Iconic North Sydney beach sparkles as rare bioluminescence lights the water

The waters at a popular beach have glittered electric blue due to a rare natural phenomenon scientists say is a sign of a big change.

The waters at a popular beach in Sydney’s northern suburbs have turned into a spectacular electric blue glow due to a rare natural phenomenon.

Photographer Jarvis Liu was on the scene to capture the glowing waves crash against the shore of Palm Beach after midnight on August 20.

The eerie blue glow was caused by bioluminescence, light produced by a chemical reaction within living organisms such as fish, bacteria, and jellies.

The bioluminescence was seen at Palm Beach on August 20. Picture: Instagram/Jarvis Liu

The pictures were captured between midnight and 1am. Picture: Instagram/Jarvis Liu

Mr Liu shared the amazing pictures of the glittering ocean to his Instagram, and told news.com.au while he was amazed at the sight, it wasn’t his first encounter with bioluminescence.

“Actually I’ve seen this kind of view last year —same month and same location,” he said.

“No matter how many times I’ve seen it, it surprises me every time.”

Similar scenes have been captured at Manly and Newport, just south of Palm Beach, before, which scientists suggested may be caused by an organism called a dinoflagellate.

Dr Luke Hedge from the Sydney Institute of Marine Sciences said the particular species of dinoflagellate common in south east Australia is called noctiluca, which also causes the red tide phenomena that is common off Sydney beaches.

The ocean turned into a sparkling electric blue sight. Picture: Instagram/Jarvis Liu

The bioluminescence was caused by a chemical reaction in marine organisms. Picture: Instagram/Jarvis Liu

The “sea sparkle” thrives in calm, warm sea conditions that can go completely unnoticed, until it concentrates on the surface and creates a glittering effect.

It is unclear what species of marine animal caused the sparkling sight, but University of NSW School of Biological, Earth, and Environmental Sciences Professor Iain Suthers said the event could be a sign that spring was on its way.

“You usually get these kinds of events in Spring and Autumn, so it’s a bit early but maybe it’s a sign spring is coming,” he told the Manly Daily.

“Often after one event, there’s a good chance there’ll be more because it means the temperature is right and the food they like to eat is abundant.”

The bioluminescence created a beautiful sight. Picture: Instagram/Jarvis Liu

Scientists say it is a clear sign spring is coming. Picture: Instagram/Jarvis Liu

Bioluminescence can be seen in oceans around the world, and some places are known for their glow-in-the-dark waters,

Puerto Mosquito (also known as Bioluminescent Bay) in Vieques in Puerto Rico is one of the most renowned places to see – and swim – in bioluminescent water in the world.

Other places closer to Australia include Halong Bay in Vietnam, which is a more subtle sparkle that is only revealed once boats turn off their power and lights close to midnight.

Jervis Bay on the south coast of NSW, is somewhat renowned for its bioluminescence sightings, according to locals, with a recent show in July 2020 reported to be one of the brightest seen in the area yet.

In 2017, photographers in South Australia captured what it was like to paddle through bioluminescent waters in Proper Bay, south of Port Lincoln, during an algal bloom.

That same year, similar dazzling scenes were captured on the remote beach of Preservation Bay in Tasmania for what was, seemingly, a one-night-only event.

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