Field Study Finds No Movement Effect of Submarine Cable EMF on Snow Crab and Lobster

A Canadian field study using acoustic telemetry on the Maritime Link submarine transmission line finds that Snow Crab and American Lobster crossing rates and movement velocities were unaffected by the presence and operation of the cable. Movement instead varied with temperature and diel period. Authors note the methods could be useful for future EMF-impact research in areas with more extensive underwater infrastructure.

"Submarine energy infrastructure is expanding rapidly as offshore energy extraction and transport intensifies."

— Cote et al.

"Power transmission through submarine cables creates anomalies in the Earth's geomagnetic field, potentially affecting marine species that use natural electromagnetic fields (EMF) to navigate and forage."

— Cote et al.

"Most research on EMF effects on marine animals use laboratory or mesocosm experiments that constrain subject animal movements. The artificial nature of these studies limits their extension to real-world environments, creating uncertainty in predicting impacts of important infrastructure projects."

— Cote et al.

"Our results show that crossing rates were not affected by the presence and operation of the submarine cables, nor was the movement velocity different in the cables' proximity."

— Cote et al.

"In contrast, we found effects of temperature and diel period on movement speeds of both species."

— Cote et al.

"The methods used here could be useful to future research on EMF effects in other species and in areas with more extensive underwater infrastructure."

— Cote et al.

📄 Underlying Research

The effects of electrified submarine cables on movements of two commercially important crustacean species

Cote et al. (2026) Marine Pollution Bulletin Journal Level 1ⓘ

🔗 DOI 📚 PubMed 📰 Full Article

🦀 Field Study Finds No Movement Effect of Submarine Cable EMF on Snow Crab and Lobster

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📄 Underlying Research

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