• Chemical reaction, called bioluminescence, occurs when micro-organism in sea is disturbed by oxygen in waves

By Rob Waugh

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At midnight, all around was dark, but each crash of the waves at a famous surfing beach created an eerie blue flash - caught on camera by a photographer who had a camera ready to capture the strange phenomenon.

Steve Skinner visited the beach especially for the sight, caused by algae in the water at Swami's.

When the waves crash it causes the algae to give off a flash of blue light - called bioluminescence - as the millions of organisms are disturbed.

The amazing images were snapped at midnight by photographer Steve Skinner who visited the beach especially for the sight

The amazing images were snapped at midnight by photographer Steve Skinner who visited the beach especially for the sight

Part of the sea was illuminated a stunning shade of blue due to a natural phenonemon called algae bloom

Part of the sea was illuminated a stunning shade of blue due to a natural phenonemon called algae bloom

When the waves crash it causes the algae to give off a flash of blue light - called bioluminescence - as the millions of organisms are disturbed

When the waves crash it causes the algae to give off a flash of blue light - called bioluminescence - as the millions of organisms are disturbed

GLOW WITH THE FLOW: THE CHEMISTRY THAT MAKES THE SEA GLOW BLUE AT NIGHT

The glow - called 'bioluminescence' - occurs when a micro-organism in the water is disturbed by oxygen.

Although a rare sight on a shoreline, the phenomenon is more commonly seen at sea in the wake of ships that stir up the oxygen in the sea, which causes the bioluminescent bacteria to glow.

Many undersea organisms ‘glow’, especially creatures that live at depths where light from the surface is less likely to penetrate.

The night-time glow is a side-effect of blooming red algae, known as red tide, which can turn entire beaches scarlet and murky during the day.

Despite its remarkable appearance, the huge bloom of algae is actually quite damaging as it decreases the water's oxygen and harms fish.

Meanwhile, during the day the water discolouration, otherwise known as red tide, can cause the water to turn a horrible reddish-brown colour.

The stretch of water, which is part of the Pacific Ocean, was illuminated for a week before the glow diminished.

Steve, 43, from Carlsbad, California, said: ‘It is a popular phenomenon and people go see it especially whenever it happens.

‘I had planned to visit the beach to specifically shoot these type of images and I was taking pictures for about an hour. The red tide was pretty strong and the effect could have been seen from any of our local beaches.’

Steve, who runs a website development business, added: ‘I was really pleased with the shots and in beach terminology, I was 'totally stoked'.

‘I've seen this before but never this bright. Plus the last time the glow was more of a dim green color and this time it was absolutely mesmerising.

‘As I live near the coast I do photography at the beach all the time, but these shots are by far my most unique and strange.’

Steve, 43, from Carlsbad, California, said: It is a popular phenomenon and people go see it especially whenever it happens.

Steve, 43, from Carlsbad, California, said: It is a popular phenomenon and people go see it especially whenever it happens.





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As a teenager, we would camp on the beach and bodysurf in the red tide at night on occasion. One of the coolest experiences I remember was bodysurfing in the red tide (bioluminescence) and as you looked out, seeing the Channel Islands of Anacapa and Santa Cruz off the coast backlit by a huge setting moon over the Pacific. You'd tread water in the moonlight waiting, and then a wave would raise up to bodysurf, and you'd be surrounded by this incredible glow and sparkle, and no one else around. Beautiful!

looks like the scene from THE FOG when the dead captain comes to claim his GOLD!!! ha ha me hearties..

I have seen this in the Bristol Channel on a few occasions. Its spectacular when it occurs.

BS. It's aliens!

Dayglo Ocean, very cool!

The beauty of the planet, nature at work...

Ive seen this one night 30 miles off the coast of Bali. Besides the smell of flowers 30 miles out to sea which was bizarre every time the ships bulbous bow moved in and out of the water a huge green shimmer of light would pulsate across the sea for maybe 2 or 3 hundred yards. That was 38 years ago and although i went around the world about 6 times i never saw it quite the same again as that night.

phytoplankton they glow and are fouind in that area

I reckon it is Richard Branson with another man-toy. He does have money to burn.

@Bill halfway right, the bioluminescent plankton contains phosphorus. Many shore lines around the world have this glow.

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