Approximately 99% of global internet traffic travels through undersea cables, which connect continents and enable digital communication worldwide. These cables, however, are frequently subject to damage, primarily due to marine activities such as ship anchoring and fishing. A less common, but notable, cause of damage is the interference caused by marine life, specifically cetaceans.
These animals sometimes mistake the cables for prey due to the electromagnetic fields they generate. While these incidents represent a small percentage of overall damage, technology companies like Google have implemented additional protective measures for their cables. These measures include the use of robust shielding materials designed to resist cuts and other forms of damage.
The construction and maintenance of these cables represent a significant investment, reflecting their crucial role in global data transmission.
