The theme of this issue, environment, is a good example of how many aspects of environment and hydrography are related and how aspects of hydrography are interrelated. We all know that already, but it came home to me again when working on recent articles, including those in this issue.
Regarding the interrelationships: the article Geodesy on the Water’s Edge (see page 15) deals with the two subjects geodesy and environment, geodesy being the theme of the previous issue of Hydro International.
The geodesy-related article Lines in the Sea in the April issue, which addresses the need for geodetically precise maritime boundaries, could, with minor adaptations, be changed into an article with environmental aspects. This is due to the fact that coastal states may not only claim rights over the resources of the sea and seabed, but also that UNCLOS implicate obligations and responsibilities for ‘marine resources protection’.
UNCLOS also state that when a structure is no longer required it should be removed, in accordance with acceptable international practice. The decommissioning and removal of O&G platforms (see page 24) also has direct effects on the environment (including, for example, environmental baseline surveys). The article Offshore Marine Environmental Surveys (see page 7) gives more details on these surveys. Two other articles, Surveying in the Ross Sea and Some Environmental Aspects of Naval Applications, deal with other surveying aspects in relation to the environment. Why mention these articles when they do not, by far, cover all aspects of surveying in relation to the environment? Just to show that, although our profession is usually outside the public view, it has many aspects that would interest them. So at birthday parties, for example, where you might very well be the only surveyor present, you have plenty of possibilities to make our profession known and thereby create a chance to attract youngsters, who are much wanted.
As the readers of Hydro International are aware, our editorial advisory board members serve on a rotational basis, and on this occasion we have to say goodbye to Commander Larry Robbins, RNZN (ret.). Thank you for all you have done for Hydro International, Larry, and for your always-prompt response to our queries. Larry is another retired hydrographer, formerly the hydrographer of New Zealand, always busy with new things: see his website for activities that include chief executive of the New Zealand National Maritime Museum, marriage celebrant and an interest in antique charts.
Luckily, we can also welcome a new member to the board: John Spittal is regulator of New Zealand’s official topographic and hydrographic information, a role that includes determination and realisation of the level of regulatory intervention required for attainment of government goals. His other current duties are chairmanship of the IHO South West Pacific Hydrographic Commission and membership of the New Zealand management committee for the e-Government Interoperability Framework (e-GIF). His background is in photogrammetry, international consultancy, land-information management and organisational reform. He trained in The Netherlands and has worked in Russia and Micronesia.


Enjoy your read,

Leeke van der Poel, editor-in-chief
Email: leeke.van.der.poel@reedbusiness.nl