Jervis Bay is 102 km2 wide on Australia’s southern coast, with beautiful scenery and many luxury resorts. From Sydney or Canberra to Jervis Bay is only about 3 hours by car, this place is famous for its crystal clear waters and fine white sand. In particular, this bay is also capable of emitting a beautiful bright blue light that attracts the curiosity of tourists.

At night, Jervis Bay glows due to the bloom of a bioluminescent algae called Noctiluca scintillans. The increase in nutrients in the water from wildfire ash has created the conditions for algae to thrive and bloom simultaneously.

Bioluminescent algae Noctiluca scintillans proliferate

The bioluminescence of N. scintillans is induced by the luciferin and luciferase system, which consists of several luminescent molecules and enzymes, located within the thousands of spherical organelles in the cytoplasm of unicellular protists. This.

Closeup of Noctiluca scintillans algae

Noctiluca scintillans does not produce toxins, so it is not dangerous to humans. However, its high density can deplete oxygen from the water, threatening the lives of many marine species.

Luminescent algae do not have toxins dangerous to humans

In addition to the luminescent beach, upon arriving at Jervis Bay, visitors can also visit the old forest areas around the bay for overnight camping. Upon reaching the largest town in the bay, Huskisson, you can also take part in many interesting activities such as dolphin and whale watching and fishing.