We dedicate our space to present initiatives and sister projects that work with us to tackle noise and light pollution in our ecosystems.
This is the case of AquaPLAN, whose efforts are aimed at understanding and controlling the effects of pollution in marine ecosystems throughout the continent, and with whom we will be working closely in the coming months. Here you have a quick update of their last activities and proposals
AquaPLAN (Aquatic Pollution from Light and Anthropogenic Noise: Management of Impacts on Biodiversity)
Exposure mapping and modelling activities
Under the coordination of Plymouth Marine Laboratory (PML, UK), we have started to build a European map of the combined exposure to Light and Noise Pollution (LNP) in marine and freshwater ecosystems, and the risk they pose to biodiversity.
Monitoring temporal trends in biodiversity
AquaPLAN partners have been busy starting their fieldwork activities over the last few months! We have implemented a novel monitoring programme to prevent the emerging impacts of LNP on biodiversity for key aquatic habitats.
HOW?
By simultaneously sampling LNP, as well as biological variables at sites characterised by crossed conditions of presence/absence of LNP.
WHERE and WHEN?
- European rivers (The Netherlands, Belgium and Germany, April-May 2024)
Leiden University (ULEI, The Netherlands) started monitoring the migratory fish Twaite shad Alosa fallax spawning in European rivers. These fish are known to be easily interrupted by passing boats and avoid areas around bridges busy with traffic and light pollution. - Coastal areas (Italy and UK, July- September 2024)
University of Pisa (UNIPI) and Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn (SZN) started their first joint field campaigns around Capraia Island (Tuscan Archipelago, Italy) and the marine protected area of Bergeggi (Liguria, Italy), by focusing on Posidonia oceanica (Neptune grass) meadows which is endemic to the Mediterranean Sea, and shallow subtidal Cystoseira spp. (macroalgal) beds. University of Plymouth (UOP) carried out their biological surveys on the intertidal rocky shore communities of the Plymouth Sound.
Ensuring Impact: Dissemination, Exploitation, Communication and Outreach
University of Pisa (UNIPI) – July 2024: our AquaPLAN coordinator Elena Maggi, appeared on Italian television! She discussed the effects of LNP on aquatic biodiversity with Davide Coero Borga on Rai’s science programme Newton. The episode can be watched back here.
Dissemination and communication activities:
AquaPLAN and Plan B are organising a joint session on the effect of LNP on biodiversity, at Forum Acusticum / Euronoise 2025, the 11th European Acoustics Association (EAA) Annual European Conference on Acoustics and Noise Control Engineering (23-26 June 2025 in Málaga, Spain). The programme focuses on investigating the most recent advancements and trends in acoustics.
AquaPLAN are joining the Museo di Storia Naturale di Calci for the next European Bright Night event in Pisa. This is part of European Researchers’ Night, the largest science outreach event in Europe held every year on 27 September.
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