Thousands of Oman residents flocked to beaches around Muscat’s Bandar Al Khairan over the weekend to witness the mesmerising bioluminescent shores, lovingly dubbed ‘the sea’s blue tears’.
Social media videos show the fascinating phenomenon lighting up the shore in a pale neon colour as waves roll in and crash against the sand.
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Bioluminescence is caused by the dinoflagellate species Noctiluca scintillans. This organism produces light when agitated by movement.
Marine expert Dr. Khalid bin Abdullah al Hashmi told Oman Observer that the microscopic phytoplankton is a natural part of Oman's marine ecosystem. Its seasonal blooms occur twice a year, around September to October and again in January to February, when cooler waters and nutrient-rich conditions create the perfect environment for it to thrive.
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