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ALANIS

Impacts of artificial light at night on pelagic ecosystems in European seas

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2.9410155589379%

2.9410155589379%

  • Ongoing

Overview

Duration

Jul 2025 - Jun 2028

Type of action

Joint Call

Lead countries

Germany

About

The ALANIS project investigates how artificial light at night (ALAN) and coastal darkening affect aquatic ecosystems, particularly zooplankton diel vertical migration. Light changes disrupt predator-prey dynamics and key ecosystem functions. Using lab experiments, field studies, remote sensing, and ecosystem modeling, the project will assess zooplankton responses to varying light conditions across diverse European waters. Outputs include a high-resolution ALAN atlas and risk map, integrated into models predicting ecological impacts such as changes in export flux. Findings will support marine management and be shared through a Web-GIS platform for collaborative research and policy development.

Impacts

The main expected impacts are: 

  • An improved understanding of marine light pollution by providing new knowledge on how artificial light at night (ALAN) and coastal darkening affect marine ecosystems, particularly organismic behavior, food web dynamics, and ecosystem functioning.
  • Support for policy and risk assessment by generating critical data to inform environmental monitoring and risk assessment, supporting EU Marine Strategy Framework Directive (MSFD) Descriptor 11 and guiding mitigation strategies for marine light pollution.
  • An active involvement of policymakers, industry stakeholders (e.g. shipping and tourism), and regional sea conventions through targeted communication tools and workshops, ensuring outputs are tailored to end-user needs.
  • An alignment with the UN Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development and the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 14 (Life Below Water)
  • To deliver accessible, open-source data products via a Web-GIS platform integrated into UNESCO’s ICAN network, enabling widespread use of project results in environmental research, policy, and education.

     
Project coordinator and partners

Project coordinator: 

  • Dr Rüdiger Röttgers Helmholtz-Zentrum Hereon, Institute for Carbon Cycles Max Planck Str. 1, D-21502 Geesthacht Germany ruediger.roettgers@hereon.de http://www.hereon.de 

Project partners: