Glamox, a leader in marine lighting solutions, has introduced new wildlife and turtle-friendly versions of its popular LED marine luminaires, specifically designed to reduce the negative impact of artificial lighting on nesting sea turtles and their hatchlings. These amber-colored lights are intended for use on the exterior of vessels and coastal facilities, addressing a growing environmental concern about the effects of artificial lighting on marine wildlife.
Sea turtles, which have existed for over 200 million years and survived the extinction of the dinosaurs, are now among the most endangered groups of animals, with about half of all species threatened with extinction. Their decline is attributed to multiple factors, including poaching, overharvesting, habitat destruction, climate change, and accidental capture in fishing operations (bycatch).
A critical threat to sea turtles arises from artificial lighting along coastlines. Adult turtles typically nest, and hatchlings emerge, on beaches at night, relying on natural light cues from the moon and stars to navigate. Bright lights from coastal buildings and vessels can obscure these natural cues, disorienting hatchlings and leading them away from the ocean. Additionally, artificial lighting can deter adult females from nesting, resulting in fewer nests and further endangering turtle populations.
Recognizing these challenges, Glamox developed amber-colored LED lights that emit long-wavelength light at around 600 nanometres, which scientific research has shown to be far less disruptive to turtles and other wildlife than blue-white light. This wavelength closely matches the natural light conditions that turtles use for orientation, minimizing interference with their natural behaviors. The new lighting products include amber versions of Glamox’s best-selling MIR G2 and MAX G2 explosion-proof luminaires, as well as LED retrofit kits that allow customers to upgrade existing fixtures without full replacement.
Marlon Iversen, Product Manager for Exterior Lighting at Glamox’s Marine, Offshore & Wind Division, emphasized the growing awareness of the need to preserve night skies and protect wildlife. He noted that the adoption of long-wavelength, amber lighting is supported by increasing environmental regulations and guidance from authorities, particularly in regions such as Asia and Australasia. Glamox has already begun supplying these turtle-friendly lights for vessels operating off the coast of Australia, reflecting both market demand and regulatory trends.
The broader context for this innovation is a global movement toward wildlife-friendly lighting. Research and regulatory standards consistently recommend using long-wavelength (amber or red) lights, positioned low and shielded from direct view, to reduce harm to sea turtles and other nocturnal wildlife. Such lighting not only benefits endangered turtles by reducing hatchling disorientation and encouraging nesting but also enhances the natural night environment for other species and human enjoyment.
Glamox’s launch of amber-colored, turtle-friendly marine lights represents a significant step forward in marine and coastal environmental protection. By aligning with scientific recommendations and regulatory standards, Glamox is helping to mitigate one of the modern threats to sea turtle survival, offering practical solutions for the maritime industry to balance operational needs with ecological responsibility.
More information is available here.
Image: Glamox’s DarkSky-approved MIR G2 (safe area) and MAX G2 (Ex Zone 1-21 and 2-22) luminaires reduce light pollution and support wildlife. Retrofit kits are also available. Glamox.com
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