Science Topic
Light and sound pollution
Our research aims to understand the widespread and pervasive effects of artificial light at night (ALAN), and sound pollution, on coastal and marine wildlife.
PML provided the first evidence that light pollution affects trophic interactions within coastal comunities. We work with practitioners in various industries in the coastal and maritime industries and policy, to co-develop solutions that limit sound and light pollution.
Through the GLOW network, PML is part of a global, collaborative initiative, studying the impacts of light pollution on coastal assemblages.
Watch the video - Artificial light at night (ALAN)
Watch the video above to find out more about Artifical light at night (ALAN)
Read the research brief
Research findings and further information about ALAN are presented in this four page pdf available for download.
Plymouth Marine Laboratory. 2023. Artificial Light at Night - impact on the marine environment. Research Brief: November 2023. Plymouth, UK. 4pp.
PML Project pages
Other projects
Global Ocean Artificial Light at Night Network (GOALANN)GLOW network: Emergent impacts on coastal areas
Capabilities
- World leading tidal lightscape simulator aquarium facility
- Behaviour, Sound and Imaging Laboratory (BSIL)
Selected publications
Underwood, CN; Davies, TW; Queirós, AM; 2017. Artificial light at night alters trophic interactions of intertidal invertebrates. Journal of Animal Ecology.
Tidau, S; Smyth, T; McKee, D; Wiedenmann, J; D'Angelo, C; Wilcockson, D; Ellison, A; Grimmer, AJ; Jenkins, SR; Widdicombe, S; Queirós, AM; Talbot, E; Wright, A; Davies, TW. 2021. Marine artificial light at night: An empirical and technical guide. Methods in Ecology and Evolution.
People who work in this area of research
Thomas Mesher
Macrofaunal Ecologist
thm
@pml.ac.uk
Joana Nunes
Benthic Ecologist
jonu
@pml.ac.uk
Christine Pascoe
Ecotoxicologist
ckh
@pml.ac.uk
Professor Ana M Queirós
Marine and climate change ecologist
anqu
@pml.ac.uk
Dr Sevrine Sailley
Ecosystem modeller
sesa
@pml.ac.uk
Professor Tim Smyth
Head of Science - Marine Biogeochemistry and Observations
tjsm
@pml.ac.uk
Dr Liz Talbot
Marine Ecologist
sat
@pml.ac.uk
Professor Steve Widdicombe
Director of Science and Deputy Chief Executive