Kent Bressie has co-authored Submarine Cables and Marine Biodiversity, a report recently published by the International Cable Protection Committee (ICPC) and the United Nations Environment Program World Conservation Monitoring Centre (UNEP-WCMC).
The report examines the environmental characteristics and potential impacts of submarine cables on marine biodiversity, strategies to minimize harm, and opportunities to enhance biodiversity knowledge while advancing resilient digital infrastructure. Additionally, it outlines key recommendations for stakeholders and makes pertinent connections to the new BBNJ Treaty. This new report is a sequel to the earlier Submarine Cables and the Oceans: Connecting the World published by the ICPC and UNEP-WCMC in 2009.
Kent Bressie is Chair of HWG’s international practice, representing clients in telecommunications regulation, foreign investment, and national security. He works extensively in the submarine cable sector, serving as Legal Adviser of the ICPC.
The ICPC is the world’s leading organization promoting the protection and resilience of submarine cables seeking. The ICPC works with its members, governments, international organizations, other marine industries, and the scientific community to: mitigate risks of natural and human damage to cables; develop recommendations and best practices for industry and governments throughout the cable project life cycle; promote scientific research addressing how cables exist in the marine environment; and promote the rule of law for the oceans.
UNEP-WCMC is the specialist biodiversity centre of United Nations Environment Program, based in Cambridge in the United Kingdom. UNEP-WCMC conducts biodiversity assessments, supports biodiversity treaties, and engages in capacity building and management of data on species and habitats of conservation concern.
Read the report here.