GEORGE NEWS - Greenish brown scum witnessed on the beach by visitors to Wilderness beach on Sunday are due to an algal bloom, and the dead fish that washed ashore are due to water temperature fluctuations.
This is according to SANParks senior section ranger Jonathan Britton.
Britton explained to George Herald that the algal bloom is commonly attributed to a group of phytoplankton known as the “dinoflagellates”.
"It is a natural phenomenon and also responsible for the bioluminescence observed in recent evenings.”
George Herald received lovely photos and a video of the stunning effect of the bioluminescence in the waves witnessed by Herold’s Bay residents this past weekend.
Britton said the temperature fluctuations are caused by persistent easterly winds.
“These winds start to cause the inshore surface waters to move away from the coastline which in turn starts to pull up colder deeper water to the surface.
"If the water temperature drops quickly, fish are unable to adapt and are stunned by the cold water. Stunned and unable to swim they then wash ashore.”
Britton said he observed mostly puffer fish that had washed ashore.
“We know from previous observations that puffer fish seem to be more susceptible to water temperature fluctuations."
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