Seabed 2030

From this single profile came the first glimpse of the Atlantic seafloor's true shape.

A century later, technology has advanced tremendously - but the mission continues. We're still working to map the entire ocean floor in high resolution.

👉 https://shorturl.at/IrTkD

Image: NOAA Photo Library

🚢 In 1922, the USS Stewart made history by using newly developed sonar technology to collect over *900 soundings* during a single transit from Boston to Gibraltar.

This groundbreaking journey marked the beginning of modern ocean mapping, making weighted-rope methods obsolete.

Direct depth measurements offer the resolution and accuracy needed to inform effective policy, support sustainable resource use, and deepen our understanding of the ocean floor.

❗️Indirect methods can fill gaps in data coverage and provide a general sense of what the seafloor is likely to look like - but when it comes to managing the ocean's most pressing challenges, details matter.

👀 At first glance, this view of the Mid-Atlantic Ridge may look adequately mapped.

But as we zoom in, we can clearly see the difference between the crisp, detailed sections that are directly mapped and the blurred areas that are unmapped or based on indirect measurements. 👇

🗝️ Unearthing data sets that are locked away in archives is a key focus for project #Seabed2030 — and our partner EMODnet is a crucial part of this.

We’re grateful for their shared commitment to providing open access #bathymetric #data in pursuit of a healthier #ocean.

The first chart was printed in 1905. Further editions printed between 1912 and 1931 showed terrestrial relief, made possible by data gathered using sonic and ultrasonic devices, establishing standards that would later be adopted by the #IHOHydro

🗺️ While soundings and contour lines featured on charts from the 16th century, there was no standard agreement for naming and classifying seabed features. As a result, a commission on sub-oceanic nomenclature was established, responsible for publishing a general bathymetric chart.

Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution (WHOI) is the world's premier independent organization dedicated exclusively to ocean research, technology, and education. We combine state-of-the-art science, engineering, and ship operations to unravel the mysteries of the deep and devise science-based solutions to planet-wide problems.

We look forward to continued collaboration - sharing resources, combining expertise and accelerating research in pursuit of a more sustainable #ocean.

Find out more about WHOI 👉 www.whoi.edu

Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution (WHOI) is the world's premier independent organization dedicated exclusively to ocean research, technology, and education. We combine state-of-the-art science, engineering, and ship operations to unravel the mysteries of the deep and devise science-based solutions to planet-wide problems.

🔬 Four years ago, we made a commitment with @whoi.edu to expand our understanding of the ocean - together. It's a commitment we remain proud to uphold today.

🤝 This week, we're celebrating four years of collaboration with Toitū Te Whenua Land Information New Zealand (LINZ)!

From assembling ocean floor depth data to supporting regional mapping initiatives, their commitment continues to play a vital role in the sustainable management of Pacific waters. 👏

🔬 Seabed mapping has significant environmental, social, and economic benefits in a range of sectors, including:

🐙 Marine #research
🪸 Coastal ecosystem services
🚨 Disaster risk preparedness
🌊 Renewable energy

Are you a researcher?

Get involved ➡️ https://seabed2030.org/research/

🎙️ New podcast episode alert!

This month, join us as we dive into:
🇫🇷 Key takeaways from Seabed 2030's presence at #UNOC3
✍️ The Nice Ocean Action Plan
🗺️ Updates on percentage of the #ocean floor mapped

Listen here www.buzzsprout.com/2093154/epis...

@saltwatersteve.bsky.social

A huge thank you to the ENP Media and NOC teams for their support on the booth over the weekend! 👏

🌎 We welcomed thousands of visitors to the #Seabed2030 stand, discussed why #ocean #maps matter and welcomed input from partners @schmidtocean.bsky.social and The International SeaKeepers Society

Last week’s @fosgoodwood.bsky.social was brimming with ideas centered around the 2025 theme: Technology for a Better World.

⛴️ Autonomous vessels significantly enhance the quality and efficiency of bathymetric #data collection.

But their adoption and operation must be balanced with #safety and sustainability at sea.

Read more about how our partner FarSounder help makes that possible ➡️ https://shorturl.at/ftMwQ

🌊 Partnering with CMG supports the broader goal of mapping the seafloor to inform sustainable development in blue economy areas such as maritime transport, port expansion and marine safety. We look forward to many more years of collaboration.

Seabed mapping plays a critical role in coastal infrastructure planning - from port and harbour development to the design of flood defences and other coastal resilience measures.

As the maritime studies and projects division of Canopus - a global maritime agency based in the port of Callao, Peru - CMG has contributed to advancing geosciences in the region and is currently the only company in Peru offering a full range of coastal study and project solutions. 🇵🇪

⚓ We’re celebrating two years since our partner Canopus Marine Group (CMG) came on board.

Exploring Ocean Secrets for Humanity | OceanQuest Explore the ocean with OceanQuest—engage and support our mission!

We look forward to partnering with OceanQuest as part of our global mission to expand ocean knowledge.

Learn more ➡️ www.oqfoundation.org/en/

✍️ A highlight from #UNOC3: Seabed 2030 announced a new partnership with @oceanquest.bsky.social - a newly launched nonprofit based in Saudi Arabia dedicated to advancing ocean discovery, technological innovation and deep-sea exploration.

We are proud to count Denis among our community, and we thank him for his outstanding contributions and unwavering commitment to #oceanscience.

His leadership continues to inspire. During his address to over 700 Grads & 2,000 guests, Denis shared this powerful advice: “Respect others. Be active — and most of all, be proactive.”… and… “Asking for help is not a weakness; rather, it is a sign of strength and bravery"

As CEO of H2i Inc. and a respected advisor to Seabed 2030’s Strategic Advisory Group, Denis has dedicated over four decades to advancing Geomatics, Hydrography, #Hydrospatial and global #oceanmapping.

🎓 Congratulations to Denis Hains on receiving an Honorary Doctorate in Geomatics Sciences from #UniversitéLaval — one of only seven recipients honored during the 2025 Convocation ceremonies.

🛰️ Teledyne CARIS’ decades of experience - including advances in AI-based bathymetry processing - continue to support the global effort to accelerate ocean mapping and enhance data quality.

We’re grateful for their collaboration and look forward to building on this partnership in the years ahead.

📍 This week marks 6 years since we partnered with Teledyne CARIS - a longstanding innovator in hydrographic and marine geospatial software.

🎧 Have you listened to the Seabed 2030 #podcast?

Join us for conversations with the people and technologies supporting this ambitious mission - working to close critical data gaps and build a complete map of the seafloor.

Listen here ➡️ seabed2030.buzzsprout.com