ONBOARD Magazine - spring 2023

MY OPINION
Bringing light to the deep
Tinah Martin from Seabed 2030 looks at the importance of
mapping our seabeds with the help of yacht owners
Have you ever looked at a world map and wondered how
much of the vast ocean has been discovered in detail?
What type of landscape would it disclose if the entire
water bodies surrounding the continents on earth were to be
removed? With bathymetry maps, which present the measurement
of depth of water in oceans, and provide information of the shape
of the seafloor, these secrets would be no more.
The Nippon Foundation-GEBCO Seabed 2030 Project has engaged
with stakeholders from around the world to inspire and bring
together passionate ocean mappers and scientists to contribute
to the General Bathymetric Chart of
the Oceans (GEBCO). Despite the
notable progress, with just over 20%
of the ocean floor revealed in a high
resolution map, including data from
various sources (academia, industry,
government, crowdsourced bathymetry
initiatives), there is much yet still to do.
People are at the centre of this huge
enterprise, and their voices and expertise
pave the way to achieving the definitive map of the world ocean floor.
From explorers identifying remote areas to map to coordinating
groups guiding and prioritising data collection efforts, it’s about
a rising tide to lift all boats.
For over a century, the effort to bring the light to the deep has
gathered a community from across multiple marine related disciplines
and sectors. Pioneers and more arduous researchers lead work
to reveal the seafloor to the public. Methods to acquire data and
ocean observation have evolved from lead lines to sophisticated
hydrographic vessels equipped with high performing multi beams
and other AUVs.
Despite advancements in the mapping field, it is necessary to
address the imbalance of capabilities around the world, hence
the need to bridge the gaps in our communities. Enhancing
access to data and technology through collaboration will advance
Enhancing access to data
and technology through
collaboration will advance
exploration and provide a better
understanding of the ocean
exploration and provide a better understanding of the ocean
beyond national jurisdictions, which in turn will benefit the global
community and science together.
One example of collaborative working is equipping vessels with
standard navigation devices or basic data loggers to record
depth when transiting from port to port. This approach can be
perpetuated within the maritime community to demonstrate how
a slight change in routine operations can impact our collective
knowledge of the ocean.
Vessels can coordinate their data
collection with one of Seabed 2030’s
Regional Data Centres and the
International Hydrographic Organization’s
(IHO) Data Centre for Digital Bathymetry
(DCDB). Crowdsourced bathymetry plays
a vital role in helping us advance and
achieve the ambitious goal of a gully
mapped ocean floor, whilst also promoting
open access data policy.
From designing marine protected areas, to understanding key
components of the dynamics of fisheries, to ocean modeling, geohazard
assessment, marine biodiversity conservation and safety
of navigation, the description of the topographic characteristics
of the ocean floor contribute tremendously to decision making
when it comes to the sustainable use of our oceans.
After all, we can only manage what we know. How would we be
able to protect the richness of the deep sea without investigating
and making the knowledge accessible, if not investing in the
strength of our communities?
The Nippon Foundation-GEBCO Seabed 2030 Project is endorsed
under the UN Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development.
For more details on how to join this initiative visit
www.seabed2030.org
ONBOARD | SPRING 2023 | 7