The conservation of coral reefs is paramount to protecting marine biodiversity. However, these delicate ecosystems are under threat from various stressors such as light and noise pollution. International research is delving into these issues to shed light on their impact and influence laws surrounding coral reef protection.
Prof. Oren Levy, Director of the Laboratory for Molecular Marine Ecology at Bar-Ilan University, is part of an EU-funded project called AquaPLAN. This project aims to investigate the combined impacts of Light and Noise Pollution (LNP) on aquatic biodiversity, particularly in the Red Sea. The ultimate goal is to develop strategies for managing these pollutants and safeguarding marine life.
Illustrated image of The Line, Red Sea, Saudi Arabia
Prof. Levy’s research focuses on the impact of light pollution on coral reefs and marine life in the Red Sea. His studies aim to understand how artificial lighting affects critical events like coral spawning and the behavior of tropical fish. Additionally, the project explores the effects of noise pollution on these marine ecosystems to gain a comprehensive understanding of their combined impact.
The AquaPLAN project, coordinated by the University of Pisa, will run for four years and comprise a multi-actor, transdisciplinary team of 13 organizations from nine countries. The mission is to bridge current knowledge gaps and develop effective strategies for monitoring, protecting, and restoring aquatic biodiversity in the face of light and noise pollution.
Trankila Beach in Sinai is surrounded by coral reefs that aren’t doing well.
As regulations on artificial light at night and anthropogenic noise remain fragmented, the AquaPLAN project aims to fill this gap and provide essential datasets for effective monitoring and conservation of aquatic biodiversity. With a transdisciplinary approach, the project seeks to transform knowledge into actionable strategies for the protection and restoration of marine ecosystems.
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