Sea foam has been observed along parts of Australia's east coast, which is a rare but natural event, and forms when rough seas mix loose organic matter, such as algae.
The white foam often submerges the coasts from Lancashire (England) to South Africa due to severe storms.
How and why does sea foam form?
In his report, published in the British newspaper, The Independent, writer Tom Batchelor said that sea foam is formed when winds and waves stir ocean waters.
Then, small particles of fat mix with algae, fish scales, bits of coral and other pollutants suspended in the water, and a thick white foam forms.
This is very similar to the bubbles caused by a bottle of water or any other liquid that is vigorously shaken.
When large amounts of decomposing algae drift ashore, this exciting sight can be seen.
Under the right conditions, such as algal blooms or the death of a large group of fish, large areas of beaches can be flooded with foam.
Sea foam is not harmful to humans in general, and it usually refers to the integrity of the marine ecosystem (Wikipedia)
According to the US National Ocean Service, sea foam is not harmful to humans in general, and it usually refers to the integrity of the marine ecosystem.
However, depending on the type of algae the water carries, some gases can be emitted into the atmosphere that may irritate the eyes and lungs.
Sea foam can also be dangerous to wildlife.
A study of seabirds along the western coast of the United States found that the foam caused by the spread of decomposing algae stripped the birds of their feathers, which led to a decrease in their temperature, inability to fly, and the death of large numbers of them.