Study highlights the European waters at greatest risk of harmful light pollution
Scientists have produced a first-of-its-kind assessment showing which coastal regions of Europe they believe are at greatest risk from harmful light pollution.
A new study highlights the European coastal regions most at risk from harmful light pollution, known as artificial light at night (ALAN). Scientists have created a system to assess whether a region has good environmental status (GES) in terms of ALAN risks, as there were no defined criteria previously for this in European waters.
The research found that enclosed regions with land on several sides, such as the Adriatic Sea, Baltic Sea, and western Mediterranean Sea, experienced the highest risk of exposure to harmful light pollution. Conversely, more open water areas like Macaronesia (Canary Islands, Azores, Madeira, and Cape Verde), the Barents Sea, and the Iceland Sea were at lower risk.
The U.K., Greater North Sea, and Celtic Seas were characterized as medium to low risk. The study emphasizes the need to incorporate the impacts of ALAN into future legislation, especially considering the European Union's Marine Strategy Framework Directive (MSFD). Researchers argue that the evidence presented in this study can help translate the risk and harm of light pollution into meaningful action.
The methodology used in the study could also be applied globally, providing a solid foundation for assessing and mitigating the effects of light pollution on marine ecosystems.
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