- Bright Pink Cloud by Day Turns to Magical Light Show by Night.
- Bioluminescence Triggered by Waves, Swimmers, and Predators.
- Stunning Glow Acts as Natural Defence Mechanism in the Ocean.
A beach in Melbourne, Australia, has been glowing with an “ethereal glow” this week as bioluminescent algae illuminated the nighttime waters and sand in a stunning electric blue, reports CNN Climate, reports CNN Climate.
Discovery at St. Kilda Beach
Richard Pensak was the first to notice the algae, Nocticula scintillans, commonly known as “sea sparkle”, on Sunday morning at St. Kilda Beach, which is just 4 miles from downtown Melbourne.
Day vs. Night Transformation
During the day, the algae look like a “bright pinkish-orange cloud,” according to Pensak, a marine ecologist and coordinator at Earthcare St Kilda. But at night, they put on a “stunning light display”, giving the beach a “magical, ethereal glow,” he shared with CNN.
Spread and Cause of the Glow
Pensak mentioned that there have been reports of the algae spreading along Melbourne’s north-western coast. The glow is caused by a chemical reaction that occurs when the algae are disturbed, whether by predators, waves, or swimmers. “It’s likely a defence mechanism,” Pensak explained, noting that the light can either startle predators or attract larger ones that feed on the algae.
Risks to Marine Life
While the algae aren’t toxic to humans, they can pose a threat to fish due to high ammonia levels and decreased oxygen. Similar blooms off the coast of India have previously been linked to declines in fisheries.
Climate Change Connection
Pensak pointed out that these blooms have become more common and longer-lasting since the 1990s. “As the water heats up, ocean layers mix less, which in turn makes it harder for nutrients to mix properly, creating conditions that favour the algae,” he said. “It can be a sign of an unhealthy ocean.”
Public Fascination
Despite the potential risks to marine ecosystems, the glow has captured the public’s imagination.“Being a city beach, we often don’t get to see phenomena like this,” Pensak noted, adding that hundreds of people have come to St. Kilda to experience the spectacle.
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Source: CNN Climate
