The word was out, someone had let it slip that a strip of pink algae had been spotted floating in on the Easterly wind, and that meant one thing, Bioluminescence was visiting town.
The bright blue we see at night as the algae is agitated by waves or rock-shelves is a very evasive, fickle and often well-kept secret. You need luck and a good network to find it. The right tide, an onshore breeze and very little ambient light together give you the best conditions to see this strikingly beautiful phenomenon.
When it was posted on social media that the Bio had landed at Bellambi boat ramp, it was all hands on deck. When I arrived at 10.30pm, there was a line of cars waiting to park. There were families with blankets, phones, torches and picnic baskets, all standing by as waves broke in a spectacular electric blue neon show. Camera buffs steadied tripods, surfers got ready to paddle out, beers were cracked and the atmosphere was post-lockdown, blown-away amazement.
It was a long wait between waves and every now and then a larger set broke about 10 metres from shore. The blue flashes crackled across the boat ramp bay as the crowd cheered and sighed in wonder. It didn’t last long as the tide filled in and the waves didn’t break as much as before. But for those there it was a wonderful example of nature
at work.
I’ve only seen it twice before. Once in New Guinea, when our boat sank and we had to swim for shore, watching green bioluminescence surrounding us every time we stroked the water.
The second time was in Wombarra in 1995, after a small festival on the beach. Everyone had gone home and a few of us just sat there for hours watching this magical lightshow. That was over 25 years ago and I’ve been chasing it ever since.
There are a few hotspot bio magnets around the South Coast and Jervis Bay is one of them. Depending on the conditions, there are a few beaches that it hits a few times a year. There’s also a Bio social media page, but don’t expect anyone to say much about where it is until the next day.
Locals and a few lucky friends only. Good luck.
Chris is a Bulli photographer who produces aerials, videos and stills, visit www.malibumedia.com.au or follow his work on Instagram @malibumedia