Norwegian non-profit organisation REV Ocean has entered into an agreement with the World Maritime University (WMU) wherein the two parties will collaborate on education initiatives aimed at addressing such problems as marine debris, climate change, and illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing.
Specifically, REV Ocean and the WMU will develop the concept of a "floating university" using the research vessel REV Ocean to provide new ocean science learning opportunities in developing coastal and small island states globally.
An additional memorandum of understanding (MOU) has also been signed between REV Ocean and The Nippon Foundation-GEBCO Seabed 2030 Project to work together to advance understanding of the ocean floor and support the United Nations' Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development.
Seabed 2030 is a collaborative project between The Nippon Foundation and GEBCO that aims to achieve the complete mapping of the world's oceans by 2030, and to compile all bathymetric data into a freely available GEBCO Ocean Map. GEBCO is a joint project of the International Hydrographic Organisation (IHO) and the Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (IOC), and is the only organisation with a mandate to map the entire ocean floor.
The MOU will see REV Ocean contribute bathymetric data to Seabed 2030, as well as promote practices in technological innovation, infrastructure, and solutions applicable to ocean mapping and bathymetric data management.
All data collected and shared with the Seabed 2030 Project will be included in the GEBCO global grid – the most complete bathymetric dataset of the world's ocean floor. By 2030, the grid will represent a complete map to coincide with the conclusion of the UN Decade of Ocean Science.
