‘Sea sparkle’: Algae bloom wows travellers along Great Ocean Rd

The sea along the Great Ocean Road has been streaked with pink thanks to a natural phenomenon.

The sea along the Great Ocean Rd has been streaked with pink thanks to an algae bloom.

The bloom was visible along the coast near Lorne on Friday, with social media users capturing the event at Wye River and Aireys Inlet.

Such blooms are common when winds and upwelling bring nutrients to the sea surface.

Algae blooms along the Great Ocean Road. Picture: Instagram via Josh Davy // @joshdavy_

The bloom is a dense concentration of marine plankton that causes a red-brown discolouration in the water and may be a species known as Noctiluca scintillans that can produce a glowing light at night as the water is disturbed, earning it the name “sea sparkle”, according to the Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action – Barwon South West region.

Josh Davy, who has been visiting Wye River for eight years, said the phenomenon was new to him.

“It’s pretty amazing, I’ve never seen it while on holiday down here before,” he said.

“We first noticed it two days ago driving from Wye River to Lorne, and on Friday it became more prominent as it came into the beach.”

Algae blooms along the Great Ocean Road. Picture: Instagram via Josh Davy // @joshdavy_

But local Dean Snow said the blooms were often spotted along different sections of the coast each year.

“It usually happens every year, but it’s more noticeable this time because of the way it’s come up around Lorne,” he said.

In other years the blooms have been spotted around Barwon Heads or Bells Beach.

People are advised to avoid direct contact with any affected water as breakdown products can emit ammonia, wash it off if contact does occur, and seek medical advice if they experience any illness.

Fish or other shellfish caught in the area should be thoroughly cleaned and have their gills and guts removed prior to cooking.

Authorities will continue to monitor the bloom, which will dissipate due to tides and waves.

Originally published as ‘Sea sparkle’: Algae bloom wows travellers along Great Ocean Rd