Lead institution:
National Land Agency, Hydrographic Unit – Jamaica
The priority project outcome is to create an accurate, observation-based bathymetric map of the Tropical Americas and Caribbean Region through multi-sector partnerships and collaboration.
This map is essential for the sustainable use of critical ocean resources and to inform and improve forecast capabilities, disaster risk reduction and response, environmental management and scientific investigation activities. A diverse region that has rich biodiversity and marine resources, many economies are dependent on coastal and marine tourism. The region is also extremely vulnerable to climate change and natural hazards. Extreme weather events are common in the region with nine Category 3 hurricanes and above occurring in 2019-2020. Currently 23% of the region is mapped according to the GEBCO 2021 Grid, an increase of 3% since 2020 when the IOCARIBE and the MACHC initiated this joint Project. This progress is highly encouraging given the pandemic circumstances.
This Project is hosted by the Ocean Decade Programme The Nippon Foundation-GEBCO Seabed 2030 Project
Start Date: 01/12/2020
End Date: 31/12/2030
Lead Contact: Diego Billings (diegobillings35@gmail.com; diego.billings@nla.gov.jm)