Beyond The Visible: Underwater Fluorescence In The Red Sea

Dive with us into the mysterious depths of the Red Sea, where marine beauty takes on a fascinating dimension through the underwater fluorescence of corals.

By Lauriane Guérin / edited by Damien LAFON

*Tubastrea micranthus (Tubastrea micranthus) Marsa Nakari Egypt*

Introduction

This exploration transcends the limits of human vision, revealing unexpected colors and extraordinary biological phenomena. Welcome to Marsa Nakari, an intimate village nestled between the calm of the desert and the hidden treasures of the sea, where an unforgettable underwater adventure awaits you.

Marsa Nakari: A must-visit for sea lovers

Located 18 km south of Marsa Alam, Egypt, Marsa Nakari is a village bordering a sheltered bay. This peaceful spot is ideal for divers and photographers passionate about marine life. With its reef accessible directly from the shore, simply don your fins and mask to be amazed by the aquatic spectacle. Diving can also be done by departing and/or returning in a zodiac, offering varied perspectives. RedSea Safari offers daily excursions, including visits to the protected Samadai Reef (Dolphin House) and the Wadi el Gemal National Park.

The biodiversity of Marsa Nakari’s reefs

The coral reefs of Marsa Nakari are home to rich biodiversity. Corals, marine organisms belonging to the animal kingdom, live in symbiosis with algae called zooxanthellae, which provide the necessary nutrients for their growth. The pigments produced by these algae, as well as those of the corals themselves, create a palette of colors ranging from soft pinks and blues to vivid reds and oranges. The corals also host an impressive variety of marine species, including fish, mollusks, and crustaceans, contributing to the ecosystem’s complexity and vitality.

The nocturnal magic of fluorescence: Understanding the phenomenon

At nightfall, corals reveal their hidden splendor through fluorescence. Certain species of corals possess fluorescent proteins, such as Green Fluorescent Protein (GFP), allowing them to emit bright colors under specific wavelengths of light. Fluorescence is a physical phenomenon where certain bodies transform incident light into one or more other colors. Unlike phosphorescence, this phenomenon ceases as soon as the light source disappears. To capture these phenomena in photography, Lauriane Guérin uses blue lights with a wavelength above 400 nm and a yellow filter on the camera lens. This filter approximately eliminates the blue wavelength, allowing one to see “Beyond the Visible.” The light emitted by the fluorescent proteins can be so intense and varied in color that they create a unique visual spectacle, transforming the reefs into magical landscapes.

The challenges facing coral reefs

Unfortunately, coral reefs worldwide are in peril. Coral bleaching, a process of deterioration, results from the expulsion of zooxanthellae or the loss of pigmentation of these algae. Rising water temperatures, pollution, and ocean acidification are major environmental factors threatening coral health. The reefs of Marsa Nakari are no exception and are also subject to these pressures. It is crucial to understand these challenges to better overcome them and protect these precious ecosystems.

Protecting coral reefs

Protecting coral reefs involves several essential measures. Reducing greenhouse gas emissions to limit global warming is paramount. Additionally, establishing marine protected areas can reduce the impact of intensive fishing and destructive human activities. Public awareness of the fragility of reefs and their ecological importance can also contribute to more environmentally friendly behaviors.

Local initiatives, like those of the DeepLife association, aim to highlight marine and coastal ecosystems through various activities such as photography, cinema, media content, awareness and training actions, and citizen science. The association’s goal is to disseminate knowledge about the marine world and make it accessible to the widest audience. The theme of underwater fluorescence is particularly developed here.

Conclusion

At Marsa Nakari, the Red Sea reveals much more than its usual emerald waters. Thanks to underwater fluorescence, a colorful universe unfolds for curious divers and passionate photographers. Despite environmental challenges, these reefs continue to amaze and inspire, reminding us of the importance of their protection. Diving at Marsa Nakari means discovering a symphony of colors, a hidden beauty that transcends the visible and connects us to the magic of the marine depths.

For more information on fluorescence and underwater photography, visit the www.laurianeguerin.com.