Introduction to Fluorescence Diving
Fluorescence Diving is also known as fluo diving or glow diving. The absorption of energy by a material (specified: living tissues or marine organisms of coral reefs and in the critter’s body) and it’s emission with a longer wavelength.
This shouldn’t be confused with phosphorescence, where the energy from light is stored and then re-emitted over a longer time (such as your dive gauge glowing in the dark after you torch it), which is therefore not the same. Fluorescence is NOT the same as bioluminescence too if you know about the phytoplankton glowing in the waves offshore.
Fluorescence in Living Organisms
This phenomenon occurs in both living organisms and minerals, like the crystallized calcium fluoride known as “fluorite” or “fluorspar.” When heated, fluorite creates a “phosphorescent effect,” glowing in the dark. Interestingly, the best wavelength for creating fluorescence matches the wavelength that travels most easily through water, likely an adaptive trait that helps marine creatures adjust to their underwater environment.
Fluorescence in Marine life
Fluorescence is found in many marine creatures, including corals, barnacles, sponges, anemones, jellyfish, clams, nudibranchs, cephalopods, shrimp, crabs, and fish, likely providing them with some advantages. Some studies suggest that fluorescence in corals may act as a natural sunscreen, protecting them from UV rays in shallow waters, while another idea is that corals use fluorescence to convert blue light into wavelengths that help their symbiotic algae photosynthesize, allowing them to thrive in deeper waters. Many fish and marine animals also use fluorescence for camouflage, blending into fluorescing corals, while others use red fluorescence to communicate, changing color to signal, intimidate, or attract mates.
Coral Fluorescence
Coral fluorescence is a useful tool for evaluating reef health. While scientists typically use methods like transect lines or gradient cards to identify coral species, fluorescent torches provide an added layer of insight. Dead corals don’t fluoresce, algae overgrowth shows up as red, and areas of illness or decay are also visible under fluorescence. Studies indicate that stressed corals fluoresce less, especially when exposed to extreme temperatures. Fluorescent light also makes tiny, new coral colonies visible, which are often too small to spot with the naked eye. These fluorescent markers give scientists valuable information about reef health and changes in the ecosystem.
HOW DO YOU DO A FLUORO DIVE?
Earlier divers used UV light to see underwater fluorescence. However, since 1993, blue and ultraviolet LEDs have become available and more affordable. These LEDs are also easier to use and more eco-friendly than the older method of using white light with filters.
However, blue light can be too bright, which makes it hard to see the softer glow of fluorescence. To fix this, divers use a yellow filter on their masks to block the blue light and let only the fluorescent glow through. For underwater photography, divers need to adjust the camera’s light sensitivity and add a yellow filter to the lens or housing, helping to capture fluorescence clearly in low-light conditions.
Marine Organism
There are some considerations in many diving groups that strong UV or blue light torches may damage the coral and marine organisms. In fact, all-night dives raise this threat – any light might disturb marine life, interrupt their behavior, or make them vulnerable to predators during the night dives.
Not that fluoro torch could cause substantive damage underwater – the light spread covered wide and not on one spot and mostly only a few seconds at most on one point. The energy levels from the torches are lower than those from natural UV sunlight.
Night Diving
To try fluorescence diving, it’s helpful to have some night diving experience and a bit of navigation skill, as it can feel disorienting for divers not used to the complete darkness. A strong buddy system is essential for safety. During the dive, we minimize white light from standard torches, using only blue light to illuminate the corals, which enhances the fluorescence effect.
Many marine creatures that are well-camouflaged or nearly transparent during the day will glow in unique colors under blue light, making them easy to spot. For a fluoro dive, you don’t need to go deep—most of the vibrant marine life and beautiful corals can be enjoyed at just 5–10 meters, where the healthiest and most diverse coral life can often be found.
FAQs about Fluorescence Diving
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