Biologically important artificial light at night on the seafloor

Davies, TW, McKee, D, Fishwick, J, Tidau, Svenja and Smyth, TJ 2020 Biologically important artificial light at night on the seafloor. Scientific Reports, 10 (1). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-020-69461-6

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Abstract/Summary

Accelerating coastal development is increasing the exposure of marine ecosystems to nighttime light pollution, but is anthropogenic light reaching the seafloor in sufficient quantities to have ecological impacts? Using a combination of mapping, and radiative transfer modelling utilising in situ measurements of optical seawater properties, we quantified artificial light exposure at the sea surface, beneath the sea surface, and at the sea floor of an urbanised temperate estuary bordered by an LED lit city. Up to 76% of the three-dimensional seafloor area was exposed to biologically important light pollution. Exposure to green wavelengths was highest, while exposure to red wavelengths was nominal. We conclude that light pollution from coastal cities is likely having deleterious impacts on seafloor ecosystems which provide vital ecosystem services. A comprehensive understanding of these impacts is urgently needed.

Item Type:	Publication - Article
Additional Keywords:	Artifical Light at Night
Subjects:	Atmospheric Sciences Biology Earth Observation - Remote Sensing Marine Sciences Oceanography Pollution
Divisions:	Plymouth Marine Laboratory > Science Areas > Marine Biochemistry and Observations
Depositing User:	Tim Smyth
Date made live:	28 Sep 2020 15:11
Last Modified:	28 Sep 2020 15:16
URI:	https://plymsea.ac.uk/id/eprint/9010

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