stimulating feeding responses in elasmobranchs (Kalmijn 1982; Tricas & Sisneros 2004; Kimber et al. 2011). Recent work using lesser spotted dogfish (Scyliorhinus canicula) suggests that despite the ability to distinguish certain artificial E fields (strong versus weak; DC versus AC), sharks seemed either unable to distinguish, or showed no preference between, anthropogenic (dipole) and natural (live crab) DC E fields of similar strengths (Kimber et al. 2011). Experiments by Gill et al. (2009) provided the first evidence of electrically sensitive fish response to AC EMF emissions from sub-sea, electricity cables of the type used by the offshore renewable energy industry. This research found lesser spotted dogfish were more likely to be found within the zone of EMF emissions, and some thornback rays showed increased movement around the cable when the cable was switched on. Responses were unpredictable however, did not always occur, and appeared to be species dependent and individual specific.
234.
Information gathered as part of the monitoring programme at Burbo Bank suggested that certain elasmobranch species feed inside the windfarm and demonstrated that they are not excluded during periods of low power generation (Cefas 2009). Monitoring at Kentish Flats found an increase in thornback rays, smoothhounds and other elasmobranchs during post-construction surveys in comparison to surveys before construction. There appeared to be no discernible difference however, between the data for the windfarm and reference areas in terms of changes to population structure and it was concluded that the population increase observed was unlikely to be related to the operation of the windfarm (Cefas 2009).
235. The recently published: Review of environmental data associated with post-consent monitoring of licence conditions of offshore wind farms (MMO April 2014) states:
“From the results of post-consent monitoring conducted to date, there is no evidence to suggest that EMFs pose a significant threat to elasmobranchs at the site or population level, and little uncertainty remains. Targeted research using high tech equipment and experimental precision has been unable to ascertain information beyond that of fish being able to detect EMFs and at what levels they become attracted or abhorrent to them. EMFs emitted from standard industry cables for OWFs are unlikely to be repellent to elasmobranchs beyond a few metres from the cable if buried to sufficient depth. It is likely that the more subtle effects of EMF, including attraction of elasmobranchs, inquisitiveness and feeding response to low level EMFs, may occur. The Burbo Bank OWF post-consent monitoring undertook EMF specific surveys including stomach analysis of common elasmobranch species. Fish caught at the cable site (and hence subject to EMFs) were well fed. No deleterious effects were recorded to fish populations, at least when this effect occurs
Preliminary Environmental Information May 2014
East Anglia THREE Offshore Windfarm
Chapter 11 Fish and Shellfish Page 77
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