Abstract

Overview

Submarine power cables are essential for transmitting electricity over long distances, notably for applications like offshore wind facilities. Their expansion increases the likelihood of interactions with marine life.

Findings

• The study investigates the potential impact of magnetic fields (MFs) generated by high voltage direct current (HVDC) submarine power cables on Atlantic lumpfish, a magnetosensitive marine species.
• Laboratory experiments simulated the MFs emitted by submarine power cables using a Helmholtz coil system with juvenile lumpfish.
• Data was collected by filming juvenile lumpfish's swimming behavior under MF exposure and comparing it to their behavior without MF exposure.
• Key findings included a decrease in swimming speed by 16% when exposed to MFs, which suggests some level of MF detection by the fish.

Conclusion

Despite the observed decrease in swimming speed, it remains unlikely that such changes near submarine power cables would critically affect the migration or homing patterns of Atlantic lumpfish. The potential health risks linked to magnetic fields, especially in sensitive marine life, require continued research and monitoring due to the broader environmental and ecological implications.