Despite their crucial role in connecting the world, undersea cables can have negative effects on marine life. EMFs emitted by undersea cables can alter the behavior of certain species, such as sea turtles and whales, and can affect the blood cells of brown crabs. To reduce the impact of undersea cables on marine life, companies and organizations have taken measures such as placing them in designated areas away from sensitive habitats.
While these efforts can help mitigate the impact of EMFs, they do not address the physical impact of undersea cables on marine life. Entanglement, habitat damage, and disruptions to the ocean floor are all concerns that companies must consider when installing undersea cables. To address these issues, companies often take steps such as using cable-laying methods that reduce the impact on the ocean floor and burying the cables at a sufficient depth to prevent damage from fishing gear and boat anchors.
However, the impact of undersea cables on marine life is not well understood, and more research is needed to determine the full extent of their effects. There are also concerns about the long-term effects of EMFs on marine life and the potential for cumulative effects as more undersea cables are installed.
Some environmental groups and governments have called for greater regulation of undersea cable installations and better monitoring of their impact on marine life. These organizations argue that the preservation of the world’s marine habitats must be a top priority and that companies and organizations must take more proactive steps to minimize the impact of undersea cables on these important ecosystems.