-known algae such as guinardia flaccida.

- Noctiluca scintillans feed on algae, and masseforekomster can be occurred, because the noctiluca has benefited from kiselalgen, says biologist Helene Munk Sørensen in press release.

According to the environmental protection Agency, the massive bodies of the small animals that currently colors the water of the North sea red.

The bluish color, as the water can get at night, is also due to the small animals. When the animal becomes stressed, emits it, namely, in the brief glimpse of blue light.

This typically happens if, for example, thrown stones in the water, or swimming, or sailing through the water.

wrought by the blue light is called phosphorescence.

- Masseforekomsterne along the west Coast can be a great opportunity to experience the phosphorescence, which can provide stunning lysoplevelser, when it is dark.

- It is not known with certainty, why noctiluca scintillans emits blue flash of light, but there are theories that it is a form of defense mechanism, " says Helene Munk Sørensen.

Both the animal and the algae are usually found in the North sea in the summer, and recent years have several times observed masseforekomster of the animal in Danish waters.

Neither the animal or the algae produce toxins, and therefore citizens are not discouraged to bathe in the water.

the environmental protection Agency, however, recommend that you only bathe if you can see the bottom when standing in water to his knees.