UK conducting seabed mapping in Jamaica to support blue economy
THE UNITED Kingdom Hydrographic Office (UKHO) has commissioned survey vessels to Jamaica’s waters as part of the UK’s Commonwealth Marine Economies (CME) Programme.
By using state-of-the-art equipment, the UKHO said it will capture high-resolution bathymetric data in Kingston and Portland Bight.
“This information will be used to update nautical charts, which will improve the safety of navigation and help Jamaica meet its international obligations to the Safety of Life at Sea Convention and sections of the III Code,” according to a release.
It said that more accurate charts can enable larger ships to call, improving efficiency for cargo ships importing and exporting goods as well as attracting cruise ships, which should have a significant impact on the Jamaican economy.
The survey, which continues until mid-December, follows a hydrographic technical assessment visit conducted in January 2017, where local stakeholders such as the maritime administration, Port Authority and National Land Agency identified a range of activities in Jamaica that were impacted by its need for modern seabed mapping.
Supporting the work, on November 10, the UK’s minister of state for the Commonwealth, Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon; British High Commissioner to Jamaica, Asif Ahmad, and the head of the Jamaican Maritime Authority, Rear Admiral Peter Brady visited one of the survey vessels which is undergoing preparations to commence surveying.
The work forms part of the CME programme which is delivered on behalf of the UK Government by the UKHO, the Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science and the National Oceanography Centre.
The programme aims to support the sustainable growth of Commonwealth Small Island Developing States by making the most of their natural economic and environmental resources.
“In future years, the UKHO hopes to secure funding to help Jamaica build their own seabed mapping capabilities, to enable ongoing support to efficiency of trade, cruise tourism and a range of infrastructure developments, as well as improving safety for both human and environmental concerns,” the statement said.
This information will be used to update nautical charts, which will improve the safety of navigation and help Jamaica meet its international obligations.