March/April 2020

The Seychelles and Maldives are undertaking a major joint marine research expedition to explore and conserve the Indian Ocean, called ‘First Descent: Midnight Zone’. It is a 35-day mission to support the sustainable governance of the Seychelles and Maldivian ocean including the protection of 629,000 km2 . A team of 50 international scientists, technicians, media and crew will be carrying out research to gather critical data to defi ne conservation and management priorities and the designation of Marine Protected Areas. Research is focussed on seamounts in the Midnight Zone (ocean depths between 1000m and 4000m). The expedition starts in the Seychelles on March 16th 2020.

This issue contains the following articles:

• Interview with Mark Heine, CEO of Fugro
• AI Making Waves in the Maritime Field
• GPS Trackers and Drones Help Locate Floating Debris
• Preparing the European Fleet of Research Vessels for the Future
• Real-time 3D Mapping and Bathymetry Sonar for High-precision Marine Works
• Securing Offshore Oil and Gas Infrastructure with Unmanned Surface Vehicles