Reflecting on World Hydrography Day 2025: Mapping Our Future Beneath the Waves

Preview image of seabed data in Bluescale.

Saturday June 21st we marked World Hydrography Day 2025—an opportunity to celebrate the critical role hydrography plays in understanding and protecting our oceans. This year’s theme, set by the International Hydrographic Organization, emphasised how seabed mapping underpins sustainable ocean action.

At INFOMAR, Ireland’s national seabed mapping programme, this mission is at the core of everything we do. From surveying shallow bays to charting deep offshore waters, our team works to produce high-resolution data that supports safe navigation, marine spatial planning, offshore renewable energy, environmental protection, fisheries management, and more.

As we reflect on this global celebration, we extend sincere thanks to all who contribute to the hydrographic effort—from survey teams at sea, to data processors, analysts, and those delivering accessible products to end users. Your expertise drives Ireland’s leadership in marine science and data innovation.

World Hydrography Day reminds us that a better understanding of the seafloor is fundamental to a sustainable ocean future. At INFOMAR, we’re proud to be part of this global effort to map, manage, and protect our marine environment.

Figure 1: Image features R.V. Mallet at Skellig Michael

Figure 1: Image features R.V. Mallet at Skellig Michael.

INFOMAR is a Government of Ireland seabed mapping programme funded by the Department of Climate, Energy and the Environment and is jointly managed by Geological Survey Ireland and The Marine Institute . It aims to map Ireland’s seabed and deliver a comprehensive baseline bathymetry dataset to underpin the future management of Ireland’s marine resource. Discover more about our work at www.infomar.ie

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