How to spot bioluminescence in Kitsap waterways this August

August’s heat is here, and with 80-degree temperatures lasting well into the evenings, there's no better place to be than on the water.

If the standard water adventures are feeling stale, it might be time to add some novelty to your kayaking and paddle boarding. August is a great month to seek out marine bioluminescence, which — when visible — glows in a blueish-green spatter throughout sheltered areas of Puget Sound and Hood Canal.

Here's a quick background on bioluminescence, along with a couple of tips for hunting it down.

What is bioluminescence?

Bioluminescence refers generally to any light produced and emitted by a chemical reaction inside of a living organism, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Bioluminescence is most prevalent in the ocean and other bodies of salt water. By one estimate, 80% of deep sea organisms bioluminesce.

The deep sea isn't the only place where bioluminescence can be found. Certain species of dinoflagellate phytoplankton dwell near the surface of the water, and respond to perceived threats — such as boats — with sparkling blue bioluminescence.

Other organisms use light to fend off predators, but also to lure prey, attract mates, and communicate. Blue wavelengths of light travel more easily through the water, and as a result, blue or blueish-green bioluminescence is the most commonly visible kind.

While scientists have many theories surrounding bioluminescence's source and functions, most aspects of the eerie marine glow remain a mystery.

What conditions are best for viewing bioluminescence?

According to Malea Isom, a bioluminescence and wildlife naturalist at Olympic Outdoor Center, there are several conditions that determine whether bioluminescence will be visible on a given night.

A calm night with minimal wind is ideal, advised Isom, who studies marine biology at the University of Washington. Aim to start your bioluminescence spotting around 10 or 10:15 p.m., on a night when the moon is not too bright. Excess light — including light pollution from populated areas — can make the bioluminescence harder to see.

Isom also noted that while warmer temperatures are generally favorable for bioluminescence spotters, it's best if the day before was relatively mild. If it's too hot, Isom said, glowing dinoflagellates can sink lower into the water column, or even die off.

But "the biggest factor I'm finding is wind," Isom said.

Isom admitted there are no formal scientific findings confirming her wind theory. But she and her coworkers at Olympic Outdoor Center have found over and over again that minimal wind allows plankton to form a layer on the surface of the water, instead of dispersing to different depths.

Given this, Isom said, bioluminescence hunters will have a better chance of success close to the shore in bays and inlets, rather than on the open water.

"Anything with lake-like conditions," she explained.

Other ways to see bioluminescence

If you're not up for striking out on your own, there are a number of bioluminescent kayaking tours available throughout western Washington, from Seattle to the San Juan Islands. Within Kitsap County, the offerings are limited but significantly cheaper.

In Port Gamble, bioluminescent kayaking tours are available through Olympic Outdoor Center . The company offers full moon and regular tours and takes participants on a two-hour tour of Port Gamble Bay. A number of August dates were available for both tours as of the end of July, and prices ranged from $69.00 to $89.00 per person.

Meanwhile, members of the military, veterans, and their families can join a bioluminescent kayaking tour through Navy Life PNW .

For more information about locations — and to find potential viewing partners — take advantage of the Facebook group for bioluminescence enthusiasts in the Pacific Northwest. Kitsap residents can use the internal search term "Kitsap" to find specific posts referencing the best viewing locations in Kitsap County.

This article originally appeared on Kitsap Sun: How to spot bioluminescence in Kitsap waterways this August