Techniques for performing forward error correction of data to be transmitted over an optical communications channel. The techniques include: receiving data bits; organizing the data bits into an arrangement having a plurality of blocks organized into rows and columns and into a plurality of strands including a first strand of blocks that includes a back portion comprising a first row of the plurality of blocks, and a front portion comprising blocks from at least two different columns in at least two different rows other than the first row of blocks; and encoding at least some of the data bits in the arrangement using a first error correcting code at least in part by generating first parity bits by applying the first error correcting code to first data bits in the front portion of the first strands and second data bits in the back portion of the first strand.