Navigating the waters around the Falkland Islands is about to get safer and more efficient, thanks to upcoming seabed mapping surveys set to kick off in November. As expedition cruises become more popular in the region, ensuring safe passage to the sites visited is crucial.
Here’s what you need to know about the upcoming surveys:
• The UK Hydrographic Office (UKHO) will lead the collection of hydrographic data through vessel-based seabed mapping surveys of the Falkland Island coastal waters. This data will be instrumental in supporting safe maritime trade, sustainable economic growth, and protecting coastal communities from the impacts of climate change.
• The Overseas Seabed Mapping Program, part of the UK government’s initiatives, aims to update nautical charts for safe and efficient navigation in the Falkland Island waters. Phil Payne, Survey Delivery Manager at UKHO, emphasizes the importance of these surveys in supporting blue economic growth and fulfilling international maritime safety obligations.
• The surveys will cover more than 19,500km2 and have been carried out in Commonwealth states across the Caribbean and Pacific regions. The collected data, including seabed type, will aid in preserving the marine environment and harnessing economic resources sustainably.
• With the anticipated increase in expedition cruises around the Falklands, ensuring safe passage is paramount to minimize impacts on human life and the environment. The surveys will contribute to the Directorate of Natural Resources’ efforts in maintaining a balance between economic development and environmental conservation.
• The UKHO, as the Primary Charting Authority for the Falkland Islands, is committed to helping the territory fulfill its international maritime safety obligations under the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) Convention. The surveys will be conducted until the end of January using local vessel John Davis as the survey platform, supported by two additional vessels.
As we look ahead to the benefits these seabed mapping surveys will bring, it’s clear that they play a vital role in ensuring safe navigation, supporting sustainable economic growth, and protecting the marine environment in the Falkland Islands waters. Stay tuned for the positive impact these initiatives will have on the region.
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