Study Notes on Crowdsourced Bathymetry in Kiribati

Introduction

Presenter Introduction

  • The presenter greeted the audience, stating it was morning in their location (4 AM).

  • Expressed gratitude for the opportunity to present.

Presentation Focus

  • Topic: Crowdsourced Bathymetry (CSP).

  • Program related to the hydrographic units in Kiribati.

  • Mentioned their organization, the Hydrographic Unit, part of the Ministry of Information Communication and Transport in Guinea Biss.

Hydrographic Unit in Kiribati

Organizational Structure

  • Recently re-established as a marine division.

  • Hydrographic Unit tasked with ocean mapping and seabed mapping.

  • Consists of a small team:

    • 1 Spatial Data Analyst (National Anthrograph National Coordinator).

    • 2 Surveyor Technicians.

Understanding Bathymetry

Definition of Bathymetry

  • Bathymetry refers to the collection and sharing of measurements from vessels using standard navigation instruments during routine maritime operations.

Importance of Bathymetry for Kiribati

  • Kiribati has 33 atolls and a vast Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ).

  • Challenges include:

    • Limited geographic survey coverage

    • High costs of conducting surveys

    • Vulnerability due to climate change and sea level rise

  • CSP can address these challenges by:

    • Improving accuracy of nautical charts

    • Supporting navigation.

Implementation of Crowdsourced Bathymetry

Initial Steps

  • Consultation with shipping lines required, as the Ministry does not own ports.

  • Engagement with ship owners/managers through emails to gauge interest in collaboration.

  • On-site evaluations of vessels for compatibility with data loggers.

  • Team's activities over the past year included checking boat compatibility and planning for data logger installation.

Equipment Requirements

  • Necessary equipment includes:

    • Standard echo sounders

    • GNSS receivers

    • Data loggers and associated software.

  • Installation of data loggers on compatible vessels, with progress captured through photos.

Challenges Encountered

  • Not all vessels were compatible with the data loggers.

  • An example provided:

    • A charter vessel was compatible, leading to the successful installation of data loggers.

  • Issues with initial data collection:

    • No depth recorded post-collection, implicating potential problems with echo sounders or cables.

    • Solutions were provided by peers in the CSP community for troubleshooting.

Impact of Crowdsourced Bathymetry on Hydrographic Unit

Contributions to Hydrographic Operations

  • CSP will enhance nautical charting through geographical surveys.

  • Focus on filling survey gaps to mitigate risks.

  • Staff capacity building as a critical component.

  • Successful data collection will significantly advance Kiribati's geographic mapping efforts (relevant to CPE 2030 goals).

Challenges Faced

  • Limited vessel participation (only one shipping company agreed to collaboration).

  • Insufficient funding resources available for immediate support.

  • Difficulty in consistent scheduling due to ship owners’ operational commitments.

  • Slow approval processes further hampered progress.

Conclusion

Potential Future Developments

  • Despite challenges, CSP remains a cost-effective data collection strategy promoting maritime safety.

  • The Hydrographic Unit aims to strengthen national planning and operations, contributing to regional maritime safety initiatives.

  • Future procurement of survey boats could enhance capabilities, with ongoing discussions and plans in place.

  • Overall, CSP is positioned as a strategic solution for Kiribati’s unique geographic and logistical challenges.

Community Acknowledgements

Recognition of Collaborative Efforts

  • The presenter's group from Kiribati recognized for their hard work and adaptation of solutions learned from workshops.

  • Acknowledgment of the common challenges faced in the implementation of data logging on vessels, fostering a sense of shared experience within the group.

Insights from Other Participants

  • Contributions of data from other projects showcasing the ongoing efforts and diverse applications of CSP for data analysis and training.

Call to Action

  • Audience engagement for future sessions and feedback on the implementations and successes of the CSP workflow.

  • Mention of upcoming sessions focusing on data visualization, tools, and community contributions.