Impact of Electromagnetic Fields from Submarine Cables on Marine Life

Reategui-Inga M.; Cisneros A.; Valdiviezo W.A.; Durand R.P.; Díaz-Zúñiga E.J.; Tocas C.A.N.; Coaguila-Rodriguez P.; Lu J.G.; Reategui-Inga R.; Cerna-Cueva A.F. · International Journal of Design and Nature and Ecodynamics (2025) · DOI: 10.18280/ijdne.200319

Resumen

Submarine cables cause ecological impacts on benthic habitats and disturb fragile ecosystems, which threaten marine biodiversity. Actions to mitigate climate change have led to the adoption of renewable energy sources such as wind, wave, and tidal energy. However, the installation of submarine cables required to harness these resources has had negative impacts on marine flora and fauna. In this context, this research aimed to determine the effects of submarine cables on marine flora and fauna through a systematic review. The PRISMA 2020 statement was used. Inclusion and exclusion criteria were based on aspects that covered the largest number of relevant studies, and studies were retrieved from five databases. The compound annual growth rate of scientific output was calculated using a digital tool (Calcuvio), and data analysis was performed using Microsoft Office Excel. The country with the highest scientific output was Poland, and the year with the highest output was 2023. The compound annual growth rate of scientific output (2005–2023) was 17.42%. The most studied type of submarine cable, based on its function, was the energy transmission cable. The most studied marine organisms were fish, and the effects of electromagnetic fields included attraction to the submarine cable, behavioral changes, reduced mobility, and altered distribution. It is recommended that research be conducted on the entire life cycle of marine species (e.g., octopuses, lobsters, jellyfish, anemones, starfish, sea urchins), as well as on submarine cables used for telecommunications transmission and their effects on marine life.

Instituciones: Universidad Continental; Universidad Nacional de Ucayali; Universidad Nacional Agraria de la Selva; Universidad Nacional Intercultural de la Selva Central Juan Santos Atahualpa