The impact of Artificial Light at Night on coral reefs biology
Inbal Ayalon, TAU
Please join us for our departmental seminar next Monday on the 5th of June from 15:00 to 16:00 at the Porter Auditorium
The impact of Artificial Light at Night on coral reefs biology
Inbal Ayalon, TAU
In the current era known as the Anthropocene, coral reefs are facing escalating vulnerability to various environmental stressors, including extreme weather events, climate change, and human-induced impacts such as urban development and habitat degradation. Among these impacts, light pollution has emerged as a significant threat to coastal habitats, disrupting the daily and monthly rhythms of organisms. Although the ecological implications of artificial light are well recognized in both terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems, our understanding of the physiological, behavioral, and biological effects of light pollution remains limited.
The objective of this thesis is to investigate the biological processes and physiological parameters that may undergo changes under the influence of light pollution in different geographical regions worldwide, characterized by varying levels of exposure to artificial light at night (ALAN) within coral reef ecosystems. The aim is to explore the potential effects of ALAN on coral gametogenesis cycles, symbiotic relationships, physiological responses, reproductive timing, metabolic processes, predation dynamics. By elucidating these impacts, this study seeks to contribute to a better understanding of the multifaceted consequences of ALAN on coral reef ecosystems
BIO
Inbal Ayalon completed her Master's degree at the Porter School for Environment and Earth science at Tel Aviv University, focusing on investigating the effects of artificial light at night on coral physiology. Building upon her research, she is currently pursuing her Ph.D. studies in this field, with a specific focus on examining the impact of ALAN on coral behavior, nutrition, and their symbiotic algae. Inbal is an experienced diver actively involved in the Marine Science Laboratory in Eilat where she is part of the National Monitoring Program in Eilat. Inbal's work aims to raise awareness and inspire action to protect our precious underwater ecosystems from the detrimental impact of light pollution
Alon Shepon
The Department of Environmental Studies
The Porter School of the Environment and Earth Science
Tel Aviv University | website
The Israeli Forum for Sustainable Nutrition
