ARTIFICIAL LIGHT AT NIGHT (ALAN) IMPACT ON COASTAL AND MARINE PROTECTED AREAS IN EUROPEAN SEAS

Artificial light at night (ALAN) is a significant anthropogenic pressure affecting coastal marine environments. ALAN, visible from satellites over large distances, disrupts natural behaviors in photosensitive marine organisms and influences ecosystem dynamics. This study examines and compare the intensity and distribution of ALAN in marine coastal areas and in marine protected areas (MPAs) within European seas. Results indicate that ALAN levels in MPAs are not significantly different from those in adjacent coastal areas, highlighting the widespread reach of light pollution. This underscores the vulnerability of MPAs to anthropogenic disturbances and calls for improved management practices to mitigate these impacts.