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Tasmania’s south-east coast ‘glows’ with bioluminescent algae, pointing to imbalance in marine ecosystem

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In short:

A bioluminescent algae that appears pinkish-red in the day and glows blue when disturbed has appeared across Tasmania's south-eastern coastline.

Dr Lisa-ann Gershwin, a biologist and world-leading expert on jellyfish, says the algae could be fatal for other sea life.

What's next?

Dr Gershwin predicts the algal bloom could lead to a spike in jellyfish populations across the state's south.

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)

"At night, you just get these fabulous displays of the bioluminescence that take your breath away. They're so beautiful," Dr Gershwin said.

"But it's also a visible indicator that something is wrong.

"And interestingly, they are a driver of things to go even worse."

Tasmania's south-east coast 'glows' with bioluminescent algae, pointing to imbalance in marine ecosystem

Hobart-based biologist Lisa-ann Gershwin says the algal blooms can harm the ecosystem in several ways. (ABC News: Ebony ten Broeke)

Beautiful but damaging

Dr Gershwin estimated the invasive marine pest first appeared in Tasmanian waters in the mid-1990s.

She said there were three main ways that the blooms harmed the ecosystem.

Tasmania's south-east coast 'glows' with bioluminescent algae, pointing to imbalance in marine ecosystem

At night, the algae takes on a vibrant blue "glow". (Supplied: Deni Cupit Photography)

Firstly, it consumes large quantities of plankton, which are a vital food source for other organisms.

Secondly, it greatly reduces oxygen levels in the water, thereby suffocating other marine life.

And lastly, it omits ammonia into the water, burning the sensitive tissues of fish and blocking their gills.

Tasmania's south-east coast 'glows' with bioluminescent algae, pointing to imbalance in marine ecosystem

The algae is not considered harmful to humans, but can be detrimental to marine life. (Supplied: Steve Masterman)

In short, the red algae could have fatal effects on sea creatures, Dr Gershwin said.

"[It] is beautiful for us, but it's absolutely bad news for organisms that live in the water," she said.

Blooms a sign of ecosystem imbalance

Tasmania's south-east coast 'glows' with bioluminescent algae, pointing to imbalance in marine ecosystem

The waters also host fish farms. (Supplied: Shannon Wells)

Tasmania's south-east coast recently experienced blooms of small jelly-like creatures called "salps", caused by an abundance of phytoplankton from agricultural and aquacultural processes, such as fish farms.

Dr Gershwin said the salps feed on excess nutrients in the water, but have then died off, causing the bloom event.

"As they were dying off, they create a huge pulse of nutrients that then drives the phytoplankton to bloom again," she said.

"And Noctiluca scintillans, the bioluminescent algae, is actually feeding on those phytoplankton."

Tasmania's south-east coast 'glows' with bioluminescent algae, pointing to imbalance in marine ecosystem

The algae 'glow' at Eaglehawk Neck in south-east Tasmania. (Supplied: Robbie Moles)

The bioluminescent algae exists in Tasmania year-round, but usually in low numbers.

Dr Gershwin said the significant bloom event was a sign of an imbalance in the ecosystem.

"It's rather scary because it's a visible indicator that something is really bad right now. But from a scientific point of view, gosh, it's fascinating."

Algae could cause 'tingly' sensation

While not toxic for humans, experts from the Derwent Estuary Program warned that swimming in the blooms could cause skin irritation.

The program's chief executive Ursula Taylor said it was generally safe to touch and swim in, but that it may make people feel "a little tingly".

Tasmania's south-east coast 'glows' with bioluminescent algae, pointing to imbalance in marine ecosystem

While not recommended to touch, the algae is not known to have immediate impacts to humans. (Supplied: Pennicotts Wilderness Journeys)

"But it won't harm you in any other way," Ms Taylor said.

The heavy metal content in the River Derwent posed more of a health risk than the bloom, she said.

It is more of a problem for the fish farms, due to the fish being unable to escape should a pen be impacted by the algal bloom.

Blooms hard to predict

Tasmania's bioluminescent waters have built a strong following online, with images shared in Facebook groups.

Tasmania's south-east coast 'glows' with bioluminescent algae, pointing to imbalance in marine ecosystem

This photo of bioluminescent algae at Eaglehawk Neck was taken on Christmas Day. (ABC News)

Some of the best spots to see the blooms include Eaglehawk Neck, Port Arthur, Bellerive, Montagu Bay, Hobart's waterfront, and Bruny Island.

Dr Gershwin said the blooms were easily identifiable by the presence of red swirls — often referred to as "pink slicks" — during the day.

But the easiest way to witness the blue bioluminescent glow was by agitating the still water at night, Dr Gershwin said.

Despite the algae's seemingly sudden widespread arrival, she said there were too many factors to accurately predict exactly how long each bloom would last.

However, once the red algae die off and become a new source of food for other aquatic animals, Dr Gershwin said Tasmanians could expect to see a boost in jellyfish numbers.

"I think it's going to be an interesting summer," she said.

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