A study published in the Journal of Marine Science and Engineering analyzes the effect of exposure to different magnetic fields emitted by submarine communication cables on a population of commercially important crabs ( Cancer pagurus ).
The results revealed that the crabs showed "a clear attraction" to stronger electromagnetic fields, similar to those emitted by submarine cables, and this affected their circadian rhythms and activity patterns. The animals in question were more lethargic, “as if they were hypnotized”, and this could have consequences on the migration, foraging and mating activity of the crabs.
"This information is essential for policy formulation, environmental assessments and for understanding the impacts of increased anthropogenic electromagnetic fields on marine organisms," the authors conclude.
