Jervis Bay is 102 km2 wide on the south coast of Australia with beautiful scenery and many luxury resorts. From Sydney or Canberra to Jervis Bay is only about 3 hours drive, this place is famous for its clear blue water and fine white sand. In particular, this bay is also capable of emitting beautiful shimmering blue light that attracts the curiosity of tourists.

Jervis Bay Beach glows magically at night

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

The bioluminescence of N. scintillans is induced by the luciferin and luciferase system, consisting of several luminescent molecules and enzymes, located within the thousands of spherical organelles in the cytoplasm of single-celled protists.

Close-up of the algae Noctiluca scintillans

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

Luminescent seaweed has no toxins that are dangerous to humans

In addition to the luminescent beach, when coming to Jervis Bay, visitors can also visit the old forest areas around the bay to camp overnight. Coming to the largest town in the bay, Huskisson, you can also participate in many interesting activities such as dolphin and whale watching, fishing.