Light pollution is defined by the International Dark Sky Association such as inappropriate or excessive use of artificial light that can have serious consequences for humans, wildlife, and the climate.

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In the case of sea turtles, light pollution causes disorientation preventing the turtles from returning to the sea, which can lead to death from dehydration, vehicle accidents, and/or depredation. They can also prevent turtles from coming onto the beach to lay their eggs. For more information on this topic, visit this link.

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In Puerto Rico, light pollution represents one of the biggest threats facing sea turtles due to urban development on the coast. For this reason, since 2020 the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation sponsors the project "Leatherback Sea Turtle Nesting Habitat Restoration Project” which, among other objectives, seeks to reduce light pollution on the nesting beaches of sea turtles on the island. Assistance is offered to property owners adjacent to sea turtle nesting beaches (Class 8) through a voluntary application program. For more information on the achievements and challenges of the project to reduce this threat, visit the following link.