Effects of Electromagnetic Fields on Harbour Porpoises
The installed export cables that connect offshore wind farms to the mainland generate electromagnetic fields (EMF) due to the amount of electricity flowing through the cables. These EMF may potentially affect marine life in the immediate vicinity of the cables. To determine and better understand the potential effects of EMF on the acoustic activity of harbour porpoises, we work together with Wageningen Marine Research (WMR) and Witteveen+Bos on various measurement campaigns and analysis studies.
- Client: Witteveen + Bos
- Location: Borssele
The harbour porpoise is a protected species and one of the most common marine mammals in the North Sea. Due to their ecological importance, national and international monitoring and conservation programmes have been established to protect their populations.
As part of these programmes, WaterProof has developed, installed and maintained multiple Passive Acoustic Monitoring (PAM) stations and electromagnetic field (EMF) sensors. PAM stations are used to detect and analyse the echolocation clicks of harbour porpoises, providing insight into their presence and behaviour. In collaboration with Wageningen Marine Research (WMR) and Witteveen+Bos, these two areas of expertise were combined to investigate the potential effects of EMF on harbour porpoises.
The study was carried out at the Borssele offshore wind farm, where 10 strategically positioned PAM stations continuously recorded harbour porpoise activity at varying distances from the export cable. A long-term EMF sensor, positioned 1 metre above the cable, measured fluctuations in electromagnetic field strength under different operational and environmental conditions.
This research was one of the first studies investigating the potential effects of EMF on harbour porpoises. It specifically examined the possibility of modelling harbour porpoise presence and activity under different wind conditions and assessing the potential effects of EMF levels. The results and measurement methods provide a basis for further research into EMF, harbour porpoise detection and potential changes in their behaviour.
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The LIFE MareNatura project is the largest marine biodiversity project ever undertaken in Greece. Using a multidisciplinary approach, the project focuses on the conservation of nine endangered species of marine mammals, sea turtles and seabirds. By mapping biodiversity hotspots in the Ionian, South Adriatic and Aegean Seas, the project aims to extend the Natura 2000 network and strengthen marine nature management in line with the EU Biodiversity Strategy 2030.
