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

Kevin Scott,Petra Harsanyi,Corentine M V Rochas,Althea J R Piper,Blair A A Easton,Alastair R Lyndon

doi:10.3390/jmse9070776

Kevin Scott, Petra Harsanyi + Show 4 more

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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.

Highlights

Induced climate change through the burning of fossil fuels has a significant evidence base, which has led to many governments initiating programs for increased production of renewable or ‘green’ energy [1]
Significant differences in D-Glucose concentration were observed between sampling times and between treatments (F(3,316) = 17.51, p < 0.001, F(3,316) = 4.12 p < 0.05, repeated measures multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA))
There were no significant differences in D-Glucose concentration between control and 250 μT electromagnetic fields (EMF) exposed crabs at any sampling point

Summary

Introduction

Induced climate change through the burning of fossil fuels has a significant evidence base, which has led to many governments initiating programs for increased production of renewable or ‘green’ energy [1]. With the current implications of climate change, the number of Marine Renewable Energy Devices (MREDs) will increase, especially for locations that have wind and wave resources [1,3]. The UK, which has the largest offshore windfarm in the world, has more projects in planning and construction than any other country [8]. There are both social and environmental concerns with the development of MREDs including habitat loss, perceived aesthetic problems, collision risks, increased anthropogenic noise, and exposure to increased electromagnetic fields (EMF) [1,9,10,11,12,13]. The continued assessment of the implications of these structures is essential in contributing to the existing knowledge gaps surrounding the potential impacts of MREDs in the marine environment

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