The Australasian Dark Sky Alliance has endorsed the Bundaberg Region’s world-first Turtle Hour at 7.30pm on Tuesday, 12 November.
The Alliance is an independent non-profit organisation “formed by advocates of the preservation of the night-time environment”.
The group was formed in September 2018 when 100 delegates met at Siding Spring Observatory for Australia’s first conference on light pollution.
They say that light pollution is the fastest growing pollutant around the globe, with scientific research showing an average increase year-on-year of more than two per cent.
Bundaberg Region residents are being asked to switch off their lights for 60 minutes at 7.30pm on Tuesday, 12 November for Turtle Hour.
It coincides with the launch of the Reducing Urban Glow project’s light sensors, which are in place to monitor light pollution along the coastline.
“Anyone who participates will be taking part in Australia’s largest ever light pollution experiment in support of sea turtle conservation,” Bundaberg Regional Councillor Wayne Honor said.
“Reducing Urban Glow is a major project which can’t be achieved without support from the community.
“Tackling urban light pollution takes a whole of community approach, so let’s come together on 12 November and show our commitment to protecting our turtles.”
Dark Sky Alliance endorsed the event.
“Even if you’re not in Bundaberg do it anyway,” they said.
“You probably have frogs or bats or birds that would also appreciate a little darkness. Switch off lights for Turtle Hour, 12 November.”
The Dark Sky Alliance website says that scientists increasingly understand the negative impact light has on pollination, nocturnal, migratory and reproductive behaviours in birds, mammals, insects and plants.
“The introduction of artificial light probably represents the most drastic change human beings have made to their environment.”
