A long-standing belief that sharks are a primary cause of damage to undersea fiber-optic cables is largely inaccurate, according to experts in the field. This myth, which dates back approximately 40 years, has been revisited as the historic TAT-8 cable—the first transoceanic fiber-optic cable across the Atlantic—is currently being decommissioned and removed from the seabed.
Fact vs. Myth: The Real Threats to Subsea Cables
While sharks may investigate underwater cables, actual instances of them biting and causing damage are rare. Reports indicate that such damage typically requires artificial inducement, such as wrapping a cable in bait.
The primary threats to the global network of subsea cables are human activities, including fishing trawlers and ship anchors. On land, rodents such as rats pose a more significant threat to cable infrastructure than marine animals.
The Scale of Global Subsea Infrastructure
Approximately 600 subsea cables currently carry nearly all of the world’s intercontinental internet traffic. The installation and ongoing maintenance of this network are managed by thousands of offshore workers, engineers, and crew members globally.
Experts emphasize that the primary challenges to this infrastructure involve human endeavor rather than animal interference.
The History of TAT-8
The myth regarding shark damage reportedly gained prominence following the development of the TAT-8 cable. Launched on December 14, 1988, by AT&T, British Telecom, and France Telecom, TAT-8 was a groundbreaking project that used optical fibers to transmit pulses of light between Europe and the United States.
This technology was initially developed for telephone calls, prior to the widespread adoption of the internet. Author Isaac Asimov noted the significance of the cable's launch, describing it as a major advancement in global communication. The cable is now being pulled from the seabed by engineers and crew members as part of its retirement process.