@birdlifemalta: The Maltese Islands host important populations of the threatened Yelkouan shearwater. This species of seabird, Garnija in Maltese, enters its colonies only under the cover of darkness, making it particularly sensitive to light pollution. During the LIFE Arċipelagu Garnija project, we showed that light pollution from ships anchoring and bunkering in front of the colonies illuminated the cliffs, and in their presence, significantly fewer shearwaters visited their nests. Such disruption of natural attendance cycles can lead to nestlings going hungry when their parents do not feed them and, in the long term, cause further population decline. Two bunkering zones are situated in front of the most important Yelkouan shearwater colonies in Malta: Il-Majjistral Nature and History Park and Rdum tal-Madonna. During International Dark Sky Week, we would like to raise this issue once again, which fortunately has several solutions: Reduce light spilling into the environment from each ship by using directed lighting on decks where light is needed for safe operations, while accommodation lights can be blacked out using blinds. Lights should be shielded and of a yellow colour, avoiding white light that travels further and disrupts wildlife more. Increase the distance from the cliffs and reduce the number and duration of times ships are present. The crucial periods of hatching and chick-rearing, from mid-April to May, should be avoided. We encourage the authorities, especially @transport.mt and the Environment & Resources Authority, to adopt these solutions, particularly for ships operating within Natura 2000 sites, starting with the Maltese bunker fleet. Malta could be at the forefront in setting standards and maximum light intensity levels that reduce environmental impact while not compromising ship navigation and operation safety. Timelapse footage by Benjamin Metzger during a bunkering event in March 2026, at Majjistral Nature & History Park. #LightPollution #DarkSkyWeek #YelkouanShearwater #SeabirdFridays #BirdLifeMalta

BirdLife Malta

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Friday 17 April 2026 08:00:00 GMT