Sea creatures confused by harbour lights 海洋生物被港口人工照明搞的晕头转向

媒体英语会带大家一起学习 BBC 撰稿人在报道世界大事时常用到的单词和短语。

Artificial illumination is essential for an increasingly active shipping industry

一项发表在皇家学会报告《生物学报》期刊的研究称海港的人工照明诱使海洋生物靠近并从而损害停靠的船舶。以下是 Rebecca Morelle 的报道。

With harbours operating around the clock, night time lighting is an essential feature for the shipping industry. But this study suggests it could have costly consequences.

Scientists at the University of Exeter in the UK say that artificial illumination is confusing some small clinging sea creatures. Some of these, such as keel worms, can cause damage when they attach to ships' hulls - and the bright lights seem to be drawing them in.

An influx of these animals can slow down boats and they are expensive to remove.

The light pollution is also having an effect on shade-loving sea creatures such as sponges, causing them to seek a home in darker waters.

The researchers are concerned that this is disrupting the delicate balance of these marine communities.