Tarasov also comments on the luminous wakes of torpedoes, which allowed their detection by Russian seamen. Passive detection of objects is not the Navy's only interest in bioluminescence. This provides a quick, inexpensive environmental monitoring tool. On a larger scale, with sufficient background measurements, bioluminescence could be used as a flag indicator to monitor the health of a body of water. The key to determining the usefulness of bioluminescence for either military or scientific pursuits is to monitor both the spatial and temporal variability of the phenomenon.
Bioluminescence is ubiquitous in the marine environment.
This indicates that it may play a significant role in the oceans, and a thorough understanding of the phenomenon could provide greater insight into this complex system. Few scientists routinely measure bioluminescence at sea. As a result, little information is available on the spatial and temporal distribution of bioluminescence or its correlation with other environmental conditions. Laboratory Branch has developed a comprehensive program to routinely monitor bioluminescence activity and other environmental parameters for correlative purposes. The mix of theoretical and applied expertise, from concept to equipment transition, has produced reliable, versatile, and calibrated photometers to measure bioluminescence in the sea on a routine basis.