Bathymetric Survey

Barbados will launch its first-ever bathymetric survey in partnership with the Marine Institute of Ireland, marking a major milestone in the Marine Spatial Planning process. This deep-sea research mission will explore and map the seafloor and water column in an outer section of Barbados’ Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), areas that have never been studied at this scale before.

The survey will provide critical data on the island’s deep marine environment, helping to fill key knowledge gaps about underwater features, habitats, and ocean dynamics. This scientific expedition follows a recent planning visit by the Irish team, during which the vessel agreement was signed and logistics for the mission were finalized.

This collaboration supports Barbados’ goal of sustainably managing its marine space through science-based planning and is an important step toward the development of the country’s first Marine Spatial Plan.