Artificial night lighting in the Mediterranean: Management priorities and constraints for sea turtle conservation

Artificial light at night(ALAN) is an escalating anthropogenic threat that disrupts coastal and marine ecosystems worldwide, yet its impacts on Mediterranean sea turtles remain poorly quantified.

27 experts across 16 Mediterranean countries were surveyed in order to evaluate perceived ALAN effects on sea turtle nesting sites and nearshore habitats, identify research gaps, assess monitoring limitations, and prioritize mitigation strategies.

Respondents consis ently highlighted hatchlings as the most vulnerable life stage, particularly during sea-finding and early dispersal, with ALAN causing disorientation, increased predation risk, and reduced recruitment. Standardized monitoring of ALAN impacts is largely absent, with financial constraints representing the main barrier, alongside gaps in communication, education, and policy.