Seabed 2030 and Greenwater Foundation formalize ocean mapping partnership
Greenwater Foundation has previously contributed almost 300,000 square kilometres of satellite-derived bathymetry (SDB) data spanning 20 nations to The Nippon Foundation-GEBCO Seabed 2030 Project, in what was one of the largest contributions of its kind by a non-profit organization. Following on from this, the organizations are now formalizing a new partnership with a MMemorandum of Understanding (MoU).
Greenwater Foundation has worked alongside Caladan Oceanic and TCarta – both longstanding partners of Seabed 2030, the Nippon Foundation–GEBCO initiative to map the world's entire ocean floor – to generate and contribute SDB data. The aim is to strengthen global understanding of the seabed in support of climate research, marine conservation and sustainable resource management. The project carries official UN Ocean Decade endorsement.
The Foundation’s mission is to accelerate marine conservation by helping scientists access vessels and ocean science assets worldwide. Its work includes advancing coastal mapping through SDB contributions and developing cost-effective machine learning approaches designed to generate mapping data at significantly reduced cost. Its broader focus spans ocean resiliency, ocean plastics pollution and marine biodiversity.
Access, technology and collaboration
Founded on existing collaborations, the MoU establishes a framework to expand data contributions and deepen technical cooperation.
Commenting on the announcement, Seabed 2030 director Jamie McMichael-Phillips said: “We are delighted to strengthen our partnership with Greenwater Foundation, building on a collaboration that has already delivered substantial SDB data across multiple regions.”
“Delivered in collaboration with Caladan Oceanic and TCarta, Greenwater Foundation’s contributions reflect the strength of coordinated action across the ocean community. By strengthening our partnership, we can further align efforts and accelerate progress.”
Commander G. Mark Miller NOAA (ret.), co-founder of Greenwater Foundation, said: “We are proud to formalize our partnership with Seabed 2030, a reflection of our shared commitment to practical progress. Contributing almost 300,000 square kilometres of satellite-derived bathymetry across 20 nations demonstrates what is possible when access, technology and collaboration converge.”
“Our focus remains straightforward – expand the availability of high-quality ocean data and help accelerate the completion of the global ocean map,” Miller added.
