Sign up for seakeepers news & updates
Get the latest on our upcoming expeditions
and how you can join our effort.
Seabed 2030: Unlock the Depths
Are you a scientist in marine geology, oceanography, or a related field? Access a
global map of crowdsourced bathymetric data
CITIZEN SCIENCE
What is Seabed 2030?
The Nippon Foundation-GEBCO Seabed 2030 Project is a collaborative project between The Nippon Foundation and the General Bathymetric Chart of the Oceans (GEBCO), Seabed 2030 seeks to inspire the complete mapping of the world’s ocean by 2030, and to compile all the data into the freely available GEBCO Ocean Map. Seabed 2030 is formally endorsed as a Decade Action of the UN Ocean Decade. GEBCO is a joint programme of the International Hydrographic Organization (IHO) and the Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (IOC), and is the only organisation with a mandate to map the entire ocean floor. Launched at the United Nations Ocean Conference in 2017, the project coordinates and oversees the sourcing and compilation of bathymetric data through its five data centres into the freely-available GEBCO Grid, to produce the definitive map of the world ocean floor. Learn more, here.
Are You a Scientist?
Are you a scientist in marine geology, oceanography, or a related field? Access a global map of crowdsourced bathymetric data for your research! Ready to make groundbreaking discoveries? Contact us to discuss your research ideas and how the GEBCO Grid can support your scientific endeavors.
Uses of GEBCO Crowdsourced Bathymetry
Coastal Zone Management
Monitoring changes in coastal areas, such as erosion and sediment deposition, to inform management strategies.
Marine Habitat Mapping
Identifying general areas of important habitats like coral reefs, seagrass beds, and mangroves, which can then be targeted for more detailed studies.
Marine Spatial Planning:
Providing a broad overview of seafloor topography to assist in marine spatial planning, such as designating marine protected areas, planning sustainable fisheries, and optimizing shipping routes.
Tsunami Modeling
Contributing to models that predict tsunami wave propagation and impact by providing baseline seafloor data.
Hazard Identification
Identifying potential underwater hazards, such as uncharted shoals or obstructions, that could pose risks to navigation and infrastructure.
Training and Education
Providing datasets for educational purposes in marine science courses and workshops, allowing students to work with real-world data.
Pre-Survey Reconnaissance
Offering preliminary data that can be used to plan and optimize detailed hydrographic surveys by identifying areas of interest or concern.
Baseline Data for Climate Studies
Providing baseline bathymetric data that can be used in large-scale climate models to study changes over time, such as sea level rise impacts on coastal and underwater topography.
Geological Reconnaissance
Offering initial insights into geological features and processes such as underwater volcanic activity, sediment transport, and fault lines.
Local Marine Management
Supporting local communities in managing their marine resources more effectively with accessible and understandable bathymetric data.
Policy and Advocacy
Providing data that can be used to support environmental advocacy and policymaking at local and regional levels.
Our Impact
The International SeaKeepers Society is committed to contributing to the General Bathymetric Chart of the Oceans (GEBCO) grid, a global initiative to create a comprehensive map of the world’s seafloor. Partnering with SeaBed 2030, we deploy data loggers on vessels around the globe to gather bathymetric data, offering immense potential for scientific exploration and discovery. The GEBCO grid hosts millions of valuable bathymetric data points available for use in scientific studies, and SeaKeepers is searching for researchers to utilize this data. Crowdsourced bathymetry offers broad coverage and accessibility, making it a valuable tool for many applications in marine science, conservation, and resource management.