Tourists bask in blue glow of firefly squid
Toyama Bay is the habitat of the world-famous glowing firefly squid, which surface in large numbers every spring in a phenomenon that has been designated a special natural monument. Peak firefly squid season means big catches for fishermen and brisk business for sightseeing boats that provide close-up views of the magical action.
Early in the morning, after 3 AM, sightseeing boats depart the Namerikawa fishing port (Namerikawa is also home to the world’s only museum dedicated to the firefly squid) in Toyama prefecture, making a short journey to fixed nets located about 1 to 2 km offshore. As the fishermen haul in their nets, the light emitted by the firefly squid causes the sea surface to glow a cobalt blue, evoking squeals of delight from the tourists.
Toyama Bay’s firefly squid fishing season opened on March 1 and is expected to continue until the end of June. Sightseeing boats are scheduled to run until May 7.
[Source: Yomiuri Shimbun, Asahi Shimbun]
mmmmm. calamari.
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This reminds me of my childhoold days in Brazil, fishing my father and friends. One night, around 3am, in a pier, I went down to the water to wash my hands and quickly removed the hand from the water when I noticed a strong blue/greenish glow. I then “disturbed” the water with a stick and the water brightened again for a few seconds. I was told those are algae or something similar, which emit light once you “touch” then. The effect is striking and beautiful.
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Totally interesting. Thanks
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I’ve seen this in Shimizu, Shizuoka in Japan! I had no idea what it was at the time, but it was the most amazing thing I have ever seen. It is unreal how the entire ocean seemed to glow with every wave. I wish everyone could see this in person.
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I love tourist traps!
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I worked at a summer camp on an island outside of Seattle. One summer night after a bright, sunny day, the clouds rolled in and rain fell hard from the sky. Down on the piers, each raindrop that hit the water made a lighted ringlet ripple – one of the most beautiful things I’ve ever seen!
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Stop the insanity !!!! Save the Firefly shrimp. Oh the cruelty.
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I was thinking about you talking about how fireflies get their light. This is for my science project. I wounder how fireflies get their light. Can you please explain to me , i really need to. This is really important. Can you e-mail me. Thanks.
Love,
Winnie
P.S. I’m only eight going up to nine!
P.S.S. I’m in third grade now and i think this how fireflies get their light thing is just right for me.
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Tasty?
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