Atlantic Seabed Mapping Workshop Dec. 2, 2014, Dublin Castle, Ireland Stephen Locke, Natural Resources Canada Government of Canada 1

2 Session 2: Atlantic Seabed Mapping: Current Status and Future Direction

3 SLIDE 1 What are the current/planned key seabed mapping projects / initiatives? 1) Navigational Charting – Canadian Hydrographic Services (CHS) - Scheduled, prioritized charting based on traffic and risk (mostly <50m) - World Class Tanker Safety program – 20 ports, technology, MSDI, dynamics 2) Other Seabed mapping initiatives: - NRCan four-map series: bathymetry, backscatter, geology, benthic habitat - DFO Habitat mapping - Academic and Research networks, e.g. MUN, UQAR, ArcticNET - Provincial, e.g. Newfoundland & Labrador Seabed Atlas - Private Sector – consulting/engineering, oil & gas industry - UNCLOS Arctic and Atlantic (bathymetry and siesmic) 3) An “integrated approach” – Targeted Ocean Mapping Strategy (TOMS) proposed program towards developing a Canadian Ocean Mapping Strategy P.S. Canada is big! Three Oceans, Coastline 243,792km, Terrestrial Lands 9,093,507km 2, Submerged Lands 8,841,511km 2 Stephen Locke, Director GSC Atlantic, Natural Resources Canada, Canada

4 Session 2: Atlantic Seabed Mapping: Current Status and Future Direction SLIDE 2 What are the key /priority issues to be addressed ? 1) Seabed mapping disjointed and in Canada: federal, provincial, academic, private sector. Need to get our own “house in order” with understanding our submerged lands. Lack of national strategic plan or vision. 2) Need for data to be able to reside in one place, where? standards? portal? 3) Costs and Vessel Availability – need political will and program funding to support seabed mapping initiatives. Stephen Locke, Director GSC Atlantic, Natural Resources Canada, Canada

5 Session 2: Atlantic Seabed Mapping: Current Status and Future Direction SLIDE 3 What are the necessary actions towards addressing priority issues identified ? 1) Canada to bring together seabed mapping expertise – federal, provincial, academic, offshore boards, private sector THEN can work with international partners. Working Group of senior practisioners. 2) Work on Canada’s Ocean Mapping Strategy (TOMS as a start) with a component of committing to Galway Agreement – could have international pilot test, look at international best practices, standards, lessons learned 3) New technology – AUV’s for mapping, bathymetric LiDAR, satellite, new CCG vessels. Share information/innovations. Stephen Locke, Director GSC Atlantic, Natural Resources Canada, Canada