ORCID

Abstract

The globally widespread adoption of Artificial Light at Night (ALAN) began in the mid-20th century. Yet, it is only in the last decade that a renewed research focus has emerged into its impacts on ecological and biological processes in the marine environment that are guided by natural intensities, moon phase, natural light and dark cycles and daily light spectra alterations. The field has diversified rapidly from one restricted to impacts on a handful of vertebrates, to one in which impacts have been quantified across a broad array of marine and coastal habitats and species. Here, we review the current understanding of ALAN impacts in diverse marine ecosystems. The review presents the current state of knowledge across key marine and coastal ecosystems (sandy and rocky shores, coral reefs and pelagic) and taxa (birds and sea turtles), introducing how ALAN can mask seabird and sea turtle navigation, cause changes in animals predation patterns and failure of coral spawning synchronization, as well as inhibition of zooplankton Diel Vertical Migration. Mitigation measures are recommended, however, while strategies for mitigation were easily identified, barriers to implementation are poorly understood. Finally, we point out knowledge gaps that if addressed would aid in the prediction and mitigation of ALAN impacts in the marine realm.

Publication Date

2022-05-18

Publication Title

Global Change Biology

Volume

28

Issue

18

ISSN

1354-1013

Acceptance Date

2022-04-26

Deposit Date

2022-04-28

Embargo Period

2022-05-28

Funding

Natural Environment Research Council. Grant Numbers: NE/S003533/2, NE/S003568/1 Norwegian Research Council. Grant Numbers: 300333, 276730

Keywords

artificial light at night (ALAN), conservation guidelines, coral reefs, marine ecosystem, pelagic organisms

First Page

5346

Last Page

5367

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