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The Guardian - AU
The Guardian - AU
Environment
Petra Stock

‘Heck of a light show’: spectacular bloom of bioluminescence returns to Tasmania’s coastline

Bioluminescence at Pirates Bay on the Tasman peninsula in south-east Tasmania on 25 December.
Bioluminescence at Pirates Bay on the Tasman peninsula in south-east Tasmania on 25 December. Photograph: Toby Schrapel

Masses of glittering algae have returned to Tasmania’s coastline in a spectacular bloom of bioluminescence that experts say is the largest seen in years.

The phenomenon, known as “sea sparkles” or “red tide”, was caused by masses of noctiluca scintillans, a pink-coloured algae that experts say was beautiful to look at, but considered bad news for the environment.

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