Jervis Bay photographers Dannie and Matt Connolly were on the job until the wee hours of Sunday morning.

“Bio-luminescence was back in the bay at Nelson's Beach, Blenheims beach and Greenfields Beach, Vincentia,” Dannie said.

“We saw some traces during the day and decided to go back at night.

“As we walked on to Nelson Beach just after 8.30pm we could see very clearly with the naked eye the waves were glowing from one end to another. Truly amazing to see; the most we've ever seen.

“It’s very hard to photograph it in the waves but we did manage a few shots. We were just happy to have witnessed it in the waves. We walked right along the beach as it was looking brighter towards the Blenheims end. We walked right to Blenhiems where we got a few more shots there.

“We decided to head back and get the car and take a drive to Greenfield Beach just around the corner and I am so glad we did as it was the best by far breaking closer to the shore.

“We were there and stayed throughout the high tide till 12.30am. The waves were lighting up.

“Greenfield is my favorite beach in the bay and to have seen the bio there made by night.”

Read more: Red algae spotted off Racecourse Beach and Mollymook

Local surfers and anglers have reported bio-luminescence appears locally every couple of years. One fisherman said he had seen the red tides all of his life, but reported it began to make a more regular appearance since around 1985. 

Sapphire Coast Marine Discovery Centre manager told Fairfax Media the algal bloom was “bioluminescent dinoflagellate”. 

Red tides are large concentrations of microorganisms known as dinoflagellates. Some glow in the dark and brighten when agitated by boats or even migrating whales.

“It’s from the warming temperatures and the rain,” Ms Wood said.

“Algae generally require a mix of light, high nutrients and warm water to bloom.”