The Effects of Anthropogenic Electromagnetic Fields (EMF) on the Early Development of Two Commercially Important Crustaceans, European Lobster, Homarus gammarus (L.) and Edible Crab, Cancer pagurus (L.)

Abstract

Proposed offshore windfarm sites could overlap with the brooding and spawning habitats of commercially important crustacea, including European lobster, Homarus gammarus and Edible crab, Cancer pagurus. Concerns have been raised on the biological effects of Electromagnetic Fields (EMFs) emitted from subsea power cables on the early life history of these species. In this study, ovigerous female H. gammarus and C. pagurus were exposed to static (Direct Current, DC) EMFs (2.8 mT) throughout embryonic development. Embryonic and larval parameters, deformities, and vertical swimming speed of freshly hatched stage I lobster and zoea I crab larvae were assessed. EMF did not alter embryonic development time, larval release time, or vertical swimming speed for either species. Chronic exposure to 2.8 mT EMF throughout embryonic development resulted in significant differences in stage-specific egg volume and resulted in stage I lobster and zoea I crab larvae exhibiting decreased carapace height, total length, and maximum eye diameter. An increased occurrence of larval deformities was observed in addition to reduced swimming test success rate amongst lobster larvae. These traits may ultimately affect larval mortality, recruitment and dispersal. This study increases our understanding on the effects of anthropogenic, static EMFs on crustacean developmental biology and suggests that EMF emissions from subsea power cables could have a measurable impact on the early life history and consequently the population dynamics of H. gammarus and C. pagurus.

Do electromagnetic fields from subsea power cables effect elasmobranch behaviour? A risk-based approach for the Dutch Continental Shelf

“…Embryos have been shown respond to electric stimuli after 1/3 of their development phase [73] with a freeze response, characterised by temporarily ceasing respiration, suggested to prevent detection by a predator [72]. Constantly responding to changing EMF levels might cost metabolic energy, resulting in reduced growth and development and lead to higher yolk consumption, which may lead to a longer development time and/or smaller hatchlings, as has been seen in lobster larvae [65]. Another impact mechanism could be that continuous exposure to EMFs during embryogenesis could exert epigenetic effects, leading to behavioural alterations in adulthood.…”

Influence of pseudo-green water on growth, colouration, and survival in European lobster (Homarus gammarus) larvae

“…It is well known that current wild European lobster ( Homarus gammarus , Linnaeus, 1758) stocks are under immense pressure due to several factors, primarily overfishing and climate change, including effects on their physiology, metabolism, and bioenergetics and rising sea temperatures. Furthermore, specific abiotic concerns include the potential electromagnetic effect of offshore wind energy installations on natural larval recruitment and survival (Harsanyi et al, 2022). The European lobster is a commercially valuable marine crustacean for seafood whilst supporting fishing industries throughout European coastal waters.…”