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Bioluminescent Sea Dye Marker
- Mar 5
- 2 min read
Lighting the Way: How Bioluminescent Sea Dye Markers Save Lives
It started with a simple question: What if we could light up the ocean—instantly, safely, and without chemicals?
Nearly two years later, with the support of the Canadian Coast Guard and the Vancouver Island Arrowsmith Search and Rescue team, we activated the world’s first bioluminescent sea dye marker.
The Problem We’re Solving
Minutes matter when someone goes missing at sea. Search and rescue teams rely on two types of signals we are focused on improving: chemical light sticks and fluorescent sea dye markers. But both come with real costs:
Chem lights:
Toxic residue contaminates marine environments
Limited lifespan and unpredictable performance
Weight and volume constraints for rescue teams
Single-use plastic adds to ocean pollution
Fluorescent sea dye markers:
Not visible at night!
Our Solution: Biology Instead of Chemistry
Our bioluminescent marker uses the same natural process that makes fireflies glow:
Water-activated
No batteries
No chemicals
No plastic waste
Emits its own light
Performance Highlights
1 gram of enzyme produces up to 1 litre of light
Instant activation
Bright, visible light detectable by search teams and aircraft
Biodegradable — breaks down naturally
Effective in day and night conditions
Field Testing in Real Conditions
Across 2025, we’ve been piloting prototypes across diverse environments:
Multiple weather conditions
Day and night testing
Night-vision compatible
Real-world deployment with rescue teams
Upcoming pilots: Partners include Canadian Coast Guard, US Navy, and more coming soon!
Why This Matters Beyond Search & Rescue
This technology is the foundation for a larger shift:
Safer maritime operations
Reduced reliance on toxic chemicals
Cleaner oceans
Lighter, more reliable defence solutions
This is dual-use technology — innovation that serves defence needs while protecting the planet.
What’s Next
We’ll share field-testing results and expand partnerships with additional agencies.
CTA: If you’re involved in maritime safety, search and rescue, or defence, we’d love to connect.
