Artificial night lighting jeopardises the survival of sea lifeAugust 01, 2003Artificial night lighting can jeopardise the survival of sea turtles by obliterating environmental cues. Writing in the August issue of Biologist, Mike Salmon, of Florida Atlantic University, USA, explains how artificial coastal lighting disturbs female sea turtles' navigation to nest beaches and disorientates their hatchlings so that many fail to find the sea and die. Fewer nests are made on brightly lit Florida beaches. This suggests that 'by the time a hatchling reaches maturity and performs her first nesting migration, she may find that her natal site is no longer safe', [having become a thriving, brightly lit, coastal town or resort], comments Salmon. Moreover, this is a global problem that is not restricted to turtles. So what is the solution to this 'photopollution'? Salmon suggests better designed lighting in beach areas, directing light downwards and using dimmer lighting, which would not only benefit the nocturnal clientele but would reduce energy wastage. | |||||||||||||||||||||
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