The red-coloured algae that washed onto Blenheim Beach last week appears to be gracilaria edulis, solieria robusta or possibly a species of chondria. 

All of these species have been known to wash ashore in large volumes onto Jervis Bay beaches especially after large swells.

There are differing takes on the effect the algae has on humans and the surrounding environment.

Horticulture expert Karissa Price said inhalation of fine spray or droplets from algae-affected water can cause mild respiratory effects and symptoms similar to hay fever, if the algae remains in place for long periods of time it can kill off plant life which will take away the food source of a lot of marine animals.

However NSW department of primary industries said it is a natural environmental event which poses no threat to humans or the environment.

Recently, there has been an increase in algae blooms globally, and climate change may be playing a role.

Global warming takes place in the ocean too, and rising ocean temperatures have been found to be partially responsible for more intense algae blooms in the North Atlantic, while warming lakes have played a role in the increased frequency of algae blooms in some inland waters of the U.S.