The bioluminescent bay in Vieques, Puerto Rico, has lost its glow due to a decline in bioluminescence since July, with no 'Pyrodinium bahamense var. bahamense' found in the last week of September. Biologist Airamzul Cabral Guadalupe, in charge of monitoring the bay’s plancton for the Vieques Conservation and History Trust, explained that this is not unprecedented and they are investigating the cause.
The 'Pyrodinium bahamense var. bahamense' is the main organism responsible for the bay’s bioluminescence. This week, experts identified the presence of this dinoflagellate in the bay’s waters, but in low quantities. A general decrease in all plancton in the bay has also been registered.
The situation has sparked discussion among residents and tourists, with some visitors still choosing to visit the bay despite the lack of bioluminescence. Cabral Guadalupe noted that it is common for plancton populations to decrease during this time of year, but the current drought and lack of hurricane activity in the Atlantic are unusual factors.
The Trust is monitoring the situation and collecting data to determine the cause of the decline.