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CC BY V4.0, Open Access
Journal article
The effect of artificial light at night on sea turtle hatchling early dispersal: A systematic review of methods, impacts and findings
Biological conservation, Vol.309, 111327
2025
Abstract
Artificial light at night (ALAN) is a rapidly expanding pollutant, raising concerns about its impact on species that rely on natural light cues for critical behaviours, such as for sea turtle early dispersal. After emergence, sea turtle hatchlings orient themselves using natural light cues to quickly crawl to the ocean (sea-finding) and swim offshore. Numerous studies have shown that artificial light disrupts their capacity to orient during their early dispersal with varying consequences, although variability exists in the methodologies used and the results. Here, we systematically reviewed the literature (74 publications) to summarise the methods and findings on the impacts of ALAN on sea turtle hatchlings during early dispersal. The review highlights key findings on how hatchling orientation during early dispersal is disrupted by different light types, light intensity, and distance to the light source. We review the visual capabilities of sea turtles and relate this ability to their behavioural attraction to different light types. Additionally, we discuss the availability of empirical evidence for energetic, behavioural, and physiological costs and consequences of disrupted orientation, along with management strategies that have been proposed to reduce the risk posed by ALAN. We conclude that more studies measuring the consequences of disrupted orientation are required to determine the long-term impacts of artificial lighting for turtle populations. Further, we suggest that research move towards identifying light intensity thresholds for artificial lights of different spectra and develop light exclusion zones to assist with management and promote best practice for lighting in coastal areas to protect these endangered species.
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Details
- Title
- The effect of artificial light at night on sea turtle hatchling early dispersal: A systematic review of methods, impacts and findings
- Authors/Creators
- Daniel F. Gomez Isaza - Australian Institute of Marine Science, Indian Ocean Marine Research Centre, University of Western Australia, Crawley, WA 6009, AustraliaRoss Jones - Australian Institute of Marine Science, Indian Ocean Marine Research Centre, University of Western Australia, Crawley, WA 6009, AustraliaPhillipa Wilson - Australian Institute of Marine Science, Darwin, Northern Territory, 0810, AustraliaKellie Pendoley - Pendoley Environmental, Booragoon, Western Australia, AustraliaSabrina Fossette - Biodiversity and Conservation Science, Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions, 17 Dick Perry Ave, Kensington, Western Australia 6151, AustraliaMichele Thums - Australian Institute of Marine Science, Indian Ocean Marine Research Centre, University of Western Australia, Crawley, WA 6009, Australia
- Publication Details
- Biological conservation, Vol.309, 111327
- Publisher
- Elsevier Ltd.
- Number of pages
- 15
- Identifiers
- 991005792410207891
- Copyright
- © 2025 Elsevier Ltd.
- Murdoch Affiliation
- Harry Butler Institute; Centre for Sustainable Aquatic Ecosystems
- Language
- English
- Resource Type
- Journal article
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Source: InCites
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InCites Highlights
These are selected metrics from InCites Benchmarking & Analytics tool, related to this output
- Collaboration types
- Domestic collaboration
- Citation topics
- 4 Electrical Engineering, Electronics & Computer Science
- 4.169 Remote Sensing
- 4.169.2376 Light Pollution
- Web Of Science research areas
- Biodiversity Conservation
- Ecology
- Environmental Sciences
- ESI research areas
- Environment/Ecology