Hydrography - Important in Mapping Fiji’s Waters
World Hydrography Day, a day inaugurated by the International Hydrographic Office (IHO) to highlight the work of hydrographers.
Hydrography is a branch of applied sciences which deals with the measurement and description of the physical features of oceans, seas, coastal areas, lakes, and rivers.
Blue Economy
In Fiji, hydrography plays an important role in supporting Fiji’s Blue Lane initiative by giving accurate and updated maritime information for safe navigation into Fiji’s waters.
The Blue Lane initiative was pioneered through the Fijian COVID Safe Economic Recovery Framework to allow a safe restart for Fiji’s growing blue tourism industry.
More yachts are expected in Savusavu Port, which is one of the designated port of entries through the Blue Lane Initiative.
Republic of Fiji Military Forces (RFMF) Naval Division Commander Captain (Navy) Humphrey Tawake said World Hydrography Day also marks the importance of hypography in Fiji’s maritime zone.
“Hydrography is very important as it provides the survey of our
oceans and waterways especially within our maritime boundary.
It helps to ensure that the ships can safely navigate through our waters and at the same time note the importance of trade through our oceans.
“It helps to ensure that trade is not disrupted from those natural
hazards that are out there.
It has a big role in supporting Fiji’s Blue Lane initiative such as tourism, fishing sector and other blue economy activities,” he said.
Hydrography survey
Captain Tawake said Fiji Navy has its own hydrography office
dedicated to carrying out hydrography surveys of Fiji waters.
He said surveying Fiji waters is essential as it helps the hydrography office and its team provide updated maritime data which is an international requirement with IHO and the state.
“We are the only hydrography practitioners in Fiji under the law and it is our responsibility to provide updated data on Fiji waters as part of our hydrographic services.
“About 70 per cent of our waters remain unsurveyed and the only surveys that we have been doing is at the port of entry,” said Captain Tawake.
Fiji Hydrography office
First established in 1970, the Fiji Hydrography office has continued to evolve over the years since it was first established.
“We have two vessels that are dedicated to hydrography that is RFNS Kikau and RFNS Volasiga which is used for routine tasks of surveying Fiji’s maritime boundary.
“It had carried out surveys this year in Nadi waters from February right up to early June, but the surveying is currently on hold now because of the current COVID situation.
“There are other tasks that is carried out by the hydropograohy office such as collecting and processing of data and once that is done, it is then shared to the UK Hydrographic Office (UKHO),” he said.
Captain Tawake added that the hydrography office also updates the data and charts that allow cargo ships to navigate safely into Fiji waters.
“Without updating those charts, those cargo ships and carriers will not be able to safely navigate into Fiji’s ports.
In his message for World Hydrography Day, Captain Tawake highlight the importance of hypsography to a maritime national like Fiji
He said hydrography is important in the maritime industry, blue economy and the wholistic maritime security of Fiji.