This Working Group aims to provide a comprehensive state-of-the-art overview regarding the use of submarine cables for Ocean monitoring. It will consider use of now obsolete, active and new underwater telecommunications cable for this purpose. It will also discuss the ways in which the data could be used in support of marine scientific research, disaster risk reduction, policymaking and maritime security.
The Working Group consists of 12 experts from across Europe with diverse expertise in submarine cable tehcnology, use of submarine cable sensors and the information they deliver, legal and geopolitical aspects, and impacts of using such systems. Following an introductory meeting on 29 June 2026, they met in person to brainstorm on the current state of the art, future technology and research need as well as wider considerations from using such approaches, and to consider recommendations for how these systems could be developed to complement the Ocean observing system and provide a service to society. The group also developed the draft table contents for the document, and a work plan for delivering a Position Paper in late 2027.
You can find out more about the working group, its objectives, and the members here.