The aim of the Mega Blackout initiative is to protect juvenile Cory’s shearwaters between 8 pm and 11 pm, as they leave their nests at this time of year to make their first flights towards the sea.

Despite its name, the initiative will not involve power cuts or any compulsory interruption to the electricity supply. Participation is voluntary and aims to reduce artificial lighting as part of a project led by SPEA-BirdLife to minimise the risks seabirds face during this particularly vulnerable stage of their development.

The campaign aims to attract as many participants as possible across both islands, including residents, businesses and public and private organisations. Several municipalities across the archipelago, hotels and even Madeira Airport have already expressed interest in taking part.

The importance of darkness

At the end of October, Cory’s shearwater chicks, just a few months old, begin leaving their nests and flying towards the ocean for the first time. During these journeys, artificial lighting in the surrounding areas can interfere with the birds’ sense of direction.

Artificial light can attract young Cory’s shearwaters, causing them to stray from their route towards the ocean. This increases the risk of collisions with buildings and other infrastructure, which can cause the birds to fall to the ground and leave them exposed to other hazards.

Although reducing street lighting is not completely effective, it helps minimise the risks associated with artificial light during the birds’ first flights. In addition to protecting seabirds, the Mega Blackout aims to raise awareness of the effects of light pollution and demonstrate how small everyday changes can help maintain ecological balance.

The impact of lighting in cities

Cátia Gouveia, coordinator of SPEA-BirdLife Madeira, has highlighted the influence of urban lighting on biodiversity.

Quoted by the local press, Gouveia said: “The way we light our cities has consequences for biodiversity, but changing this situation is also within our reach.”

Initiatives such as the Mega Blackout help raise public awareness of the effects of artificial light at night and encourage people to adopt practices that are less harmful to wildlife, the coordinator said.

Wildlife rescue

The Mega Blackout is part of a wider range of biodiversity protection measures aimed at reducing light pollution, which affects nocturnal animals.

Rescue campaigns for seabirds are also underway and are expected to continue until 5 November.

These campaigns mobilise volunteers to help birds disoriented by artificial lighting that fall to the ground during their first flights.

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