Light and sound pollution

Artificial Light At Night (ALAN), produced by any human-made source, can propagate into the marine environment causing light pollution – an excess of light that disrupts the natural patterns of wildlife, contributes to rising carbon dioxide levels, harms human health, and obscures the stars. Light pollution threatens ocean ecosystems by disrupting natural light-driven cycles that regulate marine life. Examples of this are its effect on the reproductive cycles of coral species and the behaviour and biological function of copepods.

PML provided the first evidence that light pollution affects trophic interactions within coastal communities and has led the development of the first global atlas of ALAN under the sea. Research, led by Prof Tim Smyth, has shown how far light pollution can reach the ocean’s depths and which marine species are the most likely to exhibit a biological response. The research has been underpinned by PML’s extensive expertise in ocean colour satellite Earth observation, social science and ecological responses. We work collaboratively with many research organisations on this threat, in particular Dr Tom Davies’ at the University of Plymouth.

PML’s research can enable light pollution to be considered in a range of policies and management processes for the first time. It facilitates practical action that can be taken to reduce the impact, such as using warmer bulbs, directing lights towards the ground and using shielding. We work with various practitioners in coastal and maritime industries and policy, to co-develop solutions that limit sound and light pollution.

PML is a founding member of the Global Ocean Artificial Light at Night Network (GOALANN), an international network of the world’s leading experts in marine light pollution. Our mission is to conserve the oceans by improving knowledge and awareness of marine light pollution, its ecological and societal impacts, and management options.

Watch the video – Artificial light at night (ALAN)

Watch the video to find out more about Artificial light at night (ALAN)

Read the research brief

Research findings and further information about ALAN are presented in this four page pdf available for download.

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