Bioluminescence and Biodiversity: Insights From La Parguera’s Marine Ecosystem

La Parguera in n Puerto Rico, corals, seagrass, and mangroves paint a colorful Caribbean scene by day, while the waters of a rare bioluminescent bay glow blue at night.

Surfers may know the beaches in Puerto Rico’s north and northwest for their big swells and enticing breaks. But the vibe is different around the corner, along the island’s southwest coast. This spot tends to stay more protected from waves generated by trade winds and North Atlantic storms. Here, on a relatively broad, shallow shelf, the coral reefs at La Parguera are some of the most robust in Puerto Rico.

Coral Reefs and Mangroves
A group of fringing and patch reefs runs parallel to the shore. Mangrove trees, which appear dark green, line the coast and dot some of the coral islands. Seagrass beds extend offshore from the mangroves and on the lee side of linear reefs. Signs of these tropical marine ecosystems are visible in this image, acquired by the OLI (Operational Land Imager) on Landsat 8 on May 15, 2024.