World Hydrography Day
‘Hydrography – Underpinning the Blue Economy’ is the theme chosen by the International Hydrographic Organization for this year’s UN World Hydrography Day on 21 June.
Mindful that the seas and oceans occupy 71% of the world’s surface area, the Monaco based inter-governmental agency points out that the so called global blue economy extends far beyond traditional core maritime activities of fishing, commercial and passenger shipping. Other activities with a call on hydrographic expertise typically involve disciplines such as aquaculture, cables and pipelines, coastal zone management, defence and security, energy and minerals, ocean science and observation, telecommunications, offshore platforms, weather and climate science.
Against a background where there are more higher resolution maps of the Moon and Mars than there are of most of the world’s seas and oceans, the IHO in effect is calling for increased public awareness of the vital role that hydrography plays in everyone’s life. National hydrographic services and organisations in Australia, France, Germany, India, Japan, Netherlands, North and South America, Scandinavia, the UK and US are among those expected to host commemorative events.
