Exposure to Electromagnetic Fields (EMF) from Submarine Power Cables Can Trigger Strength-Dependent Behavioural and Physiological Responses in Edible Crab, <i>Cancer pagurus</i> (L.)

• Main Authors: Kevin Scott, Petra Harsanyi, Blair A. A. Easton, Althea J. R. Piper, Corentine M. V. Rochas, Alastair R. Lyndon
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: MDPI AG 2021-07-01
• Series: Journal of Marine Science and Engineering
• Subjects: <i>Cancer pagurus</i>; edible crab; electromagnetic field; haemolymph parameters; circadian rhythm; <span style="font-variant: small-caps">l</span>-Lactate
• Online Access: https://www.mdpi.com/2077-1312/9/7/776

The current study investigated the effects of different strength Electromagnetic Field (EMF) exposure (250 µT, 500 µT, 1000 µT) on the commercially important decapod, edible crab (<i>Cancer pagurus,</i> Linnaeus, 1758). Stress related parameters were measured (<span style="font-variant: small-caps;">l</span>-Lactate, <span style="font-variant: small-caps;">d</span>-Glucose, Total Haemocyte Count (THC)) in addition to behavioural and response parameters (shelter preference and time spent resting/roaming) over 24 h periods. EMF strengths of 250 µT were found to have limited physiological and behavioural impacts. Exposure to 500 µT and 1000 µT were found to disrupt the <span style="font-variant: small-caps;">l</span>-Lactate and <span style="font-variant: small-caps;">d</span>-Glucose circadian rhythm and alter THC. Crabs showed a clear attraction to EMF exposed (500 µT and 1000 µT) shelters with a significant reduction in time spent roaming. Consequently, EMF emitted from MREDs will likely affect crabs in a strength-dependent manner thus highlighting the need for reliable in-situ measurements. This information is essential for policy making, environmental assessments, and in understanding the impacts of increased anthropogenic EMF on marine organisms.