technical paper
Impact of electromagnetic fields from offshore windfarm submarine electric cables on the development, biology and behavior ofScyliorhinus canicula
keywords:
offshore windfarm
alternativ current
elasmobranch
Among marine renewable energy (MRE) producers, offshore wind farms are currently booming and are seen as a key energy source for energy transition. Wind farm can induce noise, vibrations, interruptions to ecological continuity and generate electromagnetic fields at the level of submarine electric cables. They can affect behavior of electro- and magneto- sensitive species which use natural electromagnetic fiels to move and feed. The increasing number of offshore windfarms is likely to amplify these effects, while existing information on their impact on ichtyological communities remains patchy. Studies have been limited to a few species of commercial interest and exposure to electromagnetic fields is relatively short-lived. Submarine electric cables can transmit alternating current (AC) or direct current (DC) , depending on the function, power, length of the wind turbine transmission line. Currently, wind farms located less than 50km from the coast use AC current whearas furutre more powerful wind farms will be located more than 50 km away and will use DC current. In this context, our study aims to identify and evaluate the effects of magnetic fields in AC and DC current on the survival, development, growth and behavior of elasmobranchs, an elero-sensitive species at conservation risk. The results will enable us to understand how elasmobranchs react to electromagnetic fields, depending on their intensity and the type of current, and thus the type of offshore wind farm (fixed or floating). They will provide managers and decision-makers information they need to meet the challenges of developing MREs without harming marine biodiversity.