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Large scale bioluminescent phenomena in the ocean Peter J. Herring* Southampton Oceanography Centre, Empress Dock, Southampton SO14 3ZH, UK      *(pjhe@soc.soton.ac.uk) Bioluminescent organisms occur throughout the whole volume of the world's oceans, but most observations of bioluminescence (or, incorrectly, "phosphorescence") of the sea concern the surface. Many observations of marine bioluminescence cover very large areas and have very dramatic appearances. "Red tides", "Milky seas" and "Phosphorescent wheels" are all examples of these phenomena, but the identities of the organisms involved and the stimuli which initiate the displays are not always fully understood. Possible interpretations of the phenomena are assessed in the context of eyewitness reports, the geographical distribution of particular phenomena, and knowledge of the biology of some of the organisms believed to be involved. It is concluded that while behavioural responses of animals, local hydrographic features and optical illusions may all be involved in particular observations, there remains a core of phenomena for which there is still no fully adequate explanation. [Talk: herring.peterj.86901]

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