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We review the latest developments in Fiber-optic Telecommunications and Networks presented at OFC 2022 and compare the progress accomplished since the previous year conference, OFC 2021. In particular, we note this year's emphasis on the application of Neural Networks (NN) as part of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML), as well as continued research in quantum communications and key distribution. We also expect future conferences to include papers about optical variants of quantum computers, a field of great interest that can exploit many quantum systems, as well as papers on continuing developments in High-Speed Communications beyond 800 Gb/s, and increased use of coherent modulation and detection in Data Centers Interconnect, Cloud and Edge computing, the latter in support of 5 G Internet Of Things (IOT). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Monitoring vessel activity is an important part of managing marine protected areas (MPAs), but small-scale fishing and recreational vessels that do not participate in cooperative vessel traffic systems require additional monitoring strategies. Marine Monitor (M2) is a shore-based, multi-sensor platform that integrates commercially available hardware, primarily X-band marine radar and optical cameras, with custom software to autonomously track and report on vessel activity regardless of participation in other tracking systems. By utilizing established commercial hardware, the radar system is appropriate for supporting the management of coastal, small-scale MPAs. Data collected in the field are transferred to the cloud to provide a continuous record of activity and identify prohibited activities in real-time using behavior characteristics. To support the needs of MPA managers, both hardware and software improvements have been made over time, including ruggedizing equipment for the marine environment and powering systems in remote locations. Case studies are presented comparing data collection by both radar and the Automatic Identification System (AIS) in urban and remote locations. At the South La Jolla State Marine Reserve near San Diego, CA, USA, 93% of vessel activity (defined as the cumulative time vessels spent in the MPA) was identified exclusively by radar from November 2022 through January 2023. At the Caye Bokel Conservation Area, within the Turneffe Atoll Marine Reserve offshore of Belize, 98% was identified exclusively by radar from April through October 2022. Spatial and temporal patterns of radar-detected and AIS activity also differed at both sites. These case study site results together demonstrate the common and persistent presence of small-scale vessel activity near coastal MPAs that is not documented by cooperative systems. Therefore, an integrated radar system can be a useful tool for independent monitoring, supporting a comprehensive understanding of vessel activity in a variety of areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]