Mapping Marine Light and Noise Pollution

The AquaPLAN (Aquatic Pollution from Light and Anthropogenic Noise) is a new interactive map designed to address the pressing issue of pollution in aquatic environments. It is the first interactive map to visualize the extent of artificial light at night and anthropogenic noise pollution in European marine and freshwater habitats.

Recent studies highlight the adverse impacts of light and noise pollution on diverse aquatic species. Artificial light at night (ALAN) disrupts natural behaviors, such as the migration patterns of fish, turtles, and other marine life that rely on darkness as a cue. For example, sea turtles often become disoriented by artificial lights near beaches, leading hatchlings away from the ocean. Noise pollution, predominantly caused by shipping, underwater drilling, and industrial activities, also poses significant threats. Loud anthropogenic noises can mask communication signals among marine animals, such as whales and dolphins, affecting their ability to navigate, find mates, or avoid predators.

AquaPLAN uses NASA's Black Marble map of global light pollution as its basemap layer. NASA's Black Marble map is a highly detailed visualization of Earth's nighttime lights, created from data captured by satellites. The Black Marble map provides a unique perspective on human activity and its environmental impacts by showcasing the distribution and intensity of artificial lights across the globe. Using AquaPLAN this light pollution map can be augmented by a number of other map layers, These include map layers which visualize: Global Ship Noise, ALAN (a metric used to assess the risk associated with Artificial Light at Night and its impacts on the environment), and marine habitats.

AquaPLAN’s map can be used to overlay these layers of data on light and noise pollution, either independently or in tandem. This capability allows researchers, policymakers, and environmentalists to assess the spatial extent and intensity of these stressors across rivers, lakes, coastal waters, and offshore marine habitats. As the platform evolves, AquaPLAN hopes to incorporate even more habitat maps, offering users a more nuanced understanding of how these pollutants intersect with sensitive ecosystems. 

One goal of AquaPLAN is to raise public awareness about reducing light and noise pollution. Practical tips for individuals to minimize their environmental footprint are available on the project’s website.