Marine artificial light at night: An empirical and technical guide

The increasing illumination of our world by artificial light at night (ALAN) has created a new field global change research with impacts now being demonstrated across taxa, biological ranks and spatial scales. Following advances in terrestrial ecology, marine ALAN become rapidly growing area attracting scientists from all biomes. Technological limitations, complexities researching many coastal ecosystems the interdisciplinary nature present numerous challenges. Drawing on expertise optical oceanographers, modellers, community ecologists, experimental molecular biologists, we share practical advice solutions that have proven useful for research. Discussing lessons learnt early can help effective efficient development field. guide follows sensory ecology approach to pollution consolidates physics, biology. First, introduce lightscapes highlighting how these differ ones provide an overview adaptations them. Second, discuss study design technology best quantify exposure organisms including tools approaches scale-up We conclude presents opportunities not only improving understanding this globally widespread stressor, but also advancing fundamental photobiology, chronobiology night-time ecology. Interdisciplinary will be essential gain insights into natural shaping evolution ecosystems.