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Those who often visit the blog of our marina in Genoa<\/strong> will surely have noticed: we frequently dedicate space to topics related to sustainability<\/strong> on these pages. For example, we have previously discussed the fundamental elements of sustainability on the dock<\/a>, highlighting how even in one’s own berth<\/strong> it is possible to make a difference in reducing marine pollution; and we have also talked about sustainable navigation<\/a>, to continue protecting the environment even after leaving the marina<\/strong>. However, when it comes to environmental impact, our minds almost exclusively think of the greatest threat to our planet, namely the harmful emissions caused by the use of fossil fuels; little or even no attention is given to perceived “minor” threats, such as noise pollution and light pollution.<\/strong> <\/p>\n\n Regarding noise pollution, in fact, we all possess the necessary basics to act virtuously, as none of us likes to be victims of annoying noises when trying to sleep, relax, or perhaps concentrate. We find it a bit more challenging to understand the threats of light pollution, in a world where we humans tend to have absolute control over lighting. Today we want to explain what light pollution on boats<\/strong> is, what damage<\/strong> it causes both in marina moorings and at sea, and how to minimize it. <\/p>\n\n The term light pollution refers to the harmful presence of artificial light. Where there is improper, unwanted, excessive, or superfluous artificial light, there is indeed light pollution, which can cause serious environmental damage. Unfortunately, even though, as mentioned above, we tend not to notice it, light pollution today is almost everywhere<\/strong>, resulting from a rapid increase in light sources after sunset in recent decades. <\/p>\n\n Sailors who move along the coast after sunset know this well, as they see the extraordinary spectacle of illuminated cities: for those mooring in our tourist marina in Genoa,<\/strong> both due to the orography of our city and its vast extent, the view is indeed truly phenomenal. But this enormous amount of light beams, coming from street lamps, house windows, and car headlights, has very negative consequences. It is not only about the theft of the possibility to admire the sky but also about detrimental effects on animal and plant life (not to mention the negative effects that excessive artificial lighting has on humans themselves). <\/p>\n\n According to a study cited among others by the AdnKronos agency, Italy, along with South Korea, is the G20 nation with the territory most polluted by artificial lighting. The level of light pollution in Italy is such that it eliminates for everyone the possibility of seeing a truly uncontaminated<\/strong> night sky free from artificial light sources. <\/p>\n\n <\/p>\n\n One might think that aquatic ecosystems, those that come to life and develop under the surface of seas, lakes, and rivers, do not have major problems due to light pollution, as this is a typical land-based issue. Well, that’s not the case: one cannot forget that along the coasts \u2013 think of the Italian coasts \u2013 there are many large and small cities that pour many light beams onto the sea; and this is repeated on rivers and lakes as well. <\/p>\n\n Then there are indeed the various boats<\/strong>, both recreational and otherwise, that bring artificial light even offshore. But what damage can light pollution do at sea? The premise to understand the enormous amount of negative consequences is simple: there are many biological mechanisms<\/strong> \u2013 above and below the water level \u2013 that rely on the alternation between day and night, and therefore on the presence and absence of light. Artificial light inevitably alters these rhythms, disrupting very delicate balances. <\/p>\n\nWhat is light pollution<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n
The damages of light pollution at sea<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n