First report of marine luminescent bacteria and dinoflagellates from Isla del Coco National Park, Costa Rica.

Researchers have documented the first occurrence of luminescent marine bacteria and dinoflagellates in Cocos Island National Park, Costa Rica. Seven bacterial isolates were identified as Vibrio alginolyticus and V. parahaemolyticus, some exhibiting resistance to ampicillin and hemolytic activity. Additionally, luminescent dinoflagellates from the genera Ornithocercus and Ceratocorys were detected in phytoplankton samples. The study highlights the potential biotechnological significance of these microorganisms, including their role as indicators of harmful algal blooms and secondary metabolite production. Further research is recommended to explore microbial diversity and environmental factors influencing luminescence events.

Rojas-Alfaro, R., Umaña-Castro, R., Rojas-Campos, N., & Vargas-Montero, M. (2020). Primer reporte de bacterias y dinoflagelados marinos luminiscentes del Parque Nacional Isla del Coco, Costa Rica. Revista de Biología Tropical, 68(S1), S213–S224. https://doi.org/10.15517/rbt.v68is1.41182