Submarine optical cables: Impact on the marine environment

The submarine optical cables are one of the main parts of national and international telecommunication networks. Nowadays, the growing demand for bandwidth and transmission of vast amount of data on high bit rates causes expansion of terrestrial and submarine telecommunication network. The submarine cable network is an infrastructure which is vital to the global society. Therefore, coordinated efforts between cable industry, telecom operators and governments are required to ensure maximum protection and reliability of the networks. This paper presents submarine optical cables deployment, different types of cable configuration, installation, and protection. Despite the small physical size of optical cable activities, such as surveying of cable routes, laying, protecting and repairing submarine cables may cause pollution or harmful changes to the marine environment. The paper describes environmental effects of cable laying and maintenance. Because these activities mostly take place in coastal and territorial sea areas, they are subject to the domestic law and regulations of coastal countries. This paper gives a brief overview of the international law and conventions relating submarine cables. Disturbance and impact caused by cable laying are viewed in the context of improving preservation of the coast and seabed. Presented topic highlight the need to use and protect marine environment sustainably.