Protecting Corals, Saving Ships

Objectives/Products/Outcomes

FY-06 Objectives/Products/Outcomes

2006 Objectives:

Advance stakeholder consultation process. Complete technical development. Test prototype. Extend pilot area to other US (Hawaii) and international (Gulf of Honduras) waters.

2006 Products:

Usability guidelines and data formats for integrating these features in navigation systems. ENC(s) with integrated environmental information objects.

2006 Outcomes:

Improved dialogue and coordination between hydrographic, biogeographic, and other data producers/users. Focus, energize and advance efforts to incorporate coral reef, MPA, and other environmental symbology into navigation systems and maritime safety technologies. Broaden US leadership in the areas of marine environmental protection and maritime safety.

FY-07 Objectives/Products/Outcomes

2007 Objectives:

Work with the US Coast Guard, other US Government agencies, and maritime industries to expand the pilot for use with all NOAA ENCs. Submit project information to the IMO and the IHO and commence formal process for the adoption of international standards for integrating environmental features into navigation systems. Work with the respective GEF projects to expand and replicate the pilot internationally, broadening the support base for IMO and IHO efforts.

2007 Products:

Internationally accepted symbols for depicting coral reefs and MPAs on ENCs. Establishment of an international dialogue on the integration of environmental information into maritime safety technologies.

2007 Outcomes:

Increased environmental and, specifically, reef protection awareness among the maritime community, including mariners and resource managers. Decrease the risk of coral damage by offering, in real-time and directly to the mariner, critical data for making informed decisions based on the most recent, relevant information. Establish a foundation for the incorporation of such information in automated accident avoidance systems. International approval and standards for use of the resulting symbols, features, and data in integrated navigation systems.