Portugal advances Ocean Monitoring with SMART Cables Conference

The Observatory of Digital Ecosystems and Infrastructures (OEID), JTF SMART Cables, and the Lisbon Geographic Society hosted an international conference today, June 16, on SMART Cables technology at the Lisbon Geographical Society headquarters. The event, titled "SMART Cables. Earth's Pulse in the Northeast Atlantic," brought together experts to discuss Portugal's role in the global seafloor observation network and the potential of the Atlantic CAM system as a SMART Cable installation.

SMART Cables combine telecommunications infrastructure with environmental sensors to monitor oceanographic conditions, detect seismic activity, and collect climate data while maintaining their communication functions. This dual-purpose technology enables real-time ocean monitoring and enhances capabilities for natural disaster preparedness and maritime security.

The conference featured a panel discussion on "SMART Cables: Serving Science and Society" with Miguel Miranda, Executive Director of AIR Centre, Alberto Passos, IP Telecom (IPT), Fernando Carrilho, Portuguese Institute for Sea and Atmosphere (IPMA), and Luís Pinheiro, Portuguese IOC-UNESCO. The session was moderated by Nádia Ribeiro from OEID.

Participants examined sovereignty, technology, economic, and security aspects of SMART Cable implementation. The discussions highlighted Portugal's strategic Atlantic position as an opportunity to establish a significant node in the worldwide seafloor observation network.

This conference aims to advance ocean science while strengthening Portugal's disaster monitoring and maritime security capabilities. The collaboration demonstrates Portugal's commitment to ocean innovation and global environmental monitoring.