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Mar 1, 2022 · “The effects of artificial light in marine ecosystems should be a real focus for global change research,” Smyth said. The scientists found that 1.9 million square kilometers (735,000 square miles) of the ocean experience biologically significant amounts of artificial light pollution to a depth of 1 meter (3 feet).
The many dangers our oceans face isn’t news to anyone following the trajectory of climate change. Human beings’ lifestyles make it difficult to protect our oceans from the harmful effects of microplastics, oil spills, residual industrial waste, and a myriad of other pollutants. One form of pollution that may not be on your radar, however, is the effect of light on ecosystems that lie close ...
Jun 8, 2024 · On a natural beach, the newly hatched sea turtles find the open horizon and make for the water. Unfortunately, light pollution lures hatchlings away from the ocean, where they perish from exhaustion or predators. Light pollution also impacts fish and other marine organisms that rely on natural light cues for eating, mating, and camouflage ...
Nov 9, 2023 · Global light pollution caused by artificial lighting at night increased by 7 to 10% per year between 2011 and 2022 (1). In addition to increasing the risk of chronic diseases in humans (2), light pollution can attract or repel insects and birds, with the potential to reshape their movement and alter habitat selection and distribution (3), and can harm marine species and ecosystems (4). Climate ...
May 12, 2022 · And what does light pollution mean for sea creatures? 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 26, 2015 · To gauge the impact on marine habitats, researchers used satellite images to measure the amount of light pollution across the world's network of marine protected areas (MPAs). They found that 35% of the world's contiguous MPAs were exposed to artificial light in 2012 , and light pollution was both widespread and increasing in a larger percentage of protected areas.
Sep 18, 2024 · This group of leading experts on marine light pollution launched earlier this year to try and remedy the situation. Davies spoke to Dialogue Earth about how light impacts everything from breeding to feeding to movement in the sea, how the problem is likely to get worse before it gets better, and what should be done about it now.
