Here’s Why the Water Looks Brown in Pacific Beach Lately
The ocean water might look brown at Pacific Beach lately, but oceanographers in La Jolla say that there’s no reason to worry about the mud-colored sea.
According to CBS 8 San Diego, many local residents along the San Diego coastline have been expressing concern about the muddy color of the water lately. However, researchers at the Scripps Institution of Oceanography have noted that the brownish water is just the result of a red tide.
According to Scripps scientist Clarissa Anderson, the muddy water in Pacific Beach is being caused by an accumulation of plankton in the water. Interestingly enough, it’s exactly the same kind of plankton that causes bioluminescence in San Diego.
However, Anderson notes that you aren’t likely to see glowing blue waves when the night falls this time around because “it’s already dying off … and not even glowing at night.”
Despite the fact that the brown water in Pacific Beach looks less than appealing, Anderson told CBS 8 that it’s completely safe. The algae in the water is just like the kelp that people can see in the ocean, and while those with allergies or sensitivities may want to avoid the water, others can wade, swim, or surf in it just fine.
Interestingly enough, the researcher also said that the red tide may also be one of the reasons why a shark attack happened earlier this month. She explained that the red tide can hamper visibility for sharks swimming in coastal waters, disrupting their ability to distinguish a human from prey.
According to Anderson, there was a strong red tide event in Del Mar around the time of the shark attack there.
Mike Peterson is a writer, editor, and strategist based in San Diego. When he’s not writing and editing the La Jolla news, you can often find him practicing yoga, rock climbing, or exploring the outdoors with his wife and dog.
