A new partnership has been announced between The Nippon Foundation-GEBCO Seabed 2030 Project and the International SeaKeepers Society. The two parties will work together to further our understanding of ocean bathymetry and contribute to the global effort to produce the definitive map of the ocean floor.
Seabed 2030 is a collaborative project between The Nippon Foundation and GEBCO to inspire the complete mapping of the world's ocean by 2030, and to compile all bathymetric data into the freely available GEBCO Ocean Map. GEBCO is a joint program of the International Hydrographic Organization (IHO) and the Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (IOC) and is the only organization with a mandate to map the entire ocean floor. Seabed 2030 is formally endorsed as a Decade Action of the UN Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development.
The International SeaKeepers Society is a non-profit organization dedicated to facilitating marine research and conservation efforts. SeaKeepers accomplishes its mission by connecting the yachting and boating community with scientific and academic institutions. In doing so, SeaKeepers plays a vital role enabling the yachting community to take full advantage of their unique potential to advance marine sciences.
“SeaKeepers was founded in 1998 in response to the deterioration of our natural environment,” commented SeaKeepers Program Director Tony Gilbert. “Today, unfortunately, this issue remains ever-present and growing.
“At SeaKeepers, we are committed to increasing our knowledge about the ocean. Through our DISCOVERY Yacht Program, we promote scientific discovery to raise awareness about critical ocean issues. Our ethos greatly aligns with Seabed 2030’s aim, and we look forward to supporting the project in achieving its all-important goal of a complete map of the ocean floor in just under eight years.”
Seabed 2030 Project Director Jamie McMichael-Phillips said “The race is now on to safeguard the future of our planet, but gaps in bathymetry data greatly reduce our ability to plan and prepare for the climate crisis we’re facing. By partnering with organizations such as SeaKeepers – who carry out vital work facilitating imperative scientific discoveries – we are better equipped in facing the monumental task that lies ahead.
“A complete map of the seabed by 2030 is attainable, and we are delighted to welcome SeaKeepers as a partner who will help us achieve this.”
All data collected and shared with the Seabed 2030 Project is included in the GEBCO global grid, which is free and publicly available.
