Identifying light-induced grounding hotspots for Maltese seabirds

Abstract

Light pollution is a well-documented threat to seabirds worldwide. Light pollution in the Maltese Islands has been attributed to the contraction of seabird breeding colonies and the direct cause of grounding events. Using a long-term database of reported light-induced grounding cases, we have identified the major locations, or ‘hotspots’ for light-induced seabird groundings in the Maltese Islands. Four main hotspots accounting for almost half of all grounding cases were identified. Close to 100% of all grounding cases involved fledglings. Identification of these areas will serve as a valuable tool in the conservation of Maltese seabirds through focusing rescue efforts and prioritising light pollution mitigation measures.