A global atlas of artificial light at night under the sea
The impacts of artificial light at night (ALAN) on marine ecosystems have emerged as a focus for ecological light pollution research in recent years, yet the global prevalence of ALAN in underwater marine ecosystems is unknown. We have derived a global atlas of ALAN throughout the marine water column that will accelerate our understanding of its sources and environmental impacts.
At a depth of 1 m, 1.9 million km2 of the world’s coastal seas are exposed to biologically important ALAN, which equates to around 3.1% of the global exclusive economic zones. This area decreases to 1.6 million km2 (2.7%) at a depth of 10 m, and to 840,000 km2 (1.4%) at 20 m. The most heavily exposed regions are those that experience intensive offshore development in addition to coastal urbanization. The atlas highlights that ALAN as a global change issue is not exclusive to land but is also widespread in the world’s underwater habitats at irradiances that elicit biological responses in marine organisms.
PLEDGE YOUR DARK SKY DEED
Did you know that turning just one light off can make a difference in reducing light pollution? So, if everyone just turns one unnecessary light off at night, the nighttime environment would be darker, less stressed place.
There are all kinds of amazing reasons to turn off ALAN. Besides saving your energy bill it reduces the impact on our native species (plants and animals). helps you sleep better and returns our natural environment to the state it needs to support day/night functions..
Its so easy to do. All you have to do is
- pull down your blinds or draw your curtains
- turn off unused outdoor lights or put them on a sensor
- changing bulbs to be warm in colour temperature
- try using a torch or walking by the light of the moon
Tell us what action you're doing to take in 2022 to turn the lights off and the stars on.