Wildlife Welfare

Wild Seabird Light Pollution Effects

Artificial light at night causes disorientation, collision, and death in seabirds during breeding seasons. Mitigation measures protect millions of birds annually.

Key Facts

Nocturnal seabirds navigate by starlight and are fatally attracted to artificial lights
Petrels, shearwaters, and fledglings are most vulnerable
Light-induced groundings kill tens of thousands of seabirds annually in Hawaii alone
Rescue programs pick up downed birds for rehabilitation and release
Shielding lights away from seabird colonies is highly effective

Welfare Considerations

Seabirds grounded by light pollution often suffer injuries from collisions with structures. Those that land on roads or urban environments face predation, vehicle strikes, and dehydration before rescue. Light pollution mitigation - shielding fixtures, switching to amber LED where possible near colonies - directly prevents this suffering.

What You Can Do

Support seabird rescue programs during breeding seasons
Advocate for light shielding near known seabird colonies
Report grounded seabirds to local wildlife rescue organizations
Learn about light pollution mitigation strategies for coastal communities