'Pure Magic': Glowing Waves Wash Bioluminescent Algae Ashore at Jervis Bay

Australian videographer David Finlay captured footage of a mesmerizing bloom of bioluminescent algae at Jervis Bay, New South Wales, on January 15.

According to Finlay, the unusually robust bloom of Noctiluca scintillans “may be a result of an increase of nutrients in Jervis Bay because of bushfire ash and burnt leaves” from recent fires in the area.

Finlay has previously filmed scenic footage of other natural phenomena in Australia, including other instances of bioluminescence at Jervis Bay.

In this video, shot at Plantation Point on the bay, many people can be seen enjoying the display on the coast, including glowing waves and puddles. “It’s just pure magic,” Finlay says at one point. Credit: CLEARSKIESTV via Storyful