Peter Sigray

Marine Renewable Energy, Electromagnetic (EM) Fields and EM-Sensitive Animals

In the marine environment there are natural magnetic and electric fields associated with both physical and biological sources, and there are anthropogenic electromagnetic fields (EMFs) that permeate it. Many marine animals can detect electric and magnetic fields and utilize them in such important life processes as movement, orientation and foraging. Here, these EMFs are explored and discussed in terms of how they arise, their properties (particularly those that are measurable) and the animals that have the ability to detect them. Then the evidence base for whether anthropogenic EMFs can affect sensitive receptor animals is explored. As marine renewable energy developments (MREDs) expand rapidly worldwide, with multiple devices and networks of subsea cables that emit EMFs into the marine environment, it is necessary to focus on their interaction with marine animals. The MRED industry has to take EMFs into account, so the industry perspective is also covered. Finally, suggestions are made on how research on EMFs associated with MREDs (and other sources) and its interaction with marine animals should advance in future.

Stress Response and Habituation to Motorboat Noise in Two Coastal Fish Species in the Bothnian Sea.

The effect of motorboat noise on stress responsiveness in Eurasian perch and roach was tested in field enclosure experiments. Perch showed elevated cortisol levels after one 30-min noise exposure but not when exposed to noise repeatedly for 11 days. Roach had higher cortisol levels when exposed to noise than without noise when short- and long-term experiments were pooled. Both species had more cortisol in enclosures with mixed species compared with single-species enclosures. Both species also had higher cortisol levels in the short-term compared with the long-term experiment. Thus, a stress effect of motorboat noise may decrease with time due to habituation.

BIAS: A Regional Management of Underwater Sound in the Baltic Sea

Management of the impact of underwater sound is an emerging concern worldwide. Several countries are in the process of implementing regulatory legislations. In Europe, the Marine Strategy Framework Directive was launched in 2008. This framework addresses noise impacts and the recommendation is to deal with it on a regional level. The Baltic Sea is a semienclosed area with nine states bordering the sea. The number of ships is one of the highest in Europe. Furthermore, the number of ships is estimated to double by 2030. Undoubtedly, due to the unbound character of noise, an efficient management of sound in the Baltic Sea must be done on a regional scale. In line with the European Union directive, the Baltic Sea Information on the Acoustic Soundscape (BIAS) project was established to implement Descriptor 11 of the Marine Strategy Framework Directive in the Baltic Sea region. BIAS will develop tools, standards, and methodologies that will allow for cross-border handling of data and results, measure sound in 40 locations for 1 year, establish a seasonal soundscape map by combining measured sound with advanced three-dimensional modeling, and, finally, establish standards for measuring continuous sound. Results from the first phase of BIAS are presented here, with an emphasis on standards and soundscape mapping as well as the challenges related to regional handling.