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Researchers from the University of Malta and Brandenburg University of Applied Sciences, Germany, successfully conducted a survey to investigate Artificial Light At Night (ALAN) around Malta’s coastal waters. The survey took place from the 8 to 11 September 2026 as part of the activities of the ISOL½ñÈÕºÚÁÏE project (IndicatorS Of changing Lightscapes in Underwater Marine Ecosystems) funded through the JPI Oceans mechanism. Through this collaboration, the research teams aim to improve understanding of changing light conditions in coastal and marine environments and support future research into their ecological implications.

The fieldwork brought together Prof. Andreas Jechow, Professor of Visual Sciences and Optical Device Technology, and master’s student Mr Konrad Sucher, both from Brandenburg University of Applied Sciences, alongside Ms Laura Prieto Gomez, Research Support Officer in the Oceanography Malta Research Group and Master of Science in Applied Oceanography student Ms Zora Friederike Westphal, under the leadership of Prof. Alan Deidun and Prof. Adam Gauci.

The research team carried out field measurements for the characterisation of light sources contributing to ALAN emissions in coastal waters of Malta. The survey covered three areas of interest and included measurements conducted from a boat provided by Captain Edmon Cachia, as well as observations at several locations on land.

During the first night the team investigated ALAN originating from harbour areas, including the Grand Harbour in Valletta, and Kalafrana in BirżebbuÄ¡a. The following study included a trip around the island of Malta to collect light measurements in all surrounding coastal areas. And during the last one, the team conducted offshore measurements at Hurd’s Bank region, approximately 12 nautical miles from Malta, to assess the skyglow.

In addition to the boat measurements, they carried out measurements at several locations across the island, including the environs of the Malta International Airport at Gudja, the surroundings of the Addolorata cemetery, around Floriana gardens, at Ta’ Qali National Park and along the cliffs of MiÄ¡ra l-Ferħa.