The Underwater Internet: Submarine Cables and Ocean Health

Hundreds of thousands of miles of fiber-optic cables crisscross the ocean floor, carrying the world's internet traffic. Blue Ocean News investigates how this infrastructure affects marine ecosystems and what happens when cables break.

Laying cables disturbs seabeds, while repairs can damage sensitive habitats. Yet cables also generate heat and electromagnetic fields that may impact marine life. Scientists are just beginning to understand these effects.

This story explores the balance between global connectivity and ocean protection, examining how the cable industry is adapting to environmental concerns and whether regulation keeps pace with expansion.