A massive algae bloom has turned the sea along the coast of Napier red.
Samples taken by Hawke's Bay Regional Council confirmed the coloured sea was the result of a non-toxic algae bloom named Akashiwo sanguinea. Akashiwo is Japanese for "red tide".
The bloom spans a large area of the Hawke's Bay coast, with a flyover showing it stretches from Wairoa down to Te Awanga, near Hastings - a driving distance of about 130km.
The sea colour varies from light brown - typical of flood water from the rivers - to a dark purple.
There is also more foam in the surf zone at beaches where the bloom is present.
The council says the bloom is quite common in Tasmania and off the coastlines of California and Florida, and may be linked to consistent rain in the area over recent weeks.
The council will continue taking samples over the next week to ensure the bloom remains non-toxic and does not pose a risk to humans or animals.
It is also liaising with Hawke's Bay District Health Board's public health unit and the Department of Conservation.
NZN
Do you have pictures of the bloom? Send them to news@tv3.co.nz