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Electromagnetic Fields

With this Joint Action, JPI Oceans aims to advance understanding of the impacts of anthropogenic electromagnetic fields in marine environments.

Description

Following the 2025 JPI Oceans solicitation of new ideas for Joint Actions, the Management Board adopted electromagnetic fields as a Joint Action in October 2026. The initiative aims to advance understanding of the impacts of electromagnetic fields from maritime activities on the marine environment, beyond existing initiatives on the subject.

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  • Ongoing

Contact information

Overview

Duration

Nov 2025 - Oct 2029

Type of action

Knowledge Hub

Introduction

Anthropogenic electromagnetic fields in the marine environment are increasing rapidly as countries worldwide expand offshore energy systems, interconnectors and electrified maritime infrastructure. Electromagnetic fields are mentioned under the Marine Strategy Framework Directive (Descriptor 11) as a pressure, and the European Commission's Technical Group on Underwater Noise (TG Noise) has begun to consider the topic more actively. However, despite emerging policy relevance, the scientific basis remains scant.

In this context, JPI Oceans has initiated a Knowledge Hub in which experts were asked to define a common scope and discuss potential implementation pathways. The exact scope, focus and way of implementation were the main questions addressed during the Scoping Phase throughout 2026, and will now inform the Knowledge Hub.

Nominated experts for the scoping process are coming from Australia, Belgium, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Norway and the UK.

Objectives

Addressing the main uncertainties regarding anthropogenic electromagnetic fields (EMF) to provide a robust scientific basis for future ocean governance with regional, EU and global applicability, particularly focusing on:

  • Biological responses and thresholds
  • Likelihood of species encountering EMFs
  • Source and exposure characterisation
  • Power system differences between underwater cables, going from Alternating Current (AC) to High Volume Direct Current (DC) cables
  • Monitoring, modelling and harmonisation
Why is it important?

Anthropogenic electromagnetic fields (EMF) are an emerging cross-sectoral topic that is not yet coherently integrated into European marine governance or research programming. At a time of rapid expansion and diversification of offshore and electrified marine infrastructure, this Joint Action aims to reduce uncertainties on EMF encounter likelihood, exposure and biological responses, as well as supporting more consistent and proportionate implementation of the Marine Strategy Framework Directive (MSFD) Descriptor 11 and improve the evidence base for licensing and permitting decision.