Atlantic Seabed Mapping Workshop
Dec. 2, 2014, Dublin Castle, Ireland
Stephen Locke,
Natural Resources Canada
Government of Canada
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Session 2: Atlantic Seabed Mapping:
Current Status and Future Direction
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Session 2: Atlantic Seabed Mapping:
Current Status and Future Direction
SLIDE 1
What are the current/planned key seabed mapping projects / initiatives?
1) Navigational Charting – Canadian Hydrographic Services (CHS)
- Scheduled, prioritized charting based on traffic and risk (mostly <50m)
- World Class Tanker Safety program – 20 ports, technology, MSDI, dynamics
2) Other Seabed mapping initiatives:
- NRCan four-map series: bathymetry, backscatter, geology, benthic habitat
- DFO Habitat mapping
- Academic and Research networks, e.g. MUN, UQAR, ArcticNET
- Provincial, e.g. Newfoundland & Labrador Seabed Atlas
- Private Sector – consulting/engineering, oil & gas industry
- UNCLOS Arctic and Atlantic (bathymetry and siesmic)
3) An “integrated approach” – Targeted Ocean Mapping Strategy (TOMS) proposed
program towards developing a Canadian Ocean Mapping Strategy
P.S. Canada is big! Three Oceans, Coastline 243,792km, Terrestrial Lands 9,093,507km2,
Submerged Lands 8,841,511km2
Stephen Locke, Director GSC Atlantic, Natural Resources Canada, Canada
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Session 2: Atlantic Seabed Mapping:
Current Status and Future Direction
SLIDE 2
What are the key /priority issues to be addressed ?
1) Seabed mapping disjointed and in Canada: federal, provincial, academic,
private sector. Need to get our own “house in order” with understanding our
submerged lands. Lack of national strategic plan or vision.
2) Need for data to be able to reside in one place, where? standards? portal?
3) Costs and Vessel Availability – need political will and program funding to
support seabed mapping initiatives.
Stephen Locke, Director GSC Atlantic, Natural Resources Canada, Canada
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Session 2: Atlantic Seabed Mapping:
Current Status and Future Direction
SLIDE 3
What are the necessary actions towards addressing priority issues
identified ?
1) Canada to bring together seabed mapping expertise – federal, provincial,
academic, offshore boards, private sector THEN can work with international
partners. Working Group of senior practisioners.
2) Work on Canada’s Ocean Mapping Strategy (TOMS as a start) with a component
of committing to Galway Agreement – could have international pilot test, look at
international best practices, standards, lessons learned
3) New technology – AUV’s for mapping, bathymetric LiDAR, satellite, new CCG
vessels. Share information/innovations.
Stephen Locke, Director GSC Atlantic, Natural Resources Canada, Canada
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