Ireland’s Marine Institute to help map Barbados’ ocean territory
Ireland and Barbados are deepening their partnership in marine science and sustainable ocean management. This summer, experts from Ireland’s Marine Institute are deploying the RV Celtic Explorer to begin mapping the seabed within Barbados’ exclusive economic zone.
The work follows a newly signed memorandum of understanding (MoU) between the Marine Institute and Barbados’ Coastal Zone Management Unit. Under the MoU, the Celtic Explorer will carry out a bathymetric survey to chart water depths and underwater features, assess seafloor resources and provide vital data to support the development of a marine spatial plan for the sustainable use of Barbados’ marine resources.
Knowledge exchange and capacity building
The framework of the agreement provides for the participation and engagement of key personnel from the Barbados coastal management unit with the institute’s team of scientists. The knowledge exchange between scientists from both organizations supports the Marine Institute’s contribution to achievement of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
The MoU agreement also aligns with the objectives of the Marine Institute’s Our Shared Ocean programme, which supports research, knowledge exchange and capacity building in partnerships with Small Island Developing States. The Our Shared Ocean programme is funded through Irish Aid, Ireland’s programme for overseas development, and managed by the Marine Institute.
“This agreement and this summer’s survey mark a milestone in strengthening international relations between Ireland and Barbados, as well as our ongoing commitment to building scientific capacity in Small Island Developing States,” Dr Rick Officer, CEO of the Marine Institute, stated. “Through this collaboration, we will share best practices in ocean science, enabling Ireland to make a meaningful contribution to realizing the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.”
Ireland’s Marine Institute, based in Galway, leads research and provides expertise to guide the sustainable use of Ireland’s seas and resources. In partnership with the Geological Survey of Ireland, it has been mapping the coastal seabed since 2006 through INFOMAR – a Department of Climate, Energy and the Environment-funded initiative that has grown into one of the world’s foremost seabed mapping programmes.
The first phase of the Barbados mapping project is planned for mid-August to mid-September 2025, with the full survey expected to take five to seven years.
