The introduction of artificial light in marine and coastal ecosystems represents a dramatic change in natural light and dark cycles to which organisms and ecosystems have adapted over millions of years. Artificial light can affect a wide range of species from marine turtle nesting and coral spawning to zooplankton migration and food web dynamics. Responses to changed light conditions can be physiological and/or behavioural, which in turn can affect ecosystem processes. Understanding the impact of artificial light on the natural environment is an emerging field of research that requires novel and multidisciplinary approaches.
To address this ecosystem wide challenge the Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment developed the National Light Pollution Guidelines for Wildlife (Light Pollution Guidelines) to raise awareness about the impacts of artificial light on marine and coastal species and the ecosystems that support them. The Light Pollution Guidelines provide an evidenced based framework for managing the impacts of light pollution on coastal species and are supported by technical appendices that explore how to measure biologically relevant light, light impact mitigation and species-specific advice. The Guidelines have been endorsed by 132 national government Parties to the Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals (CMS).