Mapping the consequences of artificial light at night for intertidal ecosystems
Matthew J Garratt1, Stuart R Jenkins1, Thomas W Davies1
1School of Ocean Sciences, Bangor University, Menai Bridge LL59 5AB, UK.
The Science of the Total Environment
|July 22, 2019
Summary
Artificial light pollution impacts coastal intertidal zones. Increased illumination altered macroinvertebrate communities, with some species declining and others thriving, especially with more organic matter.
Area of Science:
- Marine Ecology
- Coastal Ecology
- Environmental Science
Background:
- Coastal urbanization causes artificial light pollution, impacting intertidal habitats.
- Impacts of artificial light at night (ALAN) are well-studied in terrestrial ecosystems but less so in intertidal zones.
- Intertidal habitats provide crucial ecosystem services, including coastal protection and recreation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To map artificial light at night (ALAN) distribution in a sandy intertidal habitat.
- To quantify the effects of ALAN on macroinvertebrate community structure.
- To assess how these effects interact with other environmental variables like shore height, wave exposure, and organic matter content.
Main Methods:
- Mapped artificial light at night (ALAN) distribution from seaside promenade lighting on a sandy shore.
- Quantified macroinvertebrate community composition, species richness, and biomass along light gradients.
- Accounted for collinear environmental variables (shore height, wave exposure, organic matter) in statistical analyses.
Main Results:
- Macroinvertebrate community composition significantly changed with increasing artificial light illuminance.
- Higher species richness and total community biomass were observed under greater illumination.
- The effect of light on communities was more pronounced in areas with higher organic matter availability.
- Specific taxa showed varied responses: 27% decreased in abundance (e.g., amphipods), while 20% increased (e.g., lugworms).
Conclusions:
- Artificial light at night (ALAN) significantly alters macroinvertebrate community structure in intertidal ecosystems.
- Both direct behavioral effects and indirect trophic interactions may explain observed relationships.
- Increasing light pollution in coastal zones may lead to large-scale changes in intertidal ecosystem functioning.
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