The third edition of this awareness initiative will take place between 10:30 PM on Sunday, November 1st, and 1:30 AM on Monday, November 2nd, with the necessary beacons and lighting for operational safety. The objective is to raise awareness about the protection of the Cory's Shearwater and the impact of light pollution on the coastal environment.
The extraordinary blackout, with an estimated duration of three hours, will be coordinated with passenger maritime transport and will begin once the last scheduled service has concluded, provided that the port's actual operating conditions allow it. According to technical reports, Cory's Shearwater chicks leave their nests between mid-October and mid-November to undertake their first nocturnal flights towards the sea. Artificial lighting can disorient them and cause them to fall on land, where they are exposed to traffic accidents, predation, and other risks.
Additionally, a reduction in the intensity of exterior lighting is planned between October 15th and November 15th, 2026, in areas where it is technically feasible and compatible with port safety. The measure will not affect beacon systems, maritime signals, or any other element necessary to protect people, vessels, and port operations.
Puertos Canarios invites public administrations, companies, businesses, tourist establishments, sports facilities, residential communities, and citizens to voluntarily join by turning off non-essential ornamental lighting, reducing intensity, disconnecting signs or shop windows outside their operating hours, and properly orienting luminaires to avoid light emission towards the sky or natural areas. This initiative is part of the Smart Autonomous EcoPorts model and complements technical collaboration with the Canary Islands Institute of Astrophysics.
