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Ocean power projects raise concern about salmon

The Columbian
Published: December 27, 2010, 12:00am

TACOMA, Wash. (AP) — The quest for green energy is increasingly focused on ocean power such as tidal and wave generators. But some scientists are raising concerns about whether those projects could interfere with salmon and other species with sensitive internal compasses.

Pacific Northwest National Laboratory oceanographer Andrea Copping tells The News Tribune of Tacoma that scientists believe salmon, like sharks and sea turtles, might sense the Earth’s magnetic fields as they navigate back to their natal streams.

Some scientists worry that the power-generating devices and the cables that bring their electricity to shore can create electromagnetic fields that could interfere with the salmon. Copping’s lab in Sequim (SKWIM’) on the Olympic Peninsula is studying the reactions of salmon, dungeness crab, halibut and American lobsters when copper wiring near their tanks is energized.

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Information from: The News Tribune, http://www.thenewstribune.com

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