SEABECK, Wash. - A rare bloom of light-colored phytoplankton has turned most of the Hood Canal green.

The Kitsap Sun reports that Washington Sea Grant water quality specialist Teri King says she first noticed the change last week while driving near the canal in Brinnon. The water has changed colors from the bridge to Tahuya.

King says a massive bloom of coccolithophores, microscopic, one-celled organisms that coat themselves in limestone plating, can be thanked for the brilliant colors. King equated the color to that of water surrounding the Cayman Islands, a shade of teal somewhere between line and turquoise.

NASA satellite images show the deepest green hues in and around Dabob Bay and Seabeck.

Officials say the bloom isn't a threat to humans and shellfish can still be harvested.

The canal's last coccolithophore bloom was in 2007.  

Thanks to our volunteers!

 

Big thanks to Jan, Arnie and Barbara from the Center for Spiritual Living Seattle for their help during the Lighthouse for the Blind Salmon Bake.  They helped serve the outside meal as the rain fell.  Thanks also to Rotary Exchange student Matej Kunak for his help in setting up and serving the alternative diets.  Finally, thanks to Fred just for offering to help with a Cemetery tour that got rained out.  If you would like to help out sometime, please contact Chuck at the Seabeck Office. We always have something that needs done, so we have projects ready for every skill level or interest.

 

Thanks,

Chuck