The impact of light and noise pollution (LNP) on biodiversity in aquatic environments is the subject of a new EU research project.

Funded by the Horizon Europe programme, the AquaPLAN researchers aims to quantify the combined impacts of LNP on aquatic biodiversity in rivers, lakes, coastal and offshore waters. They also intend to make it possible to implement effective and innovative strategies for managing these pollutants.

Understanding of how LNP affects aquatic biodiversity has dramatically improved in recent decades. Evidence suggests that these effects are prevalent globally, in all types of aquatic ecosystems, from rivers and lakes to the seafloor.

Despite growing knowledge and access to a wider range of technologies, best practice methodologies and policy interventions, there are still many critical knowledge gaps that, if addressed, would make it possible to better manage and reduce these impacts.

AquaPLAN launched on 1 January 2024 and will run for four years. It involves a transdisciplinary team of 13 organisations from nine countries.

Project coordinator Professor Elena Maggi from University of Pisa in Italy, said: “Existing regulations on the emission of artificial light at night and anthropogenic noise are highly fragmented in inland, coastal and offshore waters. Moreover, we still need good datasets to understand how to monitor, protect and restore aquatic biodiversity effectively.

“By engaging with stakeholder experts in aquatic biodiversity, LNP and the maritime industry throughout the project, AquaPLAN will provide sound recommendations on efficient LNP mitigation options as well on how to face potential barriers to their applications.”