"Beachgoers in Melbourne have been treated to the cosmic and magical sight of bioluminescent algae off St Kilda beach this week. Richard Pensak, a marine biologist at local environment group Earthcare St Kilda, spotted the bright pink-coloured cloud in the water on Sunday, and immediately knew what it was. When he returned to the water after dark, crowds had already gathered to see the really pretty and sparkly spectacle."
"The natural phenomenon, known as sea sparkles or red tide is caused by an algae called noctiluca scintillans: beautiful to look at but potentially irritating to fish due to high levels of ammonia and reduced oxygen levels in the water. Bioluminescent algae off St Kilda beach Pensak described seeing the effect first-hand as a bucket list item, while acknowledging its flipside that the algae's expanded range is associated with rising ocean temperatures."
Bioluminescent algae appeared off St Kilda beach, creating bright pink and iridescent blue displays that drew crowds at night. Marine biologist Richard Pensak identified the bloom of noctiluca scintillans after spotting a pink-coloured cloud in the water. The phenomenon, also called sea sparkles or red tide, produces shimmering blue light but can irritate fish because of elevated ammonia and reduced oxygen. Observers described the effect as cosmic and magical, with rhythmic trails of light on the water surface. The algae's expanded range has been linked to rising ocean temperatures. Similar sightings have been reported in Sydney and Bali but were rare for Melbourne.
Read at www.theguardian.com
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