Abstract

Overview

The rapid expansion of marine renewable energy technologies necessitates the widespread installation of submarine cables, which emit both electric and magnetic fields. This research highlights the potential environmental impacts of these emissions on marine invertebrate populations.

Highlights

• Submarine power cables generate noticeable magnetic and electric fields that permeate marine environments.
• These fields are especially strong in sedimentary layers where cables are often placed, affecting the invertebrate species residing there.

Key Findings

Marine invertebrates, which are predominant in these habitats, exhibit varying levels of sensitivity to these artificial fields, although their responses remain under-researched.

Our study aggregates existing data on both natural and artificial sources of these fields and assesses their influence on these organisms' magneto- and electro-receptive capabilities.

Conclusion

The research concludes that there is a significant gap in our understanding of how these fields affect marine invertebrates. Given their prolonged exposure and ecological importance, invertebrates should be a focal point in future investigations to ensure environmental safety in the context of expanding marine energy infrastructure.