ISOLUME PROJECT
Illuminating the Depths: Understanding and Protecting Marine Lightscapes
ISOLUME provides science-based indicators to track changing underwater lightscapes and support marine management and policy.
The three Project Pillars of ISOLUME
Science & Discovery
Advancing our understanding of how marine lightscapes are changing.
Technology & Innovation
Developing monitoring tools, models, and assessment frameworks.
Policy & Action
Translating science into effective international marine management strategies.
Understanding Marine Lightscapes
These key concepts behind the ISOLUME project, shows how marine lightscapes are shaped by artificial light at night (ALAN) and coastal darkening, and why understanding these changes is essential for protecting marine ecosystems and informing sustainable management.
Marine lightscapes
Marine lightscapes refer to the spatial, temporal, and spectral characteristics of natural and artificial light in marine and aquatic environments, encompassing light intensity, timing, distribution, and colour that shape ecological processes and organism behaviour.
ALAN
(Artificial Light at Night)
Artificial Light at Night (ALAN) describes human-generated illumination emitted after dark that enters marine environments from coastal infrastructure, vessels, ports, and offshore activities, altering natural nocturnal light regimes and biological rhythms.
Coastal darkening
Coastal darkening is the long-term reduction in underwater light availability caused by increased concentrations of optically active substances such as suspended particles, coloured dissolved organic matter, and phytoplankton, that attenuate light penetration in coastal waters.
Why Light Matters Beneath the Waves?
Light is life for the ocean driving photosynthesis, guiding species, and shaping entire ecosystems. Yet, our activities are dimming and distorting this vital element. Coastal darkening and artificial light at night alter natural cycles, threatening biodiversity and ecosystem services. Studying and managing marine lightscapes is crucial to maintaining ocean health, fisheries, and climate resilience.
Join Us in Illuminating the Ocean’s Future
Together, we can protect the natural light that sustains marine life and shapes the health of our planet’s blue heart.
Waves of Wisdom
Voices from our community of scientists, visionaries, and advocates remind us why protecting marine lightscapes matters, their words reflect the passion and purpose driving the ISOLUME mission.
“The sea, once it casts its spell, holds one in its net of wonder forever.”
–
Jacques Cousteau
“We can’t manage what we don’t measure. Understanding lightscapes is the first step toward sustainable oceans.”
Prof. Oliver Zielinski, ISOLUME Project Chair
“Artificial light at night is one of the fastest-growing pollutants, its impact on marine ecosystems can no longer be ignored.”
Dr. Thomas Davies, Project Co-Chair
Contact Info
Contact Us
ISOLUME is funded through the Joint Programming Initiative Healthy and Productive Seas and Oceans (JPI Oceans) under the call “Consequences of Changing Marine Lightscapes”.
