World Hydrography Day: Navy states benefits of Bathymetry

Tayo Oladipupo       |        

Availability of accurate and up-to-date bathymetry data has been said to be essential for the protection, cleanliness and safeguarding of a country’s biodiversity for the purpose of exploiting it’s rich natural resources for the benefit of mankind.

The Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Ibok Ette Ibas said at the occasion of the 2018 World Hydrography Day Celebration held in Lagos.

The theme of 2018 WHD celebration was” Bathymetry: The Foundation for Sustainable Seas, Oceans and Waterways”.

The Naval Chief, who expressed concerns over the future of Marine environment, added that the bathymetry data would provide the basic information like depth, position and nature of bottom among others.

He further stated that the information would drive every other activity in the maritime environment such as security, exploration, exploitation and recreation.

Ibas was represented at the celebration by the Flag Officer Commanding (FOC), Naval Training Command, Rear Admiral Sylvanus Abbah.

He maintained that IHO has used the celebration of World Hydrography Day to create awareness to the general public on importance of Hydrography.

His words, “There is today, quite rightly, a growing concern for the future of the Marine environment especially as it relates to its protection, cleanliness and safeguarding of its biodiversity for the purpose of exploiting its rich natural resources for the benefit of mankind.

In the fight against insurgency, the naval boss said the Nigerian Navy had completed the construction of two survey launches locally at the Nigeria Naval Dockyard Ltd and have been awarded contract to a French ship yard for construction of an offshore survey vessel.

While commending other agencies like NIMASA, NPA, NIWA on their collaboration with the Navy in hydrographic development, he called on them to improve on their collaborative effort in the years ahead.

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