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ZLI's Otohime’s Time™ Campaign supports sea turtle research in the photobiology, sensory ecology and macro-ecology of the world’s seven species of sea turtles. The effects of coastal lighting on sea turtle hatchlings and laying mothers is a familiar subject, as are the effects of plastics in the ocean. Yet in order to understand the attraction and repulsion of animals from light sources, biologists use physical lighting metrics far different from those used by developers, architects and the industry norms set by the Illumination Engineers Society (IES). The Campaign stresses physical optics as an alternative to IES norms, as a way to advocate for wildlife-friendly design.

Taking inspiration from the Japanese legend of Urashima Taro, and the divine undersea goddess ‘Otohime’, the Campaign also emphasizes the challenges of time for wildlife conservation. Otohime’s Time™ does this in two ways. First, it raises awareness of the ecological importance of the entire life cycle of sea turtles and not simply their earliest moments. Second, the Campaign seeks to improve science by expanding public awareness of ‘tipping points’, the idea that there is a point past which life cannot rebound.

Read the recent press release about the campaign: "ZLI's Otohime's Time Campaign Celebrates Animals of All Ages".

Help us fund the sciences of light and life to save animals and protect our environment!