Supplemental Data Regarding the Behavioral Response of Rock Crabs to the Emf of Subsea Cables and Potential Impact to Fisheries

Personal Author: Williams JP; Jaco EM; Scholz ZM; Williams CM; Pondella DJ; Rasser MK; Schroeder DM

Publication Title: Supplemental Data Regarding the Behavioral Response of Rock Crabs to the Emf of Subsea Cables and Potential Impact to Fisheries

Subject: Anthropogenic Properties; Fisheries and Aquaculture; Socio-economic and Infrastructure
Fish & Essential Fish Habitat; Commercial & Recreational Fisheries
rock crabs; EMF; subsea cables; fisheries; magnetic fields; marine renewable energy

CSE Reference: Williams JP, Jaco EM, Scholz ZM, Williams CM, Pondella DJ, Rasser MK, Schroeder DM (Occidental College, Los Angeles, CA). 2022. Supplemental data regarding the behavioral response of rock crabs to the EMF of subsea cables and potential impact to fisheries. Camarillo (CA): US Department of the Interior, Bureau of Ocean Energy Management. 24 p. Obligation No.: M21AC00001. Report No.: OCS Study BOEM 2023-005. URL: https://espis.boem.gov/Final%20Reports/BOEM_2023-005.pdf

Abstract: In recent years, marine renewable energy (MRE) planning has increased pace in the United States, and it is increasingly important to anticipate the results of these infrastructure projects on the marine environment and local fisheries as MRE development continues. This study supplements and builds upon the findings of previous studies of red rock crab behavior to increase our understanding of potential consequences that renewable energy projects may have to commercial harvest. We quantified and mapped local magnetic fields near an energized cable, performed 1,209 experimental trials using red rock crabs (Cancer productus) to determine if the energized cable altered crab responses, and described and quantified variables that were most likely to affect crab responses. Crabs did not avoid crossing energized cables, and neither the cable nor the associated magnetic fields altered the direction crabs traveled. The results suggest that the artificial magnetic field generated by submarine power cables used in MRE projects are unlikely to affect crab harvest rates.