The UK Centre for Seabed Mapping UK (CSM) was launched in 2022 to enable UK government organisations involved in seabed mapping to build a community where members coordinate efforts to collect and share data. Speaking at the recent UK CSM showcase event in London, Sally-Ann Hart, MP for Hastings and Rye said building a community of maritime industry stakeholders that acquire, share and harness hydrographic data collaboratively, rather than working in isolation, was key to tackling climate change.

Whatever we do to help protect and preserve our climate, our oceans and our coastal communities, it is clear that seabed mapping is a critical part of the infrastructure we need.

Hart said that climate change was a significant threat to the UK’s economy and well-being that could, if not managed properly, lead to devastating consequences such as rising sea levels, more frequent and severe storms and increased temperatures. This would subsequently compromise the UK’s infrastructure, agriculture, health and security. However, Hart added that managing climate change was an untapped opportunity for economic growth in the UK.

The ocean will play a critical role in helping manage climate change and unlocking opportunities for economic growth in this area, said Hart, who is Chair of the All Parliamentary Group for the Ocean (APPG), a group for parliamentarians to support and promote ocean research and awareness.

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