Effects of electromagnetic fields on flatfish activity levels.
This tank-based animal study examined whether realistic electromagnetic fields (AC up to ~15 μT RMS; DC up to ~19.6 μT) affect flatfish behavior near simulated subsea power cable exposure. The authors report no attraction or avoidance of the EMF zone and no behavioral differences inside versus outside the exposed area. However, continuous EMF exposure was associated with disruption of a day-to-sunset activity rhythm in flounder, including higher likelihood of transiting at sunset. The authors call for further work to assess mechanisms, 24-hour patterns, wild relevance, and long-term impacts.
Key points
- The study investigated EMF from subsea power cables as a potential marine pollutant/stressor relevant to offshore renewables.
- Behavior of 61 European flounder was recorded in a large tank with one section exposed to EMF, plus a 15-fish plaice pilot.
- Two realistic EMF types were tested: AC (max ~15 μT RMS) and DC (max ~19.6 μT).
- Blind video analysis found no evidence of attraction to or avoidance of the EMF-exposed tank section.
- Control flounder showed higher daytime activity and reduced activity from the hour before sunset onward.
- Continuous EMF exposure reportedly removed this activity rhythm, with fish staying active throughout the trial period.
- At sunset, EMF-exposed fish were reported to be at least twice as likely to be transiting compared with controls.
- The abstract notes uncertainty about mechanisms, 24-hour effects, wild comparability, and long-term outcomes.
Referenced studies & papers
Relevant papers in OpenMel
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AI-generated summaries may be incomplete or incorrect. This content is for informational purposes only and is not medical advice.
AI-generated summaries may be incomplete or incorrect. This content is for informational purposes only and is not medical advice.
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