Light pollution, or the excessive and unnecessary use of artificial light, can have detrimental effects on coastal ecosystems. It can disrupt the natural light-dark cycle that many marine organisms rely on, which can impact their reproduction, behavior, and migration patterns. For example, sea turtle hatchlings can become disoriented by bright lights and move away from the ocean instead of towards it. Additionally, excessive lighting can cause a decrease in plankton populations, which are important at the bottom of the food chain. To protect coastal ecosystems, it is important to reduce light pollution and promote responsible lighting practices that benefit both humans and marine life.
