Nature-Based Solutions for Polluted Coastlines

This project addresses two growing, interconnected pressures on coastal ecosystems: marine construction and artificial light at night (ALAN).

Coastal infrastructure is expanding in response to population growth, urban development, climate change and sea-level rise. At the same time, lighting from coastal cities and infrastructure increasingly reaches marine environments; more than a quarter of the world’s coastlines are now directly affected by light pollution. These pressures threaten coastal habitats that support much of the world’s marine biodiversity.

The project will integrate “dark infrastructure” with nature-based solutions for coastal development, creating habitat for native species and delivering social and environmental benefits while reducing ALAN impacts on marine ecosystems.

A new collaboration between UNSW and the University of Massachusetts Boston/Stone Living Lab will bring together expertise in marine urban ecology, ecological engineering, light pollution and nature-based coastal adaptation. Working with Distinguished Professor Katherine Dafforn will enable Australian–US knowledge exchange and assess dark infrastructure across diverse urban contexts.