Cemarb_DC

Impacts of electromagnetic fields on the developmental biology and behaviour of the small-spotted catshark (Scyliorhinus canicula) in the context of offshore wind farm installations

The Cemarb_DC project aims to identify and assess the effects of offshore wind farm grid connections to the mainland on elasmobranchs. The operational phase of wind farms can generate noise, vibrations, disruptions to ecological continuity, and electromagnetic fields around underwater electrical cables. These can affect the behaviour of electro- and magneto-sensitive species, which rely on “natural” electromagnetic fields for navigation and feeding. The proliferation of offshore wind farms risks amplifying these effects, while existing information on their consequences remains fragmentary.

 

The results will make it possible to (i) understand how elasmobranchs respond to electromagnetic fields of varying intensities, (ii) improve knowledge of the impacts of marine renewable energies, (iii) provide essential information to managers and decision-makers to address the challenges of developing marine renewable energies without harming the preservation of marine biodiversity.

 

To this end, early-stage (eggs) and juvenile small-spotted catsharks Scyliorhinus canicula will be exposed in controlled conditions to direct current electromagnetic fields of varying intensities corresponding to those measured along a distance gradient from grid connection cables. The impact of these fields is assessed by monitoring: survival, growth, development, aerobic metabolism and behaviour (level, type and duration of activity).