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Does Artificial Light at Night Alter the Subsequent Diurnal Behavior of a Teleost Fish?

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Abstract

Artificial light at night (ALAN) is one of the fastest growing anthropogenic disturbances to animals across many ecosystems, yet little is known about how ALAN influences fish and aquatic ecosystems. Our current understanding of the effects of ALAN on fish behavior and physiology tend to be based on research conducted during night, with comparatively little research on whether ALAN influences subsequent behavior during diurnal periods. We used wild-caught Bluegill Lepomis macrochirus as a model to assess whether ALAN of differing intensities comparable to what would be experienced in the wild near human-altered landscapes (i.e., 0.5 lux, 4 lux, 9 lux) alters subsequent diurnal behavior relative to controls (i.e., dark, 0 lux). We assessed a number of behavioral traits in a laboratory setting known to relate to performance and fitness in wild teleost fish including exploration, activity levels, space usage, and risk aversion. Exploration behavior, space use, and risk-taking behaviors were similar among treatments. Only locomotor activity differed among treatments with Bluegill in the 0.5 and 9 lux treatments swimming significantly less than controls after being exposed to ALAN overnight. This difference in behavior was found at light intensities commonly found at waterways today and thus may already be affecting fish communities and aquatic ecosystems.

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Acknowledgements

All research was conducted with animal care approvals from the Carleton IACUC and a scientific collection permit from the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry. We thank Connor Reid, Alexandria Trahan, Danny Glassman, Brooke Etherington, and Auston Chhor for their help with collecting Bluegill for this research. We also thank Queen’s University Biological Station for logistical support.

Funding

Funding was provided by the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada and Parks Canada in the form of a Strategic Partnership Grant.

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  1. Fish Ecology and Conservation Physiology Laboratory, Department of Biology and Institute of Environmental and Interdisciplinary Science, Carleton University, 1125 Colonel By Dr., Ottawa, ON, K1S 5B6, Canada

    E. Latchem, C. L. Madliger, A. E. I. Abrams & S. J. Cooke

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  1. E. Latchem
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  2. C. L. Madliger
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Correspondence to S. J. Cooke.

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Latchem, E., Madliger, C.L., Abrams, A.E.I. et al. Does Artificial Light at Night Alter the Subsequent Diurnal Behavior of a Teleost Fish?. Water Air Soil Pollut 232, 71 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11270-021-05023-4

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