Puertos Canarios, the public entity, has consolidated its review of lighting criteria at the archipelago’s regional port facilities following the conclusions presented at the event “Lights and Oceans: A Strategy for Coastal and Sky Conservation”, held at the Museo Elder. The technical event highlighted that skyglow is increasing by nearly 10% annually worldwide, a phenomenon with direct consequences for human health — through disruption of circadian rhythms and melatonin production — and for the preservation of marine ecosystems in the Canary Islands.
The impact on seabirds, particularly the disorientation of Cory’s shearwater chicks during their first night flights, places the islands’ coastal infrastructure at the center of environmental adaptation requirements. Speakers at the event agreed that available technology can reduce spectral frequencies and redirect direct light flows without compromising port operational safety or maritime navigation.
Energy efficiency and technical advice from the IAC
The strategy is structured around the regional network’s Smart Eco-Ports model, which focuses on decarbonization, energy savings and the implementation of an Environmental Monitoring Plan at directly managed docks. Within this operational framework, the public entity has maintained a technical advisory protocol with the Canary Islands Institute of Astrophysics (IAC) since 2024 to assess light emissions and progressively replace lighting fixtures with low-impact, high-efficiency devices.
The entity’s strategic plan includes the installation of recycling centers, monitoring electricity expenditure, analytical monitoring of port water quality and cross-sector coordination with private companies. Joint initiatives with shipping operators such as Bonehur ASA to reduce light levels on board vessels and at terminals seek to balance the logistical functionality of inter-island connections with the strict protection of the Canary Islands’ coastline.
The article Puertos Canarios Launches Plan to Reduce the Impact of Light Pollution was first published on canarymaritime.com.
