What We Aim For
To quantify and mitigate the impacts of changing marine lightscapes from coastal darkening to artificial light pollution through science, innovation, and policy collaboration.
Our Shared Objectives
Reveal the Hidden Changes
Mapping the evolution of marine lightscapes.
We uncover how natural and artificial light in our seas has shifted over decades, shaping ecosystems and biodiversity.
Tracing the Light’s Journey
Connecting science from source to sea.
We link human activity, climate, and technology to changes in underwater light, creating knowledge for better management.
Empower Change
From evidence to action.
We build monitoring tools and policy frameworks that help protect marine lightscapes and sustain ocean health.
Restoring Balance Beneath the Surface
Science-driven solutions for a brighter ocean future
ISOLUME’s mission is to quantify and mitigate the consequences of changing marine lightscapes from the darkening of coastal waters to the growing reach of artificial light at night. By combining cutting-edge research, data, and international collaboration, we aim to create effective monitoring, management, and policy tools that protect the delicate balance of marine ecosystems.
A Future Where Oceans Thrive in Natural Light
Protecting the light that sustains marine life.
We envision a future in which ocean lightscapes are understood, respected, and restored where human progress coexists harmoniously with the natural rhythms of the sea. Through collaboration, innovation, and global engagement, ISOLUME will lay the groundwork for sustainable marine policies that preserve biodiversity for generations to come.
Work Packages
The ISOLUME work packages are closely interconnected, progressing from observing changes in marine lightscapes, to understanding their drivers and impacts, and finally translating scientific knowledge into mitigation strategies and policy-relevant outcomes.
WP1 – Project and Financial Management
WP1 ensures the effective coordination, data management, and stakeholder engagement needed for the smooth delivery of the ISOLUME project.
WP2 – Changing Marine Lightscapes
WP2 quantifies long-term changes in marine lightscapes across European seas, driven by coastal darkening and artificial light at night, using combined satellite and in situ observations.
WP3 – Drivers of Change in Marine Lightscapes
WP3 identifies and models the key environmental, climatic, and human drivers shaping underwater lightscapes from river catchments to coastal and offshore waters.
WP4 – Impacts of Change in Marine Lightscapes
WP4 assesses how changing marine lightscapes affect primary production, habitat quality, phenology, and visual ecology of marine organisms.
WP5 – Mitigating Change in Marine Lightscapes
WP5 develops monitoring tools, mitigation strategies, and policy frameworks to reduce negative impacts of coastal darkening and marine light pollution.
WP6 – Dissemination, Exploitation, Communication and Outreach
WP6 maximises the societal and policy impact of ISOLUME by communicating results, engaging stakeholders, and supporting knowledge uptake beyond the project.
F.A.Q.
Research Questions
ISOLUME investigates how underwater light environments have changed over recent decades, examining both the darkening of coastal waters and the spread of artificial light at night. By combining long-term observations with satellite data, the project reveals where, how fast, and in what ways marine lightscapes are shifting.
The project explores the natural and human-driven processes behind changing light conditions, from land-based runoff and climate variability to coastal development and lighting technologies. ISOLUME links activities on land, along coasts, and at sea to changes in how light moves through marine environments.
ISOLUME examines how light from cities, ports, vessels, and offshore infrastructure enters the ocean after dark. Special attention is given to the transition from older lighting technologies to LEDs, and how this shift has altered the intensity, colour, and depth of nighttime light underwater.
The project assesses how altered light conditions affect marine life, including primary production, habitat quality, biological timing (phenology), and visual ecology. ISOLUME connects changes in light to impacts on key species, ecosystems, and services that healthy oceans provide.
ISOLUME develops and tests new monitoring approaches that combine satellite observations, in-water measurements, and modelling tools. These innovations aim to make changes in marine lightscapes measurable, comparable, and suitable for long-term observation.
A central question for ISOLUME is how scientific evidence can support better management. The project translates research findings into assessment frameworks, mitigation options, and policy-relevant indicators, helping decision-makers address light-related pressures on marine ecosystems.
Our work in numbers
Behind every dataset and discovery lies the collective effort of our international team transforming thousands of research hours into measurable impact for the oceans of tomorrow.
partner institutions
–
11
historical datasets analyzed
+25K
collective research hours
+50K
research facilities and field sites
+10