First Global Scientific Assessment Highlights Environmental Considerations for Submarine Cable Decommissioning
The International Cable Protection Committee (ICPC) has welcomed the publication of the first peer-reviewed scientific study to comprehensively assess the environmental implications associated with the decommissioning of submarine telecommunications and power cables. This pioneering research, conducted by a collaborative international team of ocean scientists and industry specialists, addresses a longstanding knowledge gap and provides critical guidance for policymakers, regulators, marine planners, and industry stakeholders worldwide.
As the global demand for digital connectivity grows at an unprecedented pace, the network of submarine cables under the oceans continues to expand. Currently, over 3.5 million kilometres of submarine cable have been installed worldwide, supporting everything from high-speed internet and transcontinental communications to offshore renewable energy transmission. Many of these systems are now approaching or surpassing their 25-year design life, raising questions about how best to manage infrastructure that is no longer in service. Until now, however, there has been no comprehensive, evidence-based study evaluating the environmental impacts of recovering these cables from the seafloor.
Key Findings on Environmental Impact
The study, recently published in the Journal of Environmental Management, finds that environmental impacts from submarine cable recovery are generally localized, short-lived, and significantly smaller in scale than those associated with cable installation. Disturbances occur primarily in shallower waters where cables are buried, whereas cables laid on the seafloor in deeper waters have minimal environmental effect.
Interestingly, the research highlights that biological colonization of submarine cables by larger marine fauna is far less common than previously assumed. In the study, which examined thousands of kilometres of recovered cable, only a single short cable section showed signs of colonization by megafauna. This suggests that well-planned and properly executed cable recovery operations can significantly mitigate environmental risks, supporting both sustainable infrastructure management and marine ecosystem protection.
Dr. Mike Clare, lead author of the study from the National Oceanography Centre, UK, emphasized the significance of these findings:
Our aim was to provide the first evidence-based assessment of the environmental implications of submarine cable decommissioning. We found that recovery operations typically create only very localised and short-lived disturbance, while offering substantial benefits for recycling and the circular economy. In most cases, subsea cables remain in near-pristine condition—even after decades on the ocean floor—which means they can be safely and efficiently recovered and repurposed or recycled.
Dr. Clare added:
Biological colonization by larger organisms is far rarer than commonly assumed. Across thousands of kilometres of recovered cable in our study, colonization was limited to just one short section. This demonstrates that responsible cable recovery can be conducted without significant ecological disruption, providing a sustainable pathway for managing aging submarine infrastructure.
Circular-Economy Benefits
In addition to evaluating environmental impacts, the study underscores the potential for a circular-economy approach in the submarine cable sector. Modern fibre-optic and power cables were found to remain structurally intact even after decades underwater, making them suitable for recovery, repurposing, or recycling. Recovered materials—including copper, steel, and plastics—can achieve recyclability rates of over 95%, offering substantial economic and environmental benefits.
The ability to recover and recycle materials from decommissioned cables not only reduces waste but also reduces the need for raw material extraction, supporting global sustainability objectives. The research thus provides a blueprint for environmentally responsible management of submarine infrastructure, linking technological innovation with conservation principles.
Implications for Industry and Regulation
The study provides practical guidance for both the cable industry and regulatory authorities, giving stakeholders confidence that responsible cable recovery is feasible, environmentally proportionate, and aligned with sustainable marine management goals.
John Wrottesley, Operations Manager at ICPC, highlighted the strategic importance of the findings:
This study marks a major step forward for evidence-based decision-making globally. As marine space becomes increasingly congested and contested, it is vital that we manage submarine infrastructure responsibly throughout its lifecycle. The findings give regulators and industry confidence that responsible cable recovery is both feasible and environmentally proportionate. It Global also plays a key role in enabling the installation of next-generation systems without encroaching on sensitive seabed areas. The ICPC looks forward to working with governments, academia, and industry partners to build on this evidence base and promote best practices worldwide.
The report also recommends the implementation of systematic environmental monitoring during future cable recovery operations. By establishing standardised data collection and reporting protocols, the study suggests that industry stakeholders and policymakers can generate robust datasets to inform future decision-making, improve operational planning, and enhance the scientific understanding of both shallow and deep-sea ecosystems.
Filling a Critical Knowledge Gap
Prior to this assessment, there was a significant lack of peer-reviewed research on the environmental impacts of submarine cable decommissioning. While cable installation procedures have been widely studied and regulated, recovery operations remained largely unexamined. This Global gap created uncertainty regarding best practices for mitigating ecological impacts and ensuring that decommissioning activities aligned with environmental sustainability goals.
The new study provides the first scientific benchmark for these operations, confirming that recovered cables pose minimal ecological risk, especially when handled with proper planning and adherence to operational standards. In addition, the study demonstrates that older cable systems often remain fully intact, reinforcing the viability of recovery as a practical and environmentally responsible option.
International Collaboration
This landmark research was conducted by a global collaboration of ocean scientists, marine ecologists, and industry experts, reflecting the international nature of submarine cable networks and the shared responsibility for marine stewardship. The study combines field data, recovered cable analysis, and ecological assessments to provide a comprehensive picture of environmental considerations across multiple geographic regions and marine environments.
The ICPC, which represents the collective interests of submarine cable owners, operators, and regulators worldwide, views this study as a critical resource for guiding policy and operational decisions. By grounding recommendations in scientific evidence, the research helps stakeholders navigate the complex regulatory landscape associated with marine infrastructure while promoting sustainable development and ecosystem protection.
Future Directions
The publication emphasizes the need for continued research and innovation in submarine cable lifecycle management. Key recommendations include:
- Systematic Environmental Monitoring – Standardized monitoring protocols during recovery operations to collect consistent, high-quality data.
- Global Best Practices – Development of international guidelines for cable decommissioning to ensure environmentally responsible operations.
- Enhanced Reporting Standards – Adoption of standardized reporting frameworks to facilitate knowledge sharing across the industry.
- Circular Economy Integration – Expanded recovery and recycling programs to maximize the reuse of materials and reduce environmental footprint.
By following these recommendations, the submarine cable industry can align its operations with sustainability goals, mitigate ecological impact, and contribute to the circular economy while maintaining the critical infrastructure that underpins global communications and energy networks.
The first scientific assessment of submarine cable decommissioning represents a major milestone in sustainable marine infrastructure management. It provides evidence that:
- Environmental impacts from cable recovery are generally localized and short-lived.
- Biological colonization of cables by large marine organisms is rare, even after decades on the seafloor.
- Recovered materials offer high recyclability, supporting circular-economy initiatives.
- Responsible cable recovery is feasible, environmentally proportionate, and essential for maintaining access to marine space for future infrastructure.
As digital connectivity continues to expand, responsible management of submarine cables throughout their lifecycle is critical. This Global study equips regulators, industry operators, and marine planners with the knowledge and confidence to implement sustainable decommissioning strategies, supporting both environmental stewardship and the ongoing evolution of global submarine infrastructure.
Dr. Mike Clare concluded:
Our research demonstrates that submarine cable recovery can be both safe and environmentally responsible. By applying Global best practices and leveraging scientific evidence, the industry can recover, repurpose, and recycle infrastructure while minimizing impacts on marine ecosystems. This represents a key step toward sustainable management of the growing global network of submarine cables.
The Global ICPC plans to continue collaboration with governments, academic institutions, and industry partners to expand the knowledge base, promote best practices, and ensure that submarine cable operations remain sustainable for decades to come.
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