Seeing reddish brown waters off the coast of Long Beach? It’s a red tide, oceanographers say

by Stephanie Rivera Apr 26, 2020

California is experiencing a red tide, according to Scripps Institution of Oceanography.

There may be over two dozen oil tankers floating off the coast of Long Beach and Los Angeles, but they aren’t responsible for the reddish brown water you may be seeing right now.

Scientists noted last week that California is experiencing a red tide, a phenomenon caused by the blooming of Lingulodinium polyedra plankton.

It’s the same microorganism known for the bright blue bioluminescent light they emit when disturbed, according to Scripps Institution of Oceanography.

Hello! The Southern California coast is currently experiencing red tide, you can read about it here: https://t.co/6szaUvDv5g

— City of Long Beach (@LongBeachCity) April 25, 2020