Electric and magnetic senses in marine animals, and potential behavioral effects of electromagnetic surveys

Abstract

Electromagnetic surveys generate electromagnetic fields to map petroleum deposits under the seabed with unknown consequences for marine animals. The electric and magnetic fields induced by electromagnetic surveys can be detected by many marine animals, and the generated fields may potentially affect the behavior of perceptive animals. Animals using magnetic cues for migration or local orientation, especially during a restricted time-window, risk being affected by electromagnetic surveys. In electrosensitive animals, anthropogenic electric fields could disrupt a range of behaviors. The lack of studies on effects of the electromagnetic fields induced by electromagnetic surveys on the behavior of magneto- and electrosensitive animals is a reason for concern. Here, we review the use of electric and magnetic fields among marine animals, present data on survey generated and natural electromagnetic fields, and discuss potential effects of electromagnetic surveys on the behavior of marine animals.

Keywords

Magnetism; Electrosensitive animals; Magneto sensitive animals; Electromagnetism; Orientation; Noise; Pollution effects; Energy resources; Ecosystem management

Published in

Marine Environmental Research
2020, volume: 155, article number: 104888
Publisher: ELSEVIER SCI LTD

SLU Authors

• Nyqvist, Daniel

  • Department of Aquatic Resources (SLU Aqua), Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences
    

UKÄ Subject classification

Ecology
Environmental Sciences

Publication identifier

• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.marenvres.2020.104888

Permanent link to this page (URI)

https://res.slu.se/id/publ/139658