VESSELS - Integrated Mapping for the Sustainable Development of Ireland’s Marine Resource
Original (non-English) name
Acronym
VESSELS - INFOMAR
Citation
Abstract
INFOMAR (Integrated Mapping for the Sustainable Development of Ireland’s Marine Resource) is a twenty year programme to map the physical, chemical and biological features of Ireland’s seabed. INFOMAR is funded by the Department of Communications, Climate Action and Environment (DCCAE), and delivered by joint management partners Geological Survey Ireland and the Marine Institute. The programme has placed Ireland centre-stage as global leaders in marine stewardship, seabed mapping and development of marine resources.
The program delivers a wide range of benefits to multi-sectoral end-users across the national blue economy with an emphasis on enabling our stakeholders. Demonstrated applications for the use of INFOMAR's suite of mapping products include:
Shipping & Navigation
Renewable Energy
Fisheries Management
Aquaculture
Marine Leisure & Tourism
Oil & Gas Exploration
Infrastructure Development
Environmental Monitoring
Coastal Behaviour
With the first ten year phase (2006-2016) now complete, we are beginning to see how this knowledge has the potential to offer incredible benefits for the island of Ireland. A range of diverse navigational, environmental, cultural and international legislative obligations must also be addressed. There remains a crucially important body of work to follow in mapping our valuable inshore and offshore waters before the programme completion in 2026.
Project Aims: To provide comprehensive and accessible marine datasets for Irish waters that underpin and add value to marine research, SOLAS Convention obligations and government policy. These products will foster growth within the national blue economy, maintain the health and integrity of our natural marine environment while facilitating international collaboration and best practice in the sustainable development of Ireland's marine resource.