August 2024

We’ve changed our nighttime look along the Nags Head oceanfront skyline.

The pier now features Wildlife Friendly Lighting that emits an amber color instead of white, ultimately creating less light pollution.

The changeover came right when many of the old bollards and lampposts were starting to fail, Director Mike Remige said.

A significant amount of unrestricted support funds from the nonprofit North Carolina Aquarium Society paid for the 200 new fixtures. These include pathways lights, sconces, recessed can lights, bollards and lampposts.

The North Carolina Aquariums’ Conservation Action Plan has prioritized the use of wildlife-friendly lighting at our facilities since 2021.

“This specific color temperature is far less disruptive to insects, bats, birds, and most importantly along the oceanfront, sea turtles,” Remige said. “It also reduces eye strain for people, better preserving our night vision.”

A certified electrical contractor plans to wrap up Phase 1 of the project soon. Jennette’s Pier hopes to demonstrate the benefits of amber lighting and encourage others to make the switch.

The tall parking lot lights will be changed in Phase 2 of the project as more funds become available.

Remige noted that the Town of Nags Head has already deployed Wildlife Friendly Lighting at several crosswalks and beach accesses.

“We’re all trying to make a difference for wildlife,” Remige added

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