Marine Bioluminescence

Bioluminescence, the production of light by a living organism, has been observed across a diverse range of species around the world. Marine bioluminescence in particular has a remarkably widespread distribution and is used by many different types of organisms, from microscopic plankton to deep-sea sharks and squid. 

This talk will serve as a broad introduction to marine bioluminescence, with a focus on examples of bioluminescence found here in the Salish Sea. Lucy Ritter grew up in the Pacific Northwest with a lifelong interest in all things ocean-related. She is currently a student at Western Washington University, majoring in Marine and Coastal Science and minoring in Environmental Science. This spring, she joined the Community Boating Center as their Bioluminescence Intern, working as a guide and naturalist on bioluminescence kayak tours throughout their 2025 tour season.