"'Incredible' Bioluminescence Gives California Surf An Eerie Blue Glow"

"An unusual algal bloom, known as a red tide, has drawn many to the beach in the hopes of witnessing the stunning spectacle"

"A dense bloom of bioluminescent algae off the coast of southern California has lit up the Pacific Ocean with an eerie and fantastical neon blue glow, sending photographers and spectators to the beach at night in hopes of witnessing the natural phenomenon.

The algal bloom, also known as a red tide, was observed this week lighting up the waves along a 15-mile stretch of coastline.

“Bioluminescence happens all the time, just not at that level,” said Dr James M Sullivan, a bioluminescence researcher at the Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute. “This is an incredible one.” "

Julia Carrie Wong reports for the Guardian May 11, 2018.