destructive interference
Polarized light reflecting off the water interfers with the light coming from the sun at completely opposite wave pattern over a narrow range of the angle of incidence between the water, sun and viewer. Notice how the destructive interference patch is in line with sun? It's an anti sun-dog. The bright patch is the node that has constructive interference of the polarized reflection and the non-polarized sunlight. That equals bright white. Hell, ask Tech 'bout this...
Prove me wrong.
As far as hooking me up with researchers....well, I'm busy. The idea is out there, I'll let others take it as they will, be happy to discuss it here.