Short Science Summary 2024: Electromagnetic Fields

sharks

Electromagnetic fields (EMFs) occur naturally in the environment and consist of electric fields (E-fields) and magnetic fields (B-fields). Natural E- and B-fields provide important cues to electro-receptive and magneto-receptive species, including some species of bony fish (e.g., salmon), crustaceans (e.g., crabs), and elasmobranchs (e.g., sharks, rays). As the marine renewable energy (MRE) industry expands around the world, the addition of human-caused EMFs emitted by subsea power cables and other project infrastructure may mask or modify these existing fields. However, the evidence base to date suggests that EMFs from small-scale MRE developments, such as those currently under development, are not harmful and do not pose a risk to marine animals.

Short Science Summary 2024: Electromagnetic Fields

This short science summary for Electromagnetic Fields was developed based on the OES-Environmental 2024 State of the Science Report: Environmental Effects of Marine Renewable Energy Development Around the World, specifically Chapter 3: Marine Renewable Energy: Stressor-Receptor Interactions.

The table below contains the literature relevant to this summary document and will continue to be updated as new literature is added to Tethys.

Title Author Date Content Type Technology Stressor Receptor
Sound Detection Mechanisms and Capabilities of Teleost Fishes Popper, A., Fay, R., Platt, C., Sand, O. Book Chapter Marine Energy EMF, Noise Fish
Response properties and biological function of the skate electrosensory system during ontogeny Sisneros, J., Tricas, T., Luer, C. Journal Article Marine Energy EMF Fish, Demersal Fish
Detection of magnetic field intensity by sea turtles Lohmann, C., Lohmann, K. Journal Article Marine Energy EMF Reptiles
Highly directional swimming by scalloped hammerhead sharks, Sphyrna lewini, and subsurface irradiance, temperature, bathymetry, and geomagnetic field Klimley, A. Journal Article Marine Energy Attraction, Avoidance, EMF Fish
Sharkbite on the SL submarine lightwave cable system: history, causes and resolution Marra, L. Journal Article Marine Energy EMF Fish
Frequency characteristics of skate electroreceptive central neurons responding to electrical and magnetic stimulation Andrianov, Y., Broun, G., Il'inskii, O., Muraveiko, V. Journal Article Marine Energy, Wind Energy EMF Fish, Demersal Fish
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