Odd Color of Ocean Recently Caused by Rare 'Bloom' of Ocean Plankton

Marine scientists believe that a rare bloom of oceanic phytoplankton is the reason for the turquoise color of the ocean off the Long Island's coastline in recent weeks. The bloom was likely sparked by sustained strong winds in late June that stirred up nutrients usually on the sea floor, feeding an explosion in the numbers of a specific species of plankton that have a chalky calcium exoskeleton and have been known to tint waters a similar color in other areas. CHRIS PAPARO/@FishGuyPhotos

Marine scientists believe that a rare bloom of oceanic phytoplankton is the reason for the turquoise color of the ocean off the Long Island's coastline in recent weeks. On the outgoing tide, the contrast in water color between the ocean and the water coming out of Shinnecock Bay was stark. The bloom was likely sparked by sustained strong winds in late June that stirred up nutrients usually on the sea floor, feeding an explosion in the numbers of a specific species of plankton that have a chalky calcium exoskeleton and have been known to tint waters a similar color in other areas. CHRIS PAPARO/@FishGuyPhotos

Marine scientists believe that a rare bloom of oceanic phytoplankton is the reason for the turquoise color of the ocean off the Long Island's coastline in recent weeks. The bloom was likely sparked by sustained strong winds in late June that stirred up nutrients usually on the sea floor, feeding an explosion in the numbers of a specific species of plankton that have a chalky calcium exoskeleton and have been known to tint waters a similar color in other areas.

Marine scientists believe that a rare bloom of oceanic phytoplankton is the reason for the turquoise color of the ocean off the Long Island's coastline in recent weeks. The bloom was likely sparked by sustained strong winds in late June that stirred up nutrients usually on the sea floor, feeding an explosion in the numbers of a specific species of plankton that have a chalky calcium exoskeleton and have been known to tint waters a similar color in other areas.