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(CNS): A comprehensive privately funded marine survey of the Cayman Islands Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) is currently underway. UK Hydrographic Office The British Hydrographic Office conducted a seafloor mapping survey of the islands November 2021According to the Department of Lands and Surveys, this new survey by Saildrone will explore deeper waters within our EEZ.
Saildrone, a US-based oceanographic mapping company, said its services were “ideally suited for submarine cable route surveys” and it launched the six-month project this month. The bathymetric survey “will enable the updating of existing nautical charts to support safe navigation and guide policy development in sustainable development and climate resilience, maritime safety and disaster response,” according to a release from the Cayman Islands government.
Saildrone says“The mission is philanthropically funded by the London and Amsterdam Trust Limited, an organisation based in the Cayman Islands that wishes to leave a legacy for the Cayman Islands.” CIG said the fund manager’s funding of the project “is an extension of philanthropy and public-private partnerships”.
Saildrone will collect raw bathymetric data which will be provided to UKHO to process and update Cayman Islands nautical charts. The data will become the property of CIG.
The ocean survey company explained that “high-resolution bathymetric maps of a country’s exclusive economic zone are a prerequisite for exploring, identifying, describing, developing, conserving and managing the natural resources in the waters within 200 nautical miles of its coast”.
The company noted that the Cayman Islands’ exclusive economic zone is 357 times the size of the islands themselves, or about half the size of Florida.
Darren Kelly, chief surveyor at L&S, explained to CNS the difference between this survey and the 2021 survey, saying the Saildrone Surveyor used for the bathymetric survey is a wind- and solar-powered unmanned surface vessel equipped with a high-resolution multi-beam sensor that can obtain depth measurements up to 9,000 meters, making it ideal for deep-sea exploration.
“This project is the first of its kind in the region and highlights how these vessels will become an affordable and environmentally friendly option for extensively surveying the oceans in the coming years. The data collected will improve maritime navigation and support scientific research, environmental conservation efforts and marine resource management in the Cayman Islands,” Kelly said.
“Unlike the Bathy-LiDAR survey being conducted in 2021, this vessel will explore deep waters within our exclusive economic zone, surveying areas of scientific interest such as 60 Mile Bank, Pickle Bank, Lawfords Bank and the Cayman Trough. The survey will cover 29,300 square nautical miles, or 80 per cent of the Cayman Islands’ exclusive economic zone.
“The Bathy-LiDAR sensors mounted on fixed-wing aircraft help measure depths up to 150 feet, thereby covering coastal areas around islands. While this equipment and method can cover larger areas in a shorter period of time, it is only suitable for shallower waters with better water quality,” Kelly added.
However, he noted that the £1 million survey by the UK Hydrographic Office was vital to updating navigation charts off the Cayman Islands coast, as shallower waters pose a greater danger to mariners.
The Saildrone survey will assess coastal waters from 25 metres to 12 nautical miles from shore, 12 Mile Bank, 60 Mile Bank, Pickle Bank and Lawfords Bank, as well as the Cayman Trough and the remainder of the Cayman Islands EEZ outside the Cayman Trough.
Once the survey is completed, the UK Hydrographic Office will assess it and incorporate it into nautical charts. The data will then be made available to the CIG. A government release said this will benefit a number of Cayman Islands agencies, including the Lands and Survey Office, the Cayman Islands Coast Guard and the Cayman Islands Ports and Maritime Authority.
Local mariners have been advised that Saildrone vessels will be approaching various areas of Cayman Islands waters in the coming weeks and that they should exercise caution when approaching. Saildrone may also deploy a second vessel to expedite the survey work, which is expected to last approximately six months.
Saildrone said it would provide detailed information to local seafarers Through its website The location of the survey vehicle when it is planned to operate close to the coast or near popular fishing and boating areas.
“Our waters are of great value to us for a variety of reasons, from recreation to economics,” said Premier and Lands Minister Juliana O’Connor-Connolly. “Conducting this assessment will allow our government to make data-driven decisions that will strengthen policy and legislation related to our marine infrastructure. I am grateful to all who have worked to bring this initiative to this point and am eager to learn the findings and outcomes of the survey.”
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