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- Moonlight and starlight serve as important cues for marine organisms, and their glow can easily be overwhelmed by artificial light. Studies on marine light pollution found shifts in hormonal cycles, interspecies behavior and reproduction. One classic example is the sea turtle.
6 days ago · Light pollution is considered to be one of the contributing factors in the dramatic decline of certain migratory songbird populations over the past several decades. Sea turtles are also particularly vulnerable to the effects of light pollution.
Apr 1, 2024 · Vast areas of North America, Europe, the Middle East, and Asia are glowing with light, while only the most remote regions on Earth (Siberia, the Sahara, and the Amazon) are in total darkness. Some of the most light-polluted countries in the world are Singapore, Qatar, and Kuwait.
May 12, 2022 · Studies in the sea lag behind those on land, but the first global atlas of light pollution in the seas and oceans was recently published showing that large areas are affected. At a depth of 1m, 1.9 million km2 of coastal seas are exposed to light pollution that will have a biological impact.
Jun 11, 2020 · Most light pollution comes from outdoor lighting, advertisements and streetlights. Another major source is indoor light from large buildings like office towers. The three main forms of light pollution are glare, skyglow, and light trespass.
In addition, the life of many aquatic species is linked to light intensity. In radiated fin fish, feeding, schooling and migration depend on specific light intensities. Changing these intensities can therefore change the behaviour of individuals. Zooplankton is also a striking example.
Jun 26, 2015 · Because many marine species such as squid and zooplankton are guided by natural light patterns, the introduction of artificial light is likely influencing their behaviors and restructuring communities. (Similar impacts have been seen in terrestrial protected areas.)
Jun 23, 2016 · Sea turtles live in the ocean but hatch on the beach at night. Hatchlings find their way to the sea by detecting the bright horizon over the ocean. Artificial lights can draw them away from the sea, stranding them on land where they’re vulnerable to dehydration, predators, and cars.
