Every year, light pollution in our cities causes tragic endings for hundreds of juvenile seabirds. During the critical period from 15 October to 15 November, juvenile Cory’s shearwaters leave their nests to begin their first journey. Unfortunately, artificial lighting in Madeira’s cities attracts these birds, resulting in collisions and falls in urban areas.
For this reason, SPEA is once again promoting the Save a Seabird Campaign, inviting the population to take an active part in it.
1. Take part in the Mega Blackout: On 30 October, we’re going to leave Madeira “in the dark” between 8pm and 11pm. This blackout is the result of the LIFE Natura@night project’s crowdfunding campaign, in which the SPEA made a commitment to switch off 1000 lights across the island. Switch off the exterior lighting in your house or building and together we’ll create a safe path in the sky so that birds leaving their nests can fly towards the sea without being dazzled.
2. Reduce outdoor lighting: Between 15 October and 15 November, consider reducing the outdoor lighting in your home or building. This simple gesture can help reduce the impact of artificial light on nocturnal biodiversity, including seabirds.
3. Join the “Night with Life” Award: If you run a business, adopt good lighting practices in your establishment too. As well as saving energy and protecting nocturnal biodiversity, your organisation can be recognised as a supporter of this cause through our “Night with Life” Award!
4. Donate your time by volunteering: If you are available for one or more nights, join the seabird rescue campaigns from 23 October to 5 November. Your help is essential to save as many seabirds as possible!
Contribute to this collective effort to protect seabirds. Fill in our registration form and join us! Every contribution counts and your help is crucial to ensuring a safe path in the night sky.
Join the Save a Seabird Campaign
