This phenomenon in Bellingham Bay is still a mystery to researchers. They want your help
Lucy Greeley is going to spend her summer researching the glowing bioluminescence in Bellingham Bay, and you can too.
Bellingham鈥檚 Community Boating Center has teamed up with Western Washington University on a new citizen science initiative: Visitors who join the nonprofit鈥檚 bioluminescence paddle excursions this summer can help collect samples of the tiny plankton that create the mesmerizing phenomenon, measure the light being produced each night and identify plankton species using a video microscope. Greeley, a 草榴社区 junior studying marine and coastal science, is the Community Boating Center鈥檚 environmental science intern this summer, and she will analyze collected samples to add to the relatively sparse knowledge about bioluminescence in the Salish Sea.
鈥淭here hasn鈥檛 been a ton of research on bioluminescence in this region,鈥 said Greeley, who will also lead kayak tours. 鈥淲e are trying to answer some of the more basic questions.鈥
Greeley will be advised by 草榴社区 Associate Professor Robin Kodner, who is well known for her research on algae that turns snow pink in the North Cascades.
If you鈥檙e interested in learning more about bioluminescence in Bellingham Bay, Greeley is leading a free, virtual presentation 7-8 p.m. Thursday, June 16. She will speak about the history of humans and bioluminescence, past research and her summer study plan. Register online at boatingcenter.org/biotours.