Ireland and Barbados have taken a step forward in their collaboration on marine research and sustainable ocean management. This summer Marine Institute experts will use the RV Celtic Explorer to begin mapping the seabed in the Barbados Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ).
A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was recently agreed between the Marine Institute, Ireland and the Barbados government agency, Coastal Zone Management Unit of Barbados (CZMU).
The MoU agreement facilitates use of the Marine Institute’s research vessel, the RV Celtic Explorer, to undertake a bathymetric survey of Barbados’ ocean floor. The survey will assess the water depth around Barbados, map underwater features, and enable evaluation of the seafloor for potential resources. The data gathered will guide policymakers and stakeholders in the preparation of a Marine Spatial Plan (MSP) for the sustainable management of the valuable resources within Barbados' Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ).
The framework of the agreement provides for the participation and engagement of key personnel from the Barbados coastal management agency with the Institute’s team of scientists. The knowledge exchange between scientists from both organisations 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 (SIDS). The Our Shared Ocean programme is funded through Irish Aid, Irelands’ programme for overseas development, and managed by the Marine Institute.
Dr Rick Officer, CEO of the Marine Institute said, “This agreement and this summer’s survey marks 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. Through this collaboration we will share best practices in ocean science enabling Ireland to make a meaningful contribution to realising the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.”
Based in Galway, the Marine Institute is Ireland’s scientific agency responsible for supporting the sustainable development of the State’s maritime area and resources. The Institute conducts applied research and provides scientific knowledge, advice and services to government, industry and other stakeholders. Since 2006, the Marine Institute and partners Geological Survey of Ireland have been mapping Ireland’s coastal seabed in comprehensive detail as part of the INFOMAR (Integrated Mapping for the Sustainable Development of Ireland’s Marine Resource) programme. Funded by the Department of Climate, Energy and the Environment, the INFOMAR programme is currently one of the world’s largest and leading seabed mapping programmes.
The first phase of the Barbados mapping project is scheduled for mid-August to mid-September 2025. The survey work is expected to span approximately five to seven years.
