More than 20% of the world’s coastlines are estimated to be exposed to artificial night-time lighting (ALAN). Despite increasing evidence of the immediacy, severity and the phylogenetic breadth of night-time lighting impacts, ALAN is expected to increase globally in both intensity and spatial extent in the coming decades. However, the potential impacts of this emerging threat on the overall ecology of coastal communities are still largely unknown. This project aims to address these knowledge gaps by assessing how ALAN affects the overall diversity and functioning of coastal urbanised systems, and how it interacts with other stressors such as warming. Recent experiments include studies into the effects of artificial light at night on keystone species, including sea urchins, crabs, fish and seaweeds. 

People

Scientia Fellow Mariana Mayer Pinto
opens in a new window

Related

Ecology and impacts of marine invaders

This program aims to address the spread and impact of marine invaders as well as developing management strategies to protect these fragile ecosystems.

Impacts of multiple stressors on marine communities

Stresses such as ocean warming and increased pollution impact the resilience and functioning of marine communities. Find out more.

Impacts of urbanisation on the diversity and functioning of coastal systems

What is the impact of urbanisation on ecological functioning within coastal systems? Find out more.