Lighting That Protects Life Beneath the Surface
When Lights Confuse Nature
Sea turtles are remarkable navigators. After hatching at night, they rely on natural light cues — the reflection of the moon and stars on the water — to find their way to the ocean. But over time, the growing presence of artificial light has disrupted that ancient instinct.
Bright white or cool-blue lights from beachfront homes, boardwalks, and streets can overpower natural light and mislead hatchlings. Instead of heading toward the ocean, they crawl inland toward those artificial glows — becoming disoriented, exhausted, or exposed to predators. Scientists estimate that tens of thousands of hatchlings die this way every year, all because of the way we illuminate our coastlines.
This phenomenon, known as “disorientation from artificial lighting,” doesn’t only affect sea turtles. It also impacts birds, fish, and other nocturnal animals whose survival depends on natural light patterns. The issue has grown serious enough that many coastal states and counties now require “turtle-friendly” lighting near nesting beaches.
Why Color Temperature Matters
Not all light is created equal. What makes a light harmful isn’t just its brightness — it’s its wavelength.
White and cool-toned LEDs emit shorter wavelengths that scatter easily and are highly visible to wildlife. These bright, bluish lights can be blinding for nocturnal creatures and deeply disruptive to their navigation and nesting behaviors.
Amber or red-spectrum lights, on the other hand, produce longer wavelengths that are far less visible to turtles and many other species. When combined with thoughtful fixture design that minimizes glare and directs light downward, these warm hues allow us to illuminate outdoor spaces responsibly — protecting the environment while maintaining functionality and beauty.
Nature Depends on Them
Sea turtles are more than a symbol of marine life — they’re a cornerstone of the ocean’s health. As they graze on seagrass and help maintain coral reefs, turtles naturally support ecosystems that store carbon, stabilize shorelines, and sustain fish populations.
When we protect sea turtles, we protect the entire web of life that depends on them — including our own. Every small step, like choosing the right bulb or fixture, plays a role in keeping these cycles in balance.
How Lite the Nite Makes a Difference
At Lite the Nite, we believe innovation should never come at nature’s expense. That’s why we developed our Certified Turtle-Friendly Collection — a range of amber lighting fixtures designed specifically for environmentally sensitive areas.
Each product in this collection uses long-wavelength amber LEDs that minimize disorientation for turtles and other coastal wildlife. Our designs also feature precise optical control to reduce glare and light spill, ensuring illumination stays focused where it’s needed most.
From path lights and deck lights to downlights and step lights, these fixtures bring both performance and peace of mind. They’re crafted from solid brass for long-term durability and corrosion resistance — because protecting nature shouldn’t mean compromising on quality or reliability.
Lighting With Purpose
Every light has a purpose. Some illuminate paths and patios. Others guide people home. Ours do both — while protecting the creatures who share those paths with us.
The next time you install or recommend lighting near a coastal area, consider how far your light travels — and who it might affect along the way. The smallest change in color temperature or design can make a world of difference.
At Lite the Nite, we’re committed to making that difference, one fixture at a time. Because when we choose to light responsibly, we’re not just brightening our landscapes — we’re helping the ocean thrive for generations to come.
Explore the Turtle-Friendly Range
Discover fixtures designed to keep both your landscapes and our oceans safe.
View the full Turtle-Friendly Collection — including path lights, step lights, and downlights — built with amber LEDs and brass construction for beauty that lasts.