Gulf's red sea in full summer bloom

By WAYNE THOMPSON

Scientists will today take samples of the long slicks of red, jelly-like algal bloom infecting parts of the Hauraki Gulf to measure its thickness.

Auckland Regional Council scientists are studying the bloom, which they say is harmless but appears to be spreading. It is fairly common in the waters around Auckland, but not in such profusion.

Phosphorescence from the algal slicks has been spectacular at night.

Orewa helicopter pilot Doug Godfrey has seen changes in patches of the bloom during flights along the Rodney east coast.

On Sunday he noted the patches had formed a slick stretching 20km from Waipu Cove to Omaha Beach and had moved 3-4km closer to shore.

The salmon-pink bloom also caught the attention of Mr Godfrey's passenger, his wife, Miriam, who took these photographs north of Langs Beach, and at Leigh Harbour.

Mr Godfrey said the bloom coverage included the Goat Island marine reserve and Cape Rodney, Leigh and Omaha Beach.

He saw red blotches along the America's Cup course off Whangaparaoa Peninsula and the North Shore Bays.