Reducing light pollution at sea turtle nesting sites in Martinique—that is the goal of the agreement signed by the DEAL, EDF, and SMEM in collaboration with the ONF!
In fact, artificial lighting near nesting sites puts the turtles at risk, because they come ashore to lay their eggs and rely on the reflections of the moon and stars on the sea to find their way. They are therefore disoriented by human lighting, which leads to an unacceptably high mortality rate due to exhaustion, being run over by vehicles, or predation. The same is true for hatchlings that have just emerged from their eggs! As a result, nesting sites are gradually being abandoned by the turtles—if they haven’t already been paved over!
Every year, several dozen cases of disoriented turtles are reported to the Sea Turtle Network which carries out rescue operations; however, several hundred turtles—mostly hatchlings—do not return to the sea.
The ONF conducted an assessment that highlights “the presence of numerous light sources that are hazardous to turtles at several of the island’s most important nesting sites.”. However, there are technical solutions that are simple to implement to “reduce the negative impacts of coastal lighting on biodiversity,” and the ONF has been able to secure funding to take action in this regard. These funds will help limit light pollution through the rapid implementation of technical solutions, such as replacing current streetlights with energy-efficient LEDs. To this end, a Program for Efficient Public Lighting (PEPP) is being implemented by the partners. It is expected to result in a reduction in energy consumption for public lighting from 50% to 70% and
resulting in savings of more than 2 million euros on Martinique’s energy bill. More than 66,000 light fixtures are included in this program
The three species of sea turtles that nest along the coast of Martinique are the focus of a national action plan led by the DEAL and coordinated by the ONF. It is within this framework that the agreements will be signed.
Nathalie Laulé
Contact the stranding network if you find turtles in distress: 0696234235
