This algal bloom is as gorgeous as it is dangerous

It sounds beautiful, but the algal bloom known as Sea Sparkle that is turning Hong Kong water fluorescent blue is actually caused by farm pollution.

Sea Sparkle, or Noctiluca scintillans, is a single-celled organism that can function as an animal and plant, The Associated Press reports. It feeds on plankton and is eaten by other species, and is more abundant when there is an increase in nitrogen and phosphorous, usually caused by run-off from a farm.

University of Georgia oceanographer Samantha Joye says that because the blooms are so toxic, they can be incredibly harmful to marine life and fisheries. "Those pictures are magnificent," she said. "It's just extremely unfortunate that the mysterious and majestic blue hue is created by a Noctiluca."

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