New research using infrared cameras reveals that artificial light can disrupt the natural sleep patterns of fish on coral reefs, attracting predators and leading to changes in the nighttime ecosystem.
Artificial light can wake sleeping fish and attract predators, changing nighttime coral reef communities, according to new research using novel underwater infrared cameras. The research, conducted by an international team of scientists from the UK, France, French Polynesia and Chile, is the first large-scale experiment to investigate the impact of light pollution on the nightlife of coral reefs .
Lead author, Dr Emma Weschke, from the University of Bristol's School of Biological Sciences, said: 'When the sun sets, coral reefs undergo a dramatic transformation. The vibrant fish we see in the day retreat to sleep among the corals and elusive nocturnal species emerge from caves and crevices in pursuit of prey.' Senior author, Professor Andy Radford, also from Bristol, added: 'The night usually brings a veil of darkness that allows marine life to hide from nocturnal predators. But artificial light generated by human activities exposes coral reef inhabitants to unexpected danger.' Using purpose-built underwater infrared night-vision cameras, the scientists could film the reef at night without interfering with fish behaviour. This is because fish cannot see in infrared. A larger number of fish species were present on artificially illuminated reefs at night compared to control sites with no artificial light. Further investigation revealed these species were predatory fish -- feeding on the zooplankton, small fish and invertebrates. There were also more diurnal fish, but those that are only usually active during the day, found on the lighted reefs. Finding that light pollution can cause fish to stay awake later than usual is concerning because sleep -- like for us -- is likely essential for regenerating energy and maintaining fitness
Artificial Light Coral Reefs Fish Behavior Light Pollution Ecosystem Disruption
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