Bioluminescent Bay Watch | Strange Things Light Up the Ocean

Bioluminescent Bay Watch | Strange Things Light Up the Ocean

Author: National Trust July 2, 2025 Duration: 13:50

Bioluminescent tides are often described as the northern lights of the ocean.  


Marine biologist, Dr Yasmin Meeda, has only witnessed this natural phenomenon once. She says seeing bioluminescence is one of the most magical things she’s ever experienced.   

Yaz takes us into the strange world of bioluminescent life to meet the species whose bodies light up from the inside, due to a chemical reaction. 

From bioluminescent tides caused by microscopic dinoflagellates to angler fish and glow worms, uncover nature's light displays in the dark. 

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Production:  
Host: Rosie Holdsworth  
Producer: Michelle Douglass 
Sound Editor: Jesus Gomez  

Special thanks to Dr Yasmin Meeda @marinebiologywithyaz for exploring the weird world of bioluminescence with Wild Tales. 

Follow Yaz @marinebiologywithyaz on instagram  

Image (c) Kezan24 | iStock

Discover more: 

Find out about the UK Glow Worm Survey and look for organised walks:  
https://glowworms.org.uk/ 

Follow Wild Tales on your favourite podcast app or on Instagram @wildtalesnt

If you'd like to get in touch with feedback, or have a wild tale you’re like to hear, you can contact us at podcasts@nationaltrust.org.uk  


There’s a story waiting in every landscape, a secret history woven into the hedgerows and hidden in the soil. Wild Tales | Nature Podcast, brought to you by the National Trust, goes beyond the guidebook to find those narratives. Each episode is a quiet exploration of the intricate connections between the natural world and our own place within it. You might find yourself listening to the surprising biography of a centuries-old oak tree, learning how coastal erosion reveals forgotten chapters of human history, or understanding the subtle language of birdsong at dawn. This isn’t just a catalog of facts; it’s an immersive audio experience that considers the science of a changing ecosystem alongside the cultural traditions it sustains. We visit specific places-ancient woodlands, rugged coastlines, and working farms-to hear directly from the people who know them best: rangers, historians, ecologists, and local communities. The result is a thoughtful collection of stories that change how you see the world outside your window. Tune into this podcast for a deeper sense of connection, a moment of calm reflection, and a renewed appreciation for the wild and historic places that shape our shared story.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

Wild Tales | Nature Podcast
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