Key Findings
A systematic review published in Marine Environmental Research has analyzed 35 years of peer-reviewed studies on electromagnetic field (EMF) exposure from submarine power cables.
The review by Elizabeth James et al. found:
- 66% of studies reported significant impacts on aquatic life
- Effects observed across all EMF levels tested, including levels comparable to submarine power cables
- Both behavioral changes (swimming speed, habitat use) and physiological changes (immune responses, metabolic regulation, cardiovascular development) documented
- Early developmental stages most vulnerable: 93% of young fish and 100% of young crustaceans showed significant changes
Why This Matters
Environmental exposure to EMF is rapidly increasing with the expansion of submarine power cables for offshore wind and rising electricity demand from AI data centers.
Yet no regulations exist worldwide to protect aquatic wildlife from EMF exposure.
The researchers call for EMF considerations to be integrated into marine spatial planning and biodiversity conservation frameworks.