Submarine cables and protections provided by the law of the sea

This article describes the evolution and significance of submarine cable technology. It reviews the causes of cable failures due to man-made ‘external aggression’ and the industryʹs response. Though sophisticated cable protection methods have been developed, threats continue as fishing technologies and locations evolve. The article identifies the need for adequate ocean policies to supplement existing corporate strategies. The author concludes that the degree of protection afforded to submarine cables would be improved if parties to the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea were to adopt domestic legislation to implement the cable-protection provisions of the Convention.