Tasmania’s south-east coast ‘glows’ with bioluminescent algae, pointing to imbalance in marine ecosystem
From ABC News (1/1/25)…
Tasmania’s south-east coast ‘glows’ with bioluminescent algae, pointing to imbalance in marine ecosystem
Seemingly out of nowhere, patches of Tasmania’s south-east coastline have become streaked with red trails.
The region is a hotspot for Noctiluca scintillans — a type of bioluminescent algae that appears red in the day and glows an extraordinary blue at night — which is experiencing its biggest “bloom” in almost a decade.
It’s a beautiful natural occurrence, but biologist and jellyfish expert Dr Lisa-ann Gershwin says it is also an environmental red flag.
The algae, seen off the coast of Bruny Island. (Supplied: Mike Santek)
Seemingly out of nowhere, patches of Tasmania’s south-east coastline have become streaked with red trails.
The region is a hotspot for Noctiluca scintillans — a type of bioluminescent algae that appears red in the day and glows an extraordinary blue at night — which is experiencing its biggest “bloom” in almost a decade.
It’s a beautiful natural occurrence, but biologist and jellyfish expert Dr Lisa-ann Gershwin says it is also an environmental red flag.
At night, the algae takes on a vibrant blue “glow”. (Supplied: Deni Cupit Photography)
