It was 2 am on a humid summer’s night on Sydney’s coast. Something in the distance caught my eye – a pod of glowing dolphins darted towards the bow of
the boat. I had never seen anything like it before. They were electric blue, trailing swaths of light as they rode the bow wave.
It was a stunning example of “bioluminescence”. The phenomenon is the result
of a chemical reaction in billions of single-celled organisms called dinoflagellatescongregating
at the sea surface. These organisms are a type of phytoplankton – tiny microscopic organisms many sea creatures eat.
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Dinoflagellates switch on their bioluminescence as a warning signal to predators, but it can also be triggered when they’re disturbed in the water – in
this case, by the dolphins.
You can see marine bioluminescence from land in Australia. Places like Jervis Bayand Tasmania are renowned for such spectacles.
But this dazzling night-time show is under threat. Light pollution creates brighter
nights and disrupts ecological rhythms along the coast, such as breeding and feeding patterns. With so much human activity close to the shore and at
sea, how much longer can we continue to enjoy this natural light show?
Lighting up the world has an ecological price
Light pollution is a well-known problem for inland ecosystems, particularly for nocturnal species.
In fact, a global study published earlier this year
identified light pollution as an extinction threat to land bioluminescent species. The study surveyed firefly experts, who considered artificial light
to be the second greatest threat to fireflies after habitat destruction.
Artificial light is one of the biggest threats fireflies face. Shutterstock
At sea, artificial light pollution enters the marine environment temporarily (lights from ships and fishing activities) and permanently (coastal towns
and offshore oil platforms). To make matters worse, light from cities can extend further offshore by scattering into the atmosphere and reflecting
off clouds. This is known as artificial sky glow.
For organisms with circadian clocks (day-night sleep cycles), this loss of darkness can have damaging effects.
Bioluminescence in Sydney in the wake of the boat the author was on. Vanessa Pirotta, Author provided
For example it can disrupt animal metabolism, which can lead to weight gain. Artificial
light can also change sea turtle nesting behaviour and can
disorientate turtle hatchlings when trying to get to sea, lowering their chances of survival.
Read more: Lights out! Clownfish can only hatch in the dark – which light pollution is taking away
It can also disorientate the foraging of
fish communities; alter predatory fish behaviour (such as in Yellowfin
Bream and Leatherjacks) leading to increased predation in artificial light at night; cause reproductive failure in clownfish; and change the structural composition of marine invertebrate communities.
What are lights along the coast doing to bioluminescent species? Shutterstock
For zooplankton – a vital species for a range of bigger animals – artificial light disrupts their “diel vertical migration”. This term refers to the movement of zooplankton from the depths of the ocean where
they spend the day to reduce fish predation,
rising to the surface at night to feed.
What does this mean for bioluminescent species?
Increased exposure to artificial light due to human activities, such as growing cities and increased global shipping movement, may disrupt when and
where bioluminescent species hang out.
In turn, this may influence where predators move, leading to disruptions in the marine food web, potentially changing the dynamics of energy transfer efficiencybetween
marine species.
Bioluminescence draws tourists and photographers in Tasmania. Shutterstock
Bioluminescence usually serves as a communication function, such as to warn off predators, attract a mate or lure prey. For many species, light pollution
in the ocean may compromise this biological communication strategy.
And for light-producing organisms such as dinoflagellates, excess artificial light may reduce the effectiveness of their bioluminescence because they
won’t shine as bright, potentially increasing their risk of being eaten.
Have you read Julia Baird’s new book? It’s a great introduction to the science behind the ephemeral bioluminescence at sea.HarperCollins Australia
A 2016 study in the Arctic revealed the critical depth where atmospheric light dims to
darkness, and bioluminescence from organisms becomes dominant, was approximately 30 metres below the sea surface.
This means any change to light in the Arctic influences when marine organisms rise to the surface. If there is too much light, these organisms remain
deeper for longer where it’s safe – reducing their potential feeding time.
Read more: Bright city lights are keeping ocean predators awake and hungry
What can we do?
Understanding the level at which artificial light penetrates the ocean is tricky, especially so when dealing with mobile sources of light pollution
such as ships, which are becoming an almost permanent fixture in some areas of the ocean.
caption. Shutterstock
Pockets of darkness still remain in our oceans. But they are becoming rarer, making light pollution a serious global threat to marine life.
Read more: The glowing ghost mushroom looks like it comes from a fungal netherworld
The spectacle of glowing dolphins should serve as a timely reminder of our need to conserve the darkness we have left.
Simple steps at home such as switching off lights and reducing unnecessary
outdoor lighting, especially if you live near the ocean, is a step in the right direction to doing your bit for nocturnal species.
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