The experiments demonstrated that artificial floodlights severely impair the nocturnal birds' ability to evade hazards, driving a ninefold increase in surface collisions. Plain white sheets produced 2.7 times more impacts than darker black sheets because of their higher light reflectivity. Visual patterns offered significant protection, with vertical stripes lowering individual collisions by 2.8 times and grid patterns providing a 2.4-fold reduction compared to plain surfaces. Consequently, adding patterns or low-reflectivity colors presents a practical method to safeguard seabirds around ports, fishing vessels, and offshore structures.
Key points
Vertical stripes reduced seabird collisions by 2.8 times, while grid patterns lowered the…: Vertical stripes reduced seabird collisions by 2.8 times, while grid patterns lowered them by 2.4 times compared to plain sheets.
Modifying exterior surfaces can protect nocturnal seabirds at ports and offshore faciliti…: Modifying exterior surfaces can protect nocturnal seabirds at ports and offshore facilities where lighting is necessary for worker safety.
Artificial illumination interferes with storm-petrels' ability to detect and evade obstac…: Artificial illumination interferes with storm-petrels' ability to detect and evade obstacles, but visual patterns help prevent dangerous impacts.
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Researchers in Canada have found that changing the colour or pattern of a surface could help prevent seabirds from crashing into illuminated structures at night. In experiments conducted during 2024 and 2025 on Bon Portage Island in Nova Scotia, scientists found that Leach’s Storm-Petrels were less likely to collide with dark or patterned sheets than with plain white ones. Vertically striped sheets recorded 2.8 times fewer bird collisions than plain sheets. The findings were published in the journal Ornithological Applications, Oxford University Press reported.
The study examined a problem affecting seabirds that travel or search for food at night. Artificial lights from coastal buildings, fishing vessels and offshore industrial facilities can disturb their movements. Some birds become stranded near these lights, while others collide with structures. Such incidents can cause injuries or leave birds exposed to exhaustion, dehydration and predators.
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