LUMA Energyin coordination with the turtle groups, has modernized hundreds of lights in coastal municipalities in order to reduce the risks for the sea turtles and other endangered species, the energy consortium said this week in a press release.
At the moment, LUMA has installed luminaires “that comply with all applicable laws and contribute to the conservation of endangered species” in sea turtle nesting areas, specifically in the following municipalities: Aguada, Aguadilla, Arecibo, Barceloneta, Cabo Rojo, Camuy, Cataño, Ceiba, Dorado, Guánica, Guayama, Hatillo, Isabela, Juana Díaz, Lajas, Loíza, Luquillo, Manatí, Maunabo, Mayagüez, Río Grande, San Juan, Toa Baja, Vieques and Yabucoa.
The effort, which is part of the Community Public Lighting initiativeseeks to guarantee a safer environment for the reproduction and survival of these endangered species.
“This initiative brings significant improvements to public safety and energy efficiency in communities throughout Puerto Rico,” he explained. Heriberto González Méndezdirector of LUMA's Community Street Lighting initiative, in written statements.
For its part, Karen Schneck Malareteducation coordinator of the turtle group 7 Keels, said: “We have certainly seen positive change across the island. Obviously, it takes time because we have to raise awareness. Many people do not know exactly why it is being done. “Light pollution is very harmful to turtles because it confuses them and distances them from the coast.”
light pollution affects negatively to species such as sea turtles. artificial light confuses sea turtles that nest on the coast, as well as newborn creatures, who lose their way to the sea because the glare of light pollution “replaces the path that the stars trace for the water,” according to the Department of Natural and Environmental Resources (DRNA).
“We equally urge the neighbors of this coastal community to collaborate in this transition from white to red, amber or orange 'Turtle Friendly' lights, to together promote the conservation of beach and marine ecosystems. “Beyond LUMA’s work, we must all do our part to eliminate white lights in coastal areas to protect endangered sea turtles.”he pointed out Hilda Benitezfounder and CEO of 7 Quillas.
Through the Community Public Lighting initiative, launched in July 2021, LUMA has been modernizing lights throughout the island, with the financial support of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA, for its acronym in English).
Since the beginning of the initiative, LUMA has installed more than 78,000 luminaires in 43 municipalities throughout Puerto Rico, according to the company's website.