Submarine cables cause deformities in lobsters

It is a fact.

The number of submarine electric cables is constantly increasing, a phenomenon inevitably linked to the rise of marine renewable energies.

But according to a recent study published in the

, and relayed by

, the presence of these cables has a significant impact on marine species and in particular on lobsters.

To reach this conclusion, the researchers exposed 4,000 eggs of this crustacean to a level of electromagnetic field resembling that felt near underwater cables.

A similar group was not exposed to these waves and then the results were compared.

An impact on the body and on swimming

The trial, conducted at the St-Abbs marine station (UK), revealed that lobsters exposed to these waves were three times more likely to develop malformations.

A smaller and folded tail, a failed eye development or a swollen body.

These waves would also have an impact on their swimming, especially vertical, because some lobsters struggled to rise to the surface.

However, this type of movement is essential for feeding these animals.

The researchers conducted the same experiment on crab larvae.

Those exposed to the waves had no malformations or problems swimming, a rather reassuring result.

But the larvae were still smaller than the others.

According to scientists, this change could thus affect the long-term survival of this species.

They call for the implementation of solutions to avoid these changes in species.

One would be to bury these undersea cables, reports

.

But this solution would represent an additional cost and would complicate the maintenance of the network.

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