because of massive blooms of linninescent and nonluminescent dino- 

 flagellates. Miirphy (1926) refers to an observer who noted diiring an 

 "El Nino" disaster some years before that "after dark the sea broke out 

 in phosphorescent lightings all along the coast^" and during the day 

 "the water was covered with blood-like patches many acres in extent." 



One interesting report indicating a formation much like those ob- 

 served in the south Okhotsk Sea and southeast Asian waters was made by 

 Captain R. B. Bryant of the SS CURZCO sailing from Iq.uiq.ue, Chile to 

 Tocopilla., Chile in September 196O. He noted "very marked phosphor- 

 escence in the form of lines which appeared to be spinning around in 

 circular movement until dispersed by breaking waves." This appears to 

 be a form of "phosphorescent wheel." 



In the South Pacific north of 60°S over twice as many displays 

 (about 69^) occur from September through January than during the rest 

 of the year. Most of the displays in this region are glowing-ball type, 

 usually produced by masses of salps, medusae, or Pyrosoma . A December 

 report noted "globules of phosphorescent matter that would brighten 

 momentarily when disturbed by the ship and cause sufficient light to 

 illiiminate an area of the sea surface about 8 feet in diajneter." It 

 also was observed that the breaking of waves some distance from the ship 

 was sufficient to cause the same reaction. Shoals of bright red 

 euphausiids often are noted in the southern regions of this area. The 

 shoals luminesce at night and cause a scintillating blue light, which 

 is q_uite striking to observers. 



Bioluminescence probably occurs extensively throughout the year in 

 ocean waters near the various island groups of the South Pacific. 

 Although available data are inadequate, displays most likely occur with 

 equal frequency throughout the year. 



One interesting phenomenon may be mentioned. In the Samoan Islands 

 the palolo worm swarms on the surface of the sea after dark in October 

 and November. This swarming takes place near coral reefs, and the water 

 is filled with vast numbers of threadlike worms which give out a pale- 

 green "phosphorescent light." 



WESTERN SOUTH PACIFIC AND EASTERN INDIAN OCEANS (FIGURE 6) 



The percentages of total observations to the north of the Tropic of 

 Capricorn for three-month periods are as follows: 



January through March l6fo 



April through June 2^'fo 



July through September 39^ 



October through December 20fo 



31 



