This feature layer provides a comprehensive spatial inventory of all Ocean Networks Canada (ONC) subsea fiber-optic and electrical cables currently resting on the seafloor. It serves as a vital resource for mapping the backbone infrastructure of ONC's marine observatories, supporting spatial planning, academic research, and marine safety.

The dataset includes the complete network geometry for both high-voltage main (backbone) cables and low-voltage extension cables that connect terminal nodes to specific instrument platforms.

To provide a complete historical and operational overview, the layer categorizes cables by their current operational status:

• Active: Fully operational cables actively transmitting power and/or telemetry data.
• Damaged: Infrastructure that is physically compromised, severed, or currently offline awaiting maintenance.
• Inactive: Decommissioned, retired, or historical cable segments that remain in situ on the seafloor.

Data Currency and Maintenance

Because seafloor infrastructure updates occur following maintenance cruises, equipment deployments, or environmental impacts, this layer is updated periodically. See the "Item Updated" metadata date on this page for the most recent data refresh.

Limitations of use: This GIS layer is for informational, research, and educational planning purposes only. It does not represent an official nautical chart and is NOT FOR NAVIGATION, ANCHORING, OR COMMERCIAL TRAWLING PLAN PURPOSES. Cable positions are generalized and should not be used to determine exact physical clearance or burial depth on the seafloor.

Vintage: Vintage of cable network attributes and status: 2026

Update Frequency: Update frequency: Updated irregularly following marine maintenance operations ~monthly.

Source: Source: Ocean Networks Canada (ONC) Infrastructure Database

Citation: Citation: Ocean Networks Canada. (2026). Subsea Main and Extension Cable Network Feature Layer. Published via ArcGIS Online.