Ned Hammond wrote this.

The topic is Marine Biology.

Jervis Bay in New South Wales is known for this phenomenon.

If you see a blue flash in the water, don't worry. It's just bioluminescence.

People posted videos of the blue glow in the water around Brisbane over the weekend.

Queensland doesn't see bioluminescence as often as New South Wales, but it can be beautiful when it happens.

Bioluminescence is a glow made by tiny marine creatures called dinoflagellates.

These tiny creatures eat tiny plants and use sunlight to make energy.

This is a little unusual.

A professor said the bioluminescence in Brisbane is caused by dinoflagellates.

The professor said the creatures make light when they feel threatened or when the water moves.

The creatures are tiny, but they can gather together to make a big glow.

The dinoflagellates are responsible for the bioluminescence.

The dinoflagellates absorb nutrients and make energy from sunlight.

Scientists are surprised that many animals glow under special light.

Bioluminescence is not rare in nature.

Many animals, from tiny plants to big squid, can make light.

It's not clear why the creatures make light.

One reason might be to communicate with other creatures.

Bioluminescence has been increasing in Tasmania, possibly due to climate change.

Bioluminescence is also used to attract food in the deep sea.

Some people look for bioluminescence.

To see bioluminescence, go to the water at night.

South-east Queensland sometimes has bioluminescence.

Try to go on a dark night, a few hours after sunset.

In Brisbane, bioluminescence is more common in winter.

There are some places in south-east Queensland where you can see bioluminescence.

The lower Brisbane River can have bioluminescence in winter.

Bioluminescence doesn't mean the water is unhealthy.

In general, it's safe to be in the water with bioluminescence.

But be aware of any warnings about water quality.

Bioluminescence doesn't mean the ocean is unhealthy.

Citizen science can help us learn more about bioluminescence.

When people post about bioluminescence, it helps scientists.

It's good to have information from the public.

See more stories about this topic.

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