[gavanm]

I wonder if it could be a net positive for the connection point areas.

I'm speculating that areas with undersea cables are often marked as "no anchor" zones due to the risk of damage (in areas where such practices are followed).

So the drop in damage from anchors and extended motor boat presence might eventually outweigh the initial damage from laying the cable.

[enviclash]

The idea of net positive is flawed, as multiple local net positives from different disruptions (other than cables) might lead to deterioration of global quality thresholds for sensitive issues, e.g. chains of wetlands required for migratory birds. These global connections are most often unwisely accounted.