What's Happening?
Saildrone, a company specializing in autonomous deep water mapping, has successfully completed a mission to map the exclusive economic zone (EEZ) of the Cayman Islands. Utilizing a Saildrone Surveyor uncrewed surface vehicle, the mission covered approximately
90,000 square kilometers of seabed over 300 days. The survey focused on four key fishing banks, which are vital for biodiversity and the local economy. This effort was funded by the London & Amsterdam Trust Company Limited, aiming to provide a lasting legacy for the Cayman Islands. Prior to this mission, only 20,000 square kilometers of the Cayman EEZ had been surveyed with modern technology. The new data will aid in maritime safety, sustainable fisheries, and conservation efforts.
Why It's Important?
The completion of this mapping mission is significant for the Cayman Islands as it provides critical data for managing natural resources and supporting the Blue Economy. High-resolution bathymetric maps are essential for small island nations to explore and manage resources within their EEZs. The data will enhance maritime safety, support sustainable fisheries, and aid in conservation efforts. Additionally, the UK Hydrographic Office will use this data to update nautical charts, further supporting navigation and safety. This mission demonstrates the potential for autonomous technology to provide cost-effective solutions for ocean mapping, which is crucial for environmental management and economic development.
What's Next?
The collected data will be processed by the UK Hydrographic Office and incorporated into updated nautical charts for the Cayman Islands. A low-resolution dataset will also be provided to Seabed 2030, contributing to the global effort to map the entire seabed by 2030. The success of this mission may encourage other small island nations to adopt similar technologies for ocean mapping, potentially leading to broader applications in marine resource management and environmental conservation.
