London, 25 February 2025 – The Nippon Foundation-GEBCO Seabed 2030 Project is pleased to announce a new partnership with the Kenya Marine and Fisheries Research Institute (KMFRI), a leading institution dedicated to innovative research in marine science, fisheries, and the Blue Economy.
The partnership was formalised at the Western Indian Ocean Region Stakeholders’ Workshop on Bathymetric Data Compilation, held this week in Mombasa, Kenya.
Organised by KMFRI in collaboration with Seabed 2030, the workshop brings together key regional stakeholders to advance efforts in collating and compiling bathymetric data for the Western Indian Ocean Region. This work is part of the WIOBathy Project – an initiative led by alumni of the Nippon Foundation/GEBCO Training Program from the Western Indian Ocean Region – which aims to produce the first comprehensive bathymetric map of the region.
Established in 1979 under the Science and Technology Act, KMFRI’s vision is to be a centre of excellence in innovative research for the sustainable development of the Blue Economy. The institute’s mission aligns with Seabed 2030’s objectives, focusing on generating and disseminating scientific information to support responsible management of marine resources.
Through this partnership, KMFRI will contribute valuable expertise on compilation and collection of existing and new bathymetry data, respectively, furthering the global understanding of the ocean and promoting informed decision-making for marine conservation and economic development.
Seabed 2030 is a collaborative project between The Nippon Foundation and the General Bathymetric Chart of the Oceans (GEBCO), aiming to inspire the complete mapping of the world’s oceans by 2030 and compile all data into the freely available GEBCO Ocean Map. The Project is endorsed as a Decade Action of the UN Ocean Decade, aligning with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 14 to conserve and sustainably use the ocean, seas, and marine resources.
Jamie McMichael-Phillips, Project Director of Seabed 2030, commented: “We are delighted to welcome the Kenya Marine and Fisheries Research Institute as a partner in our mission to map the entire ocean floor. KMFRI’s extensive expertise in marine research and its commitment to the sustainable development of the Blue Economy will significantly strengthen our efforts, particularly within the African region.”
Acting Director General of KMFRI, Dr James Mwaluma, added: “Partnering with Seabed 2030 aligns with our mission to generate scientific data for the sustainable management of marine resources and promotion of the Blue Economy.
“By partnering in this initiative, we aim to enhance the understanding of Kenya’s marine environments and contribute to global efforts in ocean mapping and conservation.”
Compiled and shared data through this partnership will be included in the free and publicly available GEBCO global grid.
