Light pollution has a major impact on species of endangered or threatened sea turtles that nest on developed beaches.
Sea turtles and light pollution. As a proxy for the monetary value of missing sea turtles due to nighttime light pollution we use the known costs for rearing sea turtles in captivity an approach used by Freeman 2003 and Troeng and Drews 2004 for instance in the absence of specific estimates for willingness to pay WTP. Hatchling marine turtles are vulnerable to light pollution as it disrupts the natural light cues that they use for dispersal. At nesting beaches light pollution is known to modify sea turtle behavior and even discourage egg-bearing females from coming ashore to nest.
Small marine animals on the lower levels in the food chain like plankton absorb these chemicals as they feed. Large numbers of insects a primary food source for birds and other animals are drawn to artificial lights and are instantly killed upon contact with light sources. Light pollution poses a significant threat for sea turtles because a small amount of artificial light can disorient many hatclings and lead them to imminent death or reduced chances of survival.
Light pollution can also deter nesting. Sea turtles are affected by pollution in more ways than one. Hatchlings find the sea by detecting the bright horizon over the ocean.
Lights along the coast can cause hatchlings to travel landward instead of seaward or they can be attracted to lights on boats or jetties which can cause them to perish from exhaustion or predation. 10 Moreover in stated preference studies. Florida beaches in the USA are known for their high sea turtle.
Reducing the amount of artificial light that is visible from nesting beaches is the first step to reducing light pollution that affects sea turtles. It is thought that the light pollution along the coast at night could disrupt visual. The two species of sea turtle in our study are nocturnal nesters.
Light pollution and hatchlings sea turtles. Some toxins even become more concentrated as they break down and enter the food chain. The effects of artificial lighting on sea turtles may actually increase as ambient light-levels decrease on darker moonless nights.

