01-05 December 2025
INCOIS, Hyderabad, India.
| Abstract Submission No. | ABS-09-0177 |
| Title of Abstract | Advancing Seafloor Mapping in the Indian Ocean: Progress, Partnerships, and the Path to 100% Coverage |
| Authors | Vicki Ferrini*, Tinah Martin, Sheila Caceres, Frank Nitsche |
| Organisation | Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory of Columbia University |
| Address | 61 Route 9W Palisades, NY, United States Pincode: 10964 E-mail: ferrini@ldeo.columbia.edu |
| Country | United States |
| Presentation | Oral |
| Abstract | The Nippon Foundation⿿GEBCO Seabed 2030 Project is a collaborative international effort to map the entirety of the world⿿s ocean floor by 2030 and make the resulting bathymetric data freely available. The Indian Ocean⿿home to diverse coastal states and vast areas beyond national jurisdiction⿿is rich in scientific and economic potential yet remains significantly under-mapped. Since the project⿿s launch, substantial progress has been made in identifying data gaps, aggregating publicly available bathymetry, and catalyzing contributions from research, industry, and government partners. This presentation will highlight key achievements in the region, including integration of new datasets into the global GEBCO grid and targeted initiatives to address data gaps in data-poor areas. It will also underscore the broader value of comprehensive seabed mapping for navigation safety, disaster risk reduction, sustainable resource management, climate and oceanographic modeling, and biodiversity conservation. While progress has been notable, much of the Indian Ocean remains unmapped to modern standards. Achieving complete coverage will require increased regional engagement, improved data sharing frameworks, and coordinated technical capacity building. This talk will outline specific opportunities for countries, institutions, and vessel operators to contribute, and will call on the Indian Ocean community to play a leading role in closing the mapping gap⿿transforming the region⿿s seafloor from ⿿unknown to ⿿known and delivering benefits for science, policy, and society. |
| Are you part of IIOE-2 endorsed project | no |
| Keywords | Seabed mapping, data sharing, capacity development, partnership |
| For Awards | no |