Marine light pollution science initiative endorsed by United Nations

An international initiative that aims to provide the science needed to better manage global light emissions into the ocean has been endorsed by the United Nations as one of its new Ocean Decade Actions.

The Global Ocean Artificial Light at Night Network (GOALANN) was first launched at the United Nations Ocean Decade Conference in April 2024.

It was established by ecologists, oceanographers and social scientists who have spent more than a decade studying the impact of light pollution on the ocean, and the many species living in or near it.

The GOALANN network aims to expand on the impact of that work, unifying research groups from around the world to provide a central resource of marine light pollution expertise, projects and tools.

The idea is then for this information to be accessed by policy makers, environmental managers, maritime industries and others responsible for future decisions which may create or mitigate light pollution, as well as the general public.

Its recognition by the United Nations acknowledges the impact of the existing research initiatives, as well as the importance of further collaborative efforts to understand and address it.

The GOALANN initiative was conceived by Dr Thomas Davies, Associate Professor of Marine Conservation at the University of Plymouth, working alongside Professor Tim Smyth, Head of Science – Marine Biogeochemistry and Observations at Plymouth Marine Laboratory (PML).

Dr Davies, who led the first study – published in 2014 – to explore the nature, extent and ecological implications of marine light pollution, said: “We have been leading research into marine light pollution for several years, but – until now – it has not received the same recognition as other forms of science. This endorsement cements marine light pollution as a significant global change issue in the 21st century. It will help us to cultivate meaningful change to policy and practice in coastal and offshore lighting that reduces light pollution and improves ocean health for future generations.”

Professor Smyth added: "Endorsement of GOALANN by the UN Decade for Ocean Science gives crucial recognition to the issue of artificial light pollution, and the threats it poses to marine biodiversity in our coastal seas. This endorsement will enable us to build a global community of practitioners to help minimise and mitigate against light pollution in the marine environment in an increasingly urbanised world."

The UN Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development 2021-2030 enters its midpoint this year, and GOALANN is one of 39 new Decade Actions setting the stage for transformative ocean solutions.

They strengthen the existing portfolio of initiatives endorsed by the Ocean Decade since 2021, with lead institutions spanning 21 countries.

Vidar Helgesen, Executive Secretary of UNESCO’s Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (UNESCO-IOC), said: “Decade Actions embrace a diverse range of profiles – some generate knowledge to fill critical gaps in our understanding of the ocean, while others build capacity and seek to influence decision-making. With these initiatives targeting regional and thematic priorities for ocean action, including light pollution, marine microbiome exploration, marine energy, and coastal ecosystems, we continue to expand the role of the Ocean Decade as a global coordination and cooperation mechanism for ocean science across the globe.”