From a distance, it appears as though a bottle of indigo ink has broken and spilled over. Get a little closer and your eyes would make you believe it&rsquos a jellyfish. Neither being the case. The Portuguese Man o&rsquo War, more commonly known as Blue Bottle is among one of many such wondrous creatures of the sea that washes on the shores of Mumbai. The creature is a &lsquosiphonophore&rsquo made up of long thread-like tentacles and a float resembling a transparent balloon. Walk a little more along the line of the beach and you will notice small red crabs scurrying away as you kick rocks over with your steps.
Walking along the shores of Juhu beach you will come across strange colours and creatures, if only you pay attention. Spotting these fascinating creatures makes you marvel over the incredible treasures the sea hides. But where should one start when it comes to learning more about the mystery of marine life
&ldquoThe best way is to probably go visit creatures in their natural environment. So for intertidal life, go for shore explorations, join groups and communities that make it a point to share knowledge, and pick up books about Indian marine systems.&rdquo Author and editor, Sejal Mehta explains. Her book- Superpowers on the Shore explores the marine ecosystem with pop culture references and science communication.
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Coastal Conservation Foundation, a non-profit focussed on marine conservation based in Mumbai, has its own open, community-driven projects that organises shore walks on the beaches of Mumbai and Goa to raise awareness and explore the coastal biodiversity of the regions. A wealth of species abound the intertidal zone- the land that comes up during low tide and is submerged during high tide. &ldquoThe first time I went to one of these walks I was spell-bound I never knew it was so easy to come across such organisms&rdquo says Sonali, a student who discovered Marine Life of Mumbai through a Instagram and now participates in their shore walks whenever she gets time.
Besides the whimsy and vibrant sea urchins, hermit crabs, and corals, another stunning phenomenon of the sea that you can experience is Bioluminescence. The following are some of the beaches in the country where you can experience this spectacle.
Betalbatim Beach Goa
Betalbatim beach, stretched between Colva Beach and Majorda Beach in Goa is another one in the list of glowing beaches. The best time to spot the shimmering phytoplankton responsible for the electric blue waters is during the winter months.
Havelok Beach, Andaman Islands
November to January is the best time to visit this gorgeous beach in the Andaman Islands. Book a hotel near the beach so you can easily reach it as the sun goes down to witness the brilliantly lit waves that wash the shores.
Bhangaram Beach, Lakshadweep
This secluded beach in the Lakshadweep with its serene waters and unassuming charm is only matched by the glowing algae and jellyfish found there.
Juhu Beach, Mumbai
The first instance of spotting this phenomenon in Mumbai&rsquos most popular beach was in 2016. Few days in a year you will be met by the beautiful waters glowing blue in Juhu as you walk along the coast.
With the world still recovering from the aftermath of the pandemic and an environmental crisis threatening to topple how we lead our lives, it is also important to give back in the same vein as we take from nature. &ldquoThe best thing to do is know about them, visit them, but cause as little harm as possible. Observe how they use this in-between space, the intertidal zone, and learn through that observation what ails them, what strengthens them.&rdquo Mehta adds.
