• The project will install light sensors on the dock of the Toralla Marine Science Station (ECIMAT) and on the CIM’s sensor-equipped mussel raft in the Ría de Aldán.

The Marine Research Center of the University of Vigo (CIM) and the Center for Research in Information and Communication Technologies of the University of A Coruña (CITIC at UDC) have established a strategic collaboration to study light pollution in the Vigo and Pontevedra estuaries. Both institutions, part of the Galician University System Research Centers Network (Red CIGUS), have joined forces to evaluate the impact of artificial nighttime light on the biological productivity of these important ecosystems. This collaboration is yet another example of the synergies promoted by the Xunta de Galicia, aimed at strengthening excellent research at both the national and international levels, and includes only eight Galician research centers.

Light pollution, a growing issue in recent years, not only prevents people from enjoying the night sky but also affects many nocturnal species and can have harmful effects on human health. In this context, the project Gaia4Sustainability, coordinated by CITIC at the University of A Coruña and the University of Barcelona, developed a night brightness model based on data from the European Space Agency’s Gaia satellite. The project also produced a low-cost photometer, called FreeDSM, designed to measure light pollution in a standardized and accessible way for the general public.

CIM’s participation in this project will allow for the inclusion of light pollution measurements in the ongoing monitoring of physical and chemical conditions in the Galician estuaries. A FreeDSM unit will be installed on the marine observation and experimentation platform in the Ría de Aldán and another on the dock of the Toralla Marine Science Station (ECIMAT) at CIM—both sites representative of the region’s intense fishing activity. The aim is to measure the degree of light pollution and assess its potential influence on biological productivity.

By combining the Gaia-based night brightness model with precise light pollution measurements from the FreeDSM device, the project will offer a more comprehensive and accurate assessment of the impact of artificial lighting on ecosystems. This information will be crucial for developing effective measures to reduce light pollution and promote more efficient, environmentally friendly, and health-conscious lighting systems.

CIM Director Daniel Rey stated that “these kinds of collaborations between research centers in the CIGUS network are extremely important—not only for opening up new lines of study related to current societal needs but also for showcasing the quality of research being conducted in our region.” He also emphasized that “to preserve marine ecosystems and, of course, the well-being of local communities, it is essential to monitor the impact of such a current issue as light pollution. Once we understand it, we can work to mitigate it. To that end, all researchers involved in the project—Ana Ulla and Daniel Rey from the University of Vigo and CIM, and Carlos Dafonte and Minia Manteiga from CITIC—will contribute their expertise from different disciplines to collectively analyze the current state of our estuaries.”

Daniel Rey also underscored that “CIM’s state-of-the-art research infrastructure has proven highly useful for a wide range of studies. Hence, it’s vital to continue investing in its improvement and expansion to enhance its capabilities and maintain CIM’s position as a leader in marine research at both national and international levels.”

CITIC Director Manuel F. González Penedo added that “this project marks another step forward in knowledge transfer to society by CITIC at UDC. In this case, we highlight the usefulness of certain technological solutions—a photometer—for the marine industry (specifically mussel farming) in the context of light pollution and, more broadly, sustainable development.”

He also noted the versatility of the project: “This initiative stands out for its ability to repurpose resources, algorithms, data, and research from a program like GAIA—originally focused on space research—for cutting-edge marine research.”

Regarding the collaboration with CIM, González Penedo expressed his satisfaction: “We are combining talent and knowledge with top-level centers and universities, creating added value in long-term projects and putting our work at the service of society—demonstrating once again our ability to respond to its needs.” He concluded, “Projects like this one highlight the strategic importance of connecting research centers like CITIC and CIM with the productive and social fabric, a connection that should be promoted by public administrations as a way to return public investment to society.”

Gaia4Sustainability

The Gaia4Sustainability project aims to encourage public participation in collecting data on light pollution. The FreeDSM device—easy to build and low-cost—will be made available to educational institutions, public administrations, astro-tourism companies, and citizens interested in contributing to science. The initiative seeks to raise awareness about light pollution and promote a shift toward more responsible lighting practices.