Light pollution is an environmental problem affecting many ecosystems, including the sea and marine life.
Various studies have shown how artificial light from cities can interfere with the circadian rhythms and behaviour of marine organisms, damage ecosystems and alter their food chain.
SEA TURTLE CONSERVATION
Among the animals most affected by light pollution are sea turtles.
With the mass construction of hotels and apartment blocks along beaches and the over-illumination with cold light of some coastal areas, female turtles are obliged to make use of unfavourable habitats for egg-laying. These animals need the night-time to leave their eggs in the sand, but when the beach is very lit up, the light can confuse them and make them think that it is still daytime.
Light pollution also affects the turtle hatchlings. After leaving their nests during the night, they depend on the natural light of the moon to orientate themselves and reach the sea. Artificial lighting, such as street lamps and other sources of bright light, can disorientate them and lead them in the opposite direction to the sea, making them easy prey for predators and leaving them vulnerable to exhaustion, dehydration and being run over.
ZONE E1, MAXIMUM PROTECTION AGAINST LIGHT POLLUTION
Catalonia classifies its territory into different protection zones according to the vulnerability of the nocturnal environment to light pollution. There are four protection zones: the highest level of protection is for Zone E1 and the lowest level is for Zone E4.
In Zone 1, we find areas included in the Plan for Areas of Natural Interest, the areas of the Natura 2000 network and other specific areas which, for some particular reason, have to be protected from light pollution.
AMBER LIGHTING ON THE PROMENADE
The town council of Roda de Berà, in Tarragona, needed to update the old discharge lighting of the Playa Larga promenade with new LED solutions. The promenade is classified as Zone E1 for its special natural value, as it is an egg-laying area for sea turtles.
In order to comply with the regulations and minimise the environmental impact, the council decided to install Carandini’s JUNIOR solution, with a low dome, lenticular glass, 48 LEDs and an ultra-warm amber colour temperature.
Carandini’s PC AMBER (1800K) solution removes practically all blue wavelengths, which have a more significant impact on flora, fauna and also people. That means that it not only offers efficient lighting, but it also helps to protect the environment and integrates naturally into its surroundings.
SOLUTION WITH MARINE FINISH
Public street lighting installed close to the sea is vulnerable to corrosion, due to the high concentration of salts that we find in such environments.
In order to resist the corrosive effects of the salinity of the marine environment, Carandini installed the JUNIOR solution with a marine finish. This kind of luminaire has special protection to protect it from corrosion, thereby ensuring greater durability and a reduced need for maintenance. Not only does that imply a cost saving for the authorities, it is also beneficial for the environment, as the amount of waste generated by replacing damaged luminaires is reduced.
A WELL-LIT SPACE TO ENJOY THE SEA
The new ultra-warm lighting system has created a kinder and more welcoming environment, in which fauna, people and ecosystem coexist in balance.
It has been possible to direct the light only where it is needed, avoiding dispersion over the sand and sea. That has helped to protect the turtles, their young and other marine organisms. Moreover, uniformity (0.60) and comfort have been improved, offering the inhabitants of this little coastal town and its visitors a more comfortable, pleasanter and safer promenade.
If you need to carry out a lighting project in a protected area, we will help you to define it, with no commitment. Contact our experts and tell us what you need!