The conference 'Lights and Oceans. Strategy for the conservation of the coast and sky', held at the Elder Museum, has shown that light pollution is a growing phenomenon with severe effects on health, ecosystems, and seabirds. Canary Ports has positively assessed the meeting's conclusions, which brought together scientific knowledge, management experiences, and applied solutions for a more responsible use of light in coastal and port environments of the islands.
During the session, it was highlighted that skyglow increases by approximately 10% annually, disrupting the night as a basic signal for life. Artificial light affects both human health, interfering with processes like melatonin secretion, and the ecosystem balance. The Canary Islands possess one of the world's best-documented cases on the impact of artificial light on seabirds, particularly the Scopoli's shearwater, making the archipelago a benchmark for promoting prevention and adaptation measures.
The presentations agreed that the technical solution to reduce impact and save energy already exists. The next step is to consolidate operational decisions and regulatory frameworks that allow these solutions to be applied coherently and measurably. In this context, Canary Ports reaffirms its commitment to the Smart Ecoports model, focused on sustainability, energy efficiency, and environmental management.
The public entity recalled its collaboration since 2024 with the Canary Islands Institute of Astrophysics to receive advice on implementing energy efficiency measures and reducing light pollution in its ports. This work aims to improve infrastructure, promote port-city integration, and create sustainable port spaces respectful of biodiversity.
The conference conclusions also align with the port's strategic plan, including the replacement of lighting with efficiency criteria, energy cost control, and environmental management. The event also emphasized the importance of engaging the private sector, the scientific community, and environmental organizations, citing outreach projects and collaborations with operators like Fred. Olsen Express.
Canary Ports considers the preservation of the night sky and marine biodiversity as part of a single vision: managing port infrastructure that is useful for the islands' connectivity and economy, yet compatible with territorial protection, energy saving, and environmental quality. The public entity will continue promoting actions to reduce impacts and strengthen the role of autonomous ports as living, open, and responsible spaces within their environment.
