EMF

Physical fields generated by electrically charged objects.

Electromagnetic fields (EMF) are physical fields that consists of both electric and magnetic components and are generated by electrically charged objects. In the case of wind energy and marine renewable energy devices, EMF may be generated around dynamic devices, substations, and most commonly, transmission cables. The distance over which EMF persist is typically dependent on the strength of the electrical charge, characteristics of the surrounding environment, and characteristics of the cable or device. For example, electric fields can typically be contained by burial of or shielding within a subsea transmission cable; however, magnetic fields are not as easily contained.

Marine organisms at high risk of EMF impacts are typically electro- and/or magneto-sensitive organisms such as elasmobranchs (i.e. sharks, skates, rays), some fish species (e.g. eels, sturgeon), sea turtles, and benthic invertebrates. Some of these organisms use Earth’s naturally occurring geomagnetic fields for navigation, orientation and predation. Thus, the addition of anthropogenic EMF may alter organisms’ movement, migration, and foraging behavior. High intensity EMF may additionally affect organisms’ developmental physiology. Current levels of EMF emitted from offshore wind and marine renewable energy devices have not yet reached high intensities, however, as the offshore energy industry expands, greater levels of EMF may result in additional effects on the marine environment.

For more information relevant to marine energy, check out the EMF Short Science Summary produced by OES-Environmental.

For more information relevant to offshore wind energy, check out the Electromagnetic Field (EMF) Effects on Marine Life research brief produced by SEER.

Photo Credit: ABB

Marine and Wind Energy Environmental Documents

Tethys is a knowledge hub that contains documents on the environmental effects of wind and marine energy. The table below contains all of the documents in the Tethys Knowledge Base associated with EMF.

Total: 381

Searches title and abstract.
Title Author Date Content Type Technology Stressor Receptor
Electromagnetic fields from submarine power cables: A 35 Year synthesis of effects on aquatic biota James, E., Ghodsi, M., Ford, A. Journal Article Wind Energy, Fixed Offshore Wind, Floating Offshore Wind EMF Fish, Invertebrates
Proceedings of the MASTS Cross-Sectoral Working Group on the Impact of Electromagnetic Fields (EMFs) on Marine Ecosystems: A Cross-Sector Framework for Understanding and Managing the Cumulative Effects of Anthropogenic EMFs in the Marine Environment Marine Alliance for Science and Technology Scotland (MASTS) Report Wind Energy, Fixed Offshore Wind EMF
Effects of electromagnetic fields on flatfish activity levels Chapman, E., Rochas, C., Burns, Z. Journal Article Marine Energy, Wind Energy, Fixed Offshore Wind, Floating Offshore Wind EMF Fish, Demersal Fish
Effects of electromagnetic fields from an alternating current power cable on the embryogenesis of three benthic associated marine species Paoletti, S., Brabant, R., Strammer, I. Journal Article Wind Energy, Fixed Offshore Wind EMF Fish, Invertebrates
Floating Offshore Wind Dynamic Cable EMF Environmental Review ORE Catapult, Evolv Energies, St Abbs Marine Station Report Wind Energy, Floating Offshore Wind EMF Birds, Fish, Invertebrates, Marine Mammals
Balancing wind energy expansion and fisheries in the Mediterranean Sea: A trait-based assessment of vulnerability to floating offshore wind farms for commercially important species Wawrzynkowski, P., Sabatés, A., Lloret, J. Journal Article Wind Energy, Floating Offshore Wind Changes in Flow, Chemicals, EMF, Entanglement, Lighting, Noise Fish, Invertebrates, Physical Environment, Human Dimensions, Fisheries, Legal & Policy, Marine Spatial Planning
All tide up: addressing the regulatory and environmental barriers affecting tidal energy development in British Columbia Kelsey, A. Thesis Marine Energy, Tidal Collision, EMF, Noise Human Dimensions, Legal & Policy, Social & Economic Data, Stakeholder Engagement
Overview of the potential ecological impacts of three offshore locations for wind farms in Aotearoa New Zealand McKinlay, B., van Helden, A., Taylor, G. Report Wind Energy, Fixed Offshore Wind Attraction, Avoidance, Collision, Displacement, EMF, Entanglement, Noise, Vessel Strike Birds, Fish, Marine Mammals, Reptiles, Sea Turtles
Case-dependent impacts of offshore wind farms on ecosystems: A systematic review and meta-analysis Thomassen, J., Brown, E., Henriksen, O. Journal Article Wind Energy, Fixed Offshore Wind, Floating Offshore Wind Changes in Flow, Chemicals, Displacement, EMF, Habitat Change, Noise Birds, Ecosystem Processes, Fish, Invertebrates, Marine Mammals
Female Crabs Are More Sensitive to Environmentally Relevant Electromagnetic Fields from Submarine Power Cables James, E., Ghodsi, M., Ford, A. Journal Article Marine Energy, Wind Energy Attraction, EMF Invertebrates
Environmental effects of marine renewable energy off-grid and micro-grid applications: a use case approach to assess existing knowledge and remaining uncertainties Hemery, L., Weicht, L., Copping, A. Conference Paper Marine Energy, Tidal, Wave Attraction, Avoidance, Changes in Flow, Collision, Displacement, EMF, Entanglement, Habitat Change, Noise Birds, Fish, Invertebrates, Marine Mammals, Reptiles, Sea Turtles, Human Dimensions, Fisheries, Legal & Policy, Marine Spatial Planning, Navigation, Recreation & Tourism, Social & Economic Data, Visual Impacts
Minimizing environmental risks to progress the marine renewable energy industry Garavelli, L., Rose, D., Freeman, M. Conference Paper Marine Energy Changes in Flow, Collision, Displacement, EMF, Entanglement, Habitat Change, Noise
Environmental Risks and Impacts of Offshore Energy: A Literature Review Pontinha, D., Bispo, L., Gervásio, H. Conference Paper Marine Energy, OTEC, Tidal, Wave, Wind Energy, Fixed Offshore Wind, Floating Offshore Wind Avoidance, Changes in Flow, Collision, Displacement, EMF, Entanglement, Habitat Change, Noise Ecosystem Processes, Fish, Invertebrates, Marine Mammals, Physical Environment, Sediment Transport, Human Dimensions, Marine Spatial Planning
Ecological impacts of floating offshore wind on marine mammals and associated trophic interactions: current evidence and knowledge gaps Harris, C., Benjamins, S., Scott, B. Journal Article Wind Energy, Floating Offshore Wind Attraction, Displacement, EMF, Entanglement, Noise, Vessel Strike Ecosystem Processes, Fish, Marine Mammals
An ecological risk assessment for the impacts of offshore wind farms on sharks and rays in Australia Werry, J., Meager, J. Journal Article Wind Energy, Fixed Offshore Wind Attraction, Avoidance, Changes in Flow, Chemicals, Collision, Displacement, EMF, Entanglement, Habitat Change, Lighting, Noise Ecosystem Processes, Fish, Physical Environment, Water Quality, Human Dimensions, Fisheries
An egg case study: chronic exposure to AC electromagnetic fields results in hyperactivity in thornback ray (Raja clavata L.) embryos Hermans, A., Maas, D., Neta, L. Journal Article EMF Fish, Demersal Fish
Sea Space Analysis for Wave and Tidal Energy Lee, S., Strong, V., Anning, D. Report Marine Energy, Tidal, Wave Avoidance, Changes in Flow, Chemicals, Collision, Displacement, EMF, Entanglement, Habitat Change, Noise Birds, Seabirds, Fish, Invertebrates, Marine Mammals, Physical Environment, Water Quality, Human Dimensions, Fisheries, Legal & Policy, Marine Spatial Planning, Navigation, Recreation & Tourism, Social & Economic Data, Stakeholder Engagement, Visual Impacts
Wind farms through the lens of sustainability and circularity: Integrating environmental, economic, and social dimensions Arias, A., Moreira, M., Feijoo, G. Journal Article Wind Energy Attraction, Avoidance, Collision, Displacement, EMF, Habitat Change, Noise Birds, Fish, Human Dimensions, Fisheries, Legal & Policy, Life Cycle Assessment, Social & Economic Data, Visual Impacts
Economic Viability and Environmental Assessment of Marine Renewable Energy Technologies: A Comparative Framework for Tidal Stream Energy and Offshore Wind Power in the United States Bajaj, A. Journal Article Tidal, Wind Energy, Fixed Offshore Wind Avoidance, Changes in Flow, Collision, Displacement, EMF, Habitat Change, Noise Bats, Birds, Passerines, Fish, Human Dimensions, Legal & Policy, Navigation, Social & Economic Data
Measuring Marine Electromagnetic Fields: Systems and Applications D'eu, J., Colin, F., Maisonneuve, C. Conference Paper Marine Energy, Wind Energy EMF, Noise
Investigating Interactions Between Fish and Offshore Wind Farms Using Acoustic Telemetry Couturier, L., Taormina, B., Labourgade, P. Conference Paper Wind Energy, Fixed Offshore Wind Attraction, Avoidance, Displacement, EMF, Habitat Change Fish, Invertebrates
Working Group on Marine Benthal and Renewable Energy Developments (WGMBRED; outputs from 2024 meeting)) Vanaverbeke, J., Coolen, J., Chiarandon, A. Report Marine Energy, Wind Energy EMF, Noise Fish, Demersal Fish, Invertebrates, Human Dimensions, Legal & Policy
The contribution of the SafeWAVE EU project to the future development of ocean energy Bald, J., Galparsoro, I., Mandiola, G. Journal Article Marine Energy, Wind Energy, Floating Offshore Wind Changes in Flow, EMF, Habitat Change, Noise
From subsea power cable to small-spotted catshark Scyliorhinus canicula - Behavioural effects of electromagnetic fields in tank experiments Hermans, A., Maris, T., Hubert, J. Journal Article EMF Fish, Demersal Fish
Electric Fields Induced by Water Movement in Proximity to HVDC Submarine Cables Rzempoluch, J., Goddard, K., Chaudhary, S. Journal Article Wind Energy, Fixed Offshore Wind EMF
Effects and management implications of emerging marine renewable energy technologies Copping, A., Wood, D., Rumes, B. Journal Article Marine Energy, OTEC, Salinity Gradient Chemicals, EMF, Entanglement, Habitat Change, Noise Bats, Birds, Fish, Marine Mammals
Science priorities to evaluate the effects of offshore wind energy development on fish and fisheries in the Gulf of America Sura, S. , Czaja, R., Brugnone,N. Journal Article Fixed Offshore Wind, Floating Offshore Wind Attraction, Changes in Flow, Displacement, EMF, Habitat Change, Noise Ecosystem Processes, Fish, Demersal Fish, Pelagic Fish, Invertebrates, Physical Environment, Sediment Transport, Human Dimensions, Fisheries, Marine Spatial Planning, Recreation & Tourism
Electromagnetic Fields Evidence Base OES-Environmental Summary Marine Energy EMF
Stressor-Specific Guidance Document: Electromagnetic Fields OES-Environmental Report Marine Energy EMF
Marine Renewable Energy: An Introduction to Environmental Effects OES-Environmental Summary Marine Energy, Tidal, Wave Changes in Flow, Collision, Displacement, EMF, Entanglement, Habitat Change, Noise Birds, Ecosystem Processes, Fish, Invertebrates, Marine Mammals, Physical Environment, Human Dimensions
Improving decisionmaking in relation to offshore wind priority knowledge and decision support needs for Australia Australian Marine Conservation Society Report Wind Energy, Fixed Offshore Wind Changes in Flow, Collision, EMF, Entanglement, Noise, Vessel Strike Birds, Fish, Marine Mammals, Cetaceans, Physical Environment, Human Dimensions
Tidal Stream Energy Project: Collision Risk Data and Evidence Summary Phillips, E., Wren, S., King, G. Report Marine Energy, Tidal Avoidance, Collision, EMF, Entanglement, Habitat Change, Noise Birds, Seabirds, Fish, Demersal Fish, Pelagic Fish, Invertebrates, Marine Mammals, Cetaceans, Pinnipeds, Physical Environment, Sediment Transport, Human Dimensions, Legal & Policy
Sustainability Assessment of an Oscillating Water Column During the Design, Installation, Operation, and Disassembly Phases Gallego-Ramírez, C., López-Mosquera, J., Chica, E. Journal Article Marine Energy, Wave Attraction, Avoidance, Changes in Flow, Chemicals, Collision, Displacement, EMF, Entanglement, Habitat Change, Noise, Vessel Strike Birds, Ecosystem Processes, Fish, Invertebrates, Marine Mammals, Cetaceans, Pinnipeds, Physical Environment, Sediment Transport, Water Quality, Human Dimensions, Environmental Impact Assessment, Fisheries, Navigation, Recreation & Tourism, Social & Economic Data, Visual Impacts
Collaboratively Advancing our Understanding of Electromagnetic Fields – what do you need to know? Hutchison, Z., Gill, A. Workshop Article Marine Energy, Wind Energy EMF Fish, Invertebrates
Exploring the impact of magnetic fields related to submarine power cables on the American mud crab Rhithropanopeus harrisii: A behavioural and physiological perspective Jakubowska-Lehrmann, M., Makaras, T. , Normant-Saremba, M. Journal Article Attraction, Avoidance, EMF Invertebrates
Outlook on the development of eco-friendly offshore renewable energy technologies Sun, P., Jiang, Z., Chen, Y. Journal Article Marine Energy, Tidal, Wave, Wind Energy, Fixed Offshore Wind, Floating Offshore Wind Changes in Flow, Collision, EMF, Entanglement, Habitat Change, Noise Birds, Seabirds, Fish, Invertebrates, Marine Mammals, Human Dimensions, Legal & Policy, Marine Spatial Planning
Effects of electromagnetic radiation from offshore wind power on the physiology and behavior of two marine fishes Xu, P., Wang, B., Wang, Z. Journal Article Wind Energy, Fixed Offshore Wind, Floating Offshore Wind EMF Fish, Demersal Fish
Electromagnetic fields and diadromous fish spawning migration: An urgent call for knowledge Verhelst, P., Pauwels, I., Pohl, L. Journal Article Wind Energy, Fixed Offshore Wind, Floating Offshore Wind EMF Fish
Environmental Effects of Offshore Wind Energy in the Gulf of Mexico: Compilation of Educational Research Briefs [Booklet] Severy, M., Farr, H., Richlen, M. Summary Wind Energy, Fixed Offshore Wind, Floating Offshore Wind Changes in Flow, Collision, EMF, Entanglement, Habitat Change, Noise, Vessel Strike Bats, Birds, Ecosystem Processes, Fish, Invertebrates, Marine Mammals, Physical Environment, Reptiles, Sea Turtles
Diadromous Fish in the Context of Offshore Wind – Review of Current Knowledge & Future Research Honkanen, H., Moore, I., Roger, J. Report Wind Energy, Fixed Offshore Wind EMF, Habitat Change, Lighting, Noise Fish, Demersal Fish, Pelagic Fish
Displaying 1 - 40 of 381 results