21st Conference of the IHO Mediterranean and Black Seas Hydrographic Commission: Towards Improved Collaboration for a Predicted and Safer Ocean

The 21st Conference of the Mediterranean and Black Seas Hydrographic Commission (MBSHC) was held from 11 - 13 June 2019 in Cádiz, (Spain). IOC was invited to speak on the ongoing and future collaboration with MBSHC. Denis Chang Seng provided a progress report for the North-eastern Atlantic, Mediterranean and connected seas Tsunami Warning System (NEAMTWS). Key recommendations to the MBSHC conference included improved bathymetry, sharing of bathymetry data and densifying sea level networks particularly nearby tsunamigenic sources for improved hazard assessments and coastal early warning systems.

Denis Chang Seng also provided a brief update on the preparations for the UN Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development (2021-2030) and informed about the plans for regional consultation workshops in 2019-2020 (including the Mediterranean) to engage regional and local stakeholders in the design of the Decade. The MBSHC conference welcomed the proposal to organize a regional consultation workshop for the Mediterranean.

The Director of IHO Rear Admiral Mustafa Iptes stressed IHO’s strong support to the UN Decade for Ocean Science and that the Nippon Foundation-GEBCO Seabed 2030 Project will be an important contribution towards the Decade.The International Hydrographic Organization (IHO) is an intergovernmental consultative and technical body. It aims to support safe navigation and protection of the marine environment. The General Bathymetric Chart of Oceans (GEBCO) is sponsored by IHO and IOC.