Exposure to Electromagnetic Fields (EMF) from Submarine Power Cables Can Trigger Strength-Dependent Behavioural and Physiological Responses in Edible Crab, Cancer pagurus (L.)

Journal Article

Title: Exposure to Electromagnetic Fields (EMF) from Submarine Power Cables Can Trigger Strength-Dependent Behavioural and Physiological Responses in Edible Crab, Cancer pagurus (L.)

Author:

Scott, K.; Harsanyi, P.; Easton, B.; Piper, A.; Rochas, C.; Lyndon, A.

Publication Date:

July 17, 2021

Journal:

Journal of Marine Science and Engineering

Volume:

Issue:

Pages:

Publisher:

MDPI

Affiliation

St Abbs Marine Station, Heriot-Watt University, Eötvös Loránd University

Technology:

Marine Energy, Wind Energy, Fixed Offshore Wind

Stressor:

EMF

Receptor:

Invertebrates

Document Access

Website:

External Link

Attachment:

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Citation

Scott, K.; Harsanyi, P.; Easton, B.; Piper, A.; Rochas, C.; Lyndon, A. (2021). Exposure to Electromagnetic Fields (EMF) from Submarine Power Cables Can Trigger Strength-Dependent Behavioural and Physiological Responses in Edible Crab, Cancer pagurus (L.). Journal of Marine Science and Engineering, 9(7), 16. https://doi.org/10.3390/jmse9070776

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Abstract

The current study investigated the effects of different strength Electromagnetic Field (EMF) exposure (250 µT, 500 µT, 1000 µT) on the commercially important decapod, edible crab (Cancer pagurus, Linnaeus, 1758). Stress related parameters were measured (l-Lactate, d-Glucose, Total Haemocyte Count (THC)) in addition to behavioural and response parameters (shelter preference and time spent resting/roaming) over 24 h periods. EMF strengths of 250 µT were found to have limited physiological and behavioural impacts. Exposure to 500 µT and 1000 µT were found to disrupt the l-Lactate and d-Glucose circadian rhythm and alter THC. Crabs showed a clear attraction to EMF exposed (500 µT and 1000 µT) shelters with a significant reduction in time spent roaming. Consequently, EMF emitted from MREDs will likely affect crabs in a strength-dependent manner thus highlighting the need for reliable in-situ measurements. This information is essential for policy making, environmental assessments, and in understanding the impacts of increased anthropogenic EMF on marine organisms.