Illuminating The Phenomenon of Bioluminescence In The Salish Sea Artwork

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Hey, all you naturalists out there! Want to know more about the different marine species living in the Salish Sea? How about the latest research findings with them? All ecosystems are eventually connected. For this reason, in each podcast we will dive in with an expert to talk about topics and facts related to the marine animals that call the Salish Sea home and occasionally include topics of broader relevance. We'll cover topics from the small (plankton) to the large (whales) and everything in-between, including our iconic salmon and orcas! If you have curiosity and wonder about the local marine life that abounds here, then this podcast is for you!

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Illuminating The Phenomenon of Bioluminescence In The Salish Sea

February 11, 2026 • Lucy Greeley • Season 6 • Episode 2

0:00 | 34:53

Bioluminescent, or "glowing," waters can be seen in the Salish Sea. In fact, there are several local companies that offer bioluminescence kayak tours. The science behind bioluminescent waters is really interesting and surprisingly complex. Amazingly, there has not actually been much research into bioluminescence in the Salish Sea. So, what is responsible for this hauntingly beautiful phenomenon? Where, and when, can you see it? What can be learned from studying this phenomenon? Lucy Greeley, a former Western Washington University undergraduate student and environmental science intern at the Bellingham Bay Community Boating Center, answers these questions and more on this episode. We promise this episode will be absolutely illuminating!