Mysterious pink substance at marina baffles locals
Queensland residents are baffled after a mysterious pink substance appeared in the water at a popular marina.
Pictures uploaded to Facebook from the Scarborough marina, just 40 kilometres from Brisbane, show the edge of the water had turned a strange pink hue.
“Anyone know what is could be?” the woman who shared the photos said.
A number of people suggested it was algae, while another said it looked like a forbidden soup.
“Fairy floss,” one joked.
“It looks like the stuff coming off the artificial cliffs at Scarborough,” another said.
Moreton Bay Regional Council however, confirmed it was caused by a naturally occurring marine plankton bloom.
“The Department of Environment and Science are also on site investigating the bright-pink coloured plankton,” a council spokesman said.
“The warmer months bring the right water temperatures and tidal conditions for plankton blooms to occur on our beaches.
“People and pets should keep away from affected waters to reduce the risk of skin and eye irritations which may result from direct contact with the plankton.”
The Noctiluca Scintillans marine plankton bloom is commonly known as sea sparkle.
According to the University of Tasmania, it is a strongly buoyant, balloon-shaped cell.
“It occurs especially in the vicinity of river mouths and following heavy rainfalls,” the university says.
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