Exploring potential electro-magnetic disturbance in wild porpoises

This gap is particularly important given the increasing electrical cable installation and other human activities in marine environments. 

In collaboration with the University of Southern Denmark (SDU), this research project aims to determine whether EMF from underwater infrastructure may disturb harbour porpoises.

In the first stage of the project, completed in June 2024, it was established that the proximity of underwater power cables can be detected through electromagnetic anomalies in biologging data from tagged porpoises. This indicates some level of electromagnetic exposure in wild porpoises. Moreover, data from three wild animals showed different behavioural reactions when porpoises were close to underwater cables. Results of the first stage of the EMF project are expected to be submitted for peer-review publication in 2026.

In the second stage, which began in January 2025, additional lab experiments were conducted at Fjord&Bælt in Denmark. At the facility, harbour porpoises in captivity are trained to work voluntarily in various research projects. The animals are never subjected to any form of punishment, whether verbal or physical. The animal trainers are guided to ensure that the animals can participate in various projects responsibly. Porpoises were exposed to a range of EMF, and their behaviour was observed showing that harbour porpoises are able to sense electrical fields.

To better understand how this relates to EMF emitted by offshore cables, Vattenfall is running a complementary project with Ocean Wave Xploration. The aim is to build a bespoke device capable of measuring EMF in offshore environments. This project started in 2025, with construction planned for 2026 and offshore testing scheduled for 2027.