Algae turns Australian beaches bright neon blue

A bloom of bright blue bioluminescent algae blistered beaches on the northwest coast of Tasmania.

Bioluminescent phytoplankton or "sea sparkle" develops in conditions of calm and warm sea, and a brilliant flowering of it has been spotted in preservation Bay on Saturday night.

Photographer Brett Chatwin said he took photographs of nature on the coast for 10 years and had never seen the phenomenon.



Beachgoer captures neon blue algae illuminating Aussie beach.


"It was very interesting to watch this iridescent blue-green color lightwaves as they crashed", said Chatwin.

"He was as good as the Aurora Australis, but a little easier."

Chatwin said he used a DSLR to capture glowing waves in the Bay ofpreservation.

He said it was difficult, but possible, to take a shot using smartphone technology.

Preserved on film: Bioluminescence is caused by distressed phytoplankton.
(Sarah Kubank)

Bioluminescent phytoplankton turns bright blue when it is threatened.

It is difficult to determine how long he will remain in a single space.