Methods and Instrumentation for In Situ Quantification and Sampling of Coastal and Deep-Sea Bioluminescent Organisms

Since the first recorded observation of deep-sea bioluminescence by William Beebe and Otis Barton in the 1930s, the quantification of in situ bioluminescence has garnered significant global interest due to its wide-ranging applications across fields such as ecology, industry, biogeochemistry, biomedical research, and bioimaging. However, research in ocean bioluminescence faces several challenges, including the dynamic, patchy behavior of ocean plankton, the limited availability of calibrated detectors, and the diverse taxonomic distribution of bioluminescent organisms. A century ago, bioluminescent phenomena in marine and terrestrial environments remained unquantified due to inadequate equipment. Measuring bioluminescence levels in natural environments is crucial as it provides insights for environmental monitoring and industrial applications. Quantifying photon levels allows for the analysis of bioluminescence events over time, assisting in assessing ecosystem health and informing conservation efforts. Nonetheless, in situ measurements are challenging due to the quick movement of organisms, complicating the accurate capture of their bioluminescent potential. This review summarizes past and present knowledge regarding systems used for in situ bioluminescence quantification, providing practical guidance for their application. Rather than evaluating the success of various methods, it highlights the limitations imposed by outdated equipment and inconsistent data formats. Additionally, the review compares different instruments for measuring in situ bioluminescence, aiming to inform future advancements in the field.