​Summary of the objectives, activities and future plans of the ITU/WMO/UNESCO-IOC Joint Task Force to investigate the potential of using submarine telecommunications cables for ocean and climate monitoring and disaster warning (JTF) 

• Chris Barnes, Professor Emeritus, University of Victoria, Canada and Chairman of the JTF [ Biography | Abstract  | Presentation ]

​Session 1: Key scientific questions being addressed, latest ideas of most suitable sensors, limiting factors

The Science and Society Committee has developed draft texts for a JTF White Paper dealing with the key scientific issues of the climate, tsunamis, and seismic hazards. Looking towards advancing the science in the future when there is access to green cables: how could large numbers of sensors advance climate and tsunami science; what would be the most suitable sensors; what would be key limiting factors; how best to advance the operational uses of the green cable data (e.g. rapid hazard response, finite-fault analysis of earthquakes for tsunami warning). The management of green cable data can be accommodated by the substantial capabilities that currently exist to both achieve and distribute scientific climate, tsunami, and earthquake data through existing data centres.

Moderator: Chris Barnes, Professor Emeritus, University of Victoria, Canada and Chairman of the JTF [ Biography ]

Speakers:

• David Murphy, Director of Science, Sea-Bird Electronics: The Feasibility of Measuring Abyssal Ocean Temperatures with Thermometers Embedded in Trans-Ocean Communication Cables [ Biography | Abstract | Presentation ]
• David Meldrum, Research Fellow, Scottish Association for Marine Science (SAMS) and JCOMM Observations Programme Area (UNESCO-IOC): Science and Societal Requirements for Sensors in Submarine Telecommunication Cables [ Biography | Abstract | Presentation ]
• Thorkild Aarup, Head of Section for Tsunami Early Warning Systems, Intergovernmental Oceangraphic Commission of United Nation Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO-IOC)
• Edgard Cabrera, Chief Ocean Affairs Division, World Meteorological Organization (WMO): Oceans in the UN and international arena
  The role of WMO  [ Biography | Presentation ]

​Session 2: Latest ideas on possible options for designing the green cable, limiting factors

The Engineering Committee has been exploring options for designing the green cables and possible limiting factors. What is the current thinking of industry for modifying cables or repeaters to incorporate suitable sensors? Specifically, for the pilot project: what are the engineering requirements, and what would be the scope and the costs of the wet demonstrator phase. The work would incorporate sensor recommendations from the Science and Society Committee and this workshop. The wet demonstrator could deploy a full-suite of science sensors on an industry system or on one of the existing science cabled observatories, but including communications and packaging that would test a dual-use deployment. The latter option could be completed in 1-2 years.

Moderator: David Meldrum, Research Fellow, Scottish Association for Marine Science (SAMS) and JCOMM Observations Programme Area (UNESCO-IOC) [ Biography ]

Speakers:

• Christian Meinig, Director of Engineering, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), United States: Preliminary Ideas on Sensor Configurations and Challenges for the Green Cables [ Biography | Abstract | Presentation ]
• Peter Phibbs, Mallin Consultants Ltd. : Green Subsea Cable System [ Biography | Presentation ]
• Maurice Kordahi, TE SubCom: Undersea Technology Latest ideas on possible options for designing the green cable [ Presentation ]

​Lunch Break

​Session 5: Potential industry support and concerns, input and partnership

What are the benefits, interests and concerns of industry in green cables and in the pilot project in particular? What balance does industry see between commercial, operational and public service benefits of green cables ? What suitable partnerships could be developed between industry, government, academia and NGOs? How can JTF and its three sponsoring agencies foster that collaboration?

Moderator: Kent Bressie, Partner and Head of International Practice, Wiltshire & Grannis LLP [ Biography ]

Speakers:

• Guillen Lopez, Nexans, Marine Surveillance System, LoVe Project [ Biography | Abstract | Presentation ]
• Nigel Bayliff, Chief Executive Officer, Huawei Marine Networks: Industry Support and Potential Partnerships [ Biography | Presentation ]
• Simon Webster, NEC: Telecom Cables for Monitoring: Reconciling Differing Objectives [ Biography | Presentation ]

​Session 6: Estimates of required funding for green cable, modifications, sensor suite and tank/ observatory testing

What are the estimated costs expected to be incurred, and over what timeframe, in a) the testing and b) the development phases of green cables? What density of sensors along a green cable is desirable and what would be the incremental cost? What are the relative costs of testing the pilot project by industry (direct or in-kind costs) versus a scientific cabled observatory?

Moderator: Chris Barnes, Professor Emeritus, University of Victoria, Canada and Chairman of the JTF [ Biography ]

Speakers:

• Masuo Suyama, General Manager, Fujitsu: Estimates of required funding for green cable development phase [ Biography | Presentation ]
• Michael Costin, Director,  International Cable Protection Committee: Perspectives/ Quetions/ Issues [ Biography | Presentation ]

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​Session 8: Business Plan: potential sources of funding and in-kind support for pilot project and also for overall JTF project support

What are the main elements of a Business Plan that would secure adequate funding or in-kind support for both the green cable pilot project and the activities of the JTF? What could be the potential balance of support fro industry, government, academia and NGOs. Are there special grant application opportunities within, for example, the EU Commission, the US National Science Foundation, or other foundations and funding agencies?

Moderator: Peter Phibbs, Mallin Consultants Ltd. [ Biography ]

Speakers:

• Antoine Lecroart, Business Development Director, Alcatel Lucent Submarine Networks: Green Cable: Any idea of how much it would cost ?  [ Biography | Presentation ]
• Michael Costin, Director, International Cable Protection Committee: Business Plan Funding ? [ Biography | Presentation ]
• Paul Holthus, Founding CEO and President, World Ocean Council: “Smart Cables”: Potential Resources and Support Through Multi-Industry Collaboration [ Biography | Abstract | Presentation ]

​Lunch Break