GENERAL ACCOMPLISHMENTS-FY 2007

The following are the Accomplishments for FY 2007:

In order to demonstrate the concept of Marine Environmental Protection Information Overlays (MIO) for ENCs in the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary area, data layers of MPAs and coral reefs in an ENC-compatible format have been developed. The project seeks to illustrate and help address the challenges of navigating through a highly sensitive coral reef area with heavy commercial and recreational traffic and spatially complex environmental regulations. The new electronic data layers recently developed are anticipated to be field-tested on vessels in early 2008. Specific accomplishments include:

•          Completed coverage of ENCs for FKNMS area

•          Verified MIO data and associated geographic positions

•          Developed Product Specification for MIO data layer

•          Produced prototype MIO data layer in FKNMS area

•          Engaged international support for adoption of Marine Environmental Protection standards

The project engaged the IHO to gain adoption of a marine environmental data transfer and display standard to enable the use of such information on ships in conjunction with ENCs. Although IHO has established minimal information standards for what should be contained in an ENC, such as shoreline, aids to navigation, depths, and hazards to navigation, no standards have been developed to exchange or depict marine environmental information such as Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) or coral reefs in conjunction with ENCs. 

The project has initiated contact with leaders in the world hydrographic and environmental communities to support the development of such a standard. If adopted, it will facilitate the distribution of information on MPAs, sensitive marine resources, and associated regulations to mariners worldwide. A major milestone will be the meeting of the IHO’s Committee on Hydrographic Requirements for Information Systems (CHRIS) in November 2007, where the proposed Marine Environmental Protection Product Specification will be presented. This Product Specification is the initial step for the development of a standard and will focus initially on corals and MPAs. It will provide a framework to depict other environmental information. A Proposal has been submitted requesting that CHRIS/IHO take appropriate action and agree to further elaborate on the proposed draft Product Specification and work toward its adoption. The draft specification draws on the IUCN MPA classification system and includes:

•          A “presentation library” for colors

•          Colors and symbols for features and other technical specifications

Thus for the FKNMS demonstration project the following was accomplished:

•          Produced 15 ENCs

•          Produced a coral/MPA data layer

•          Developed and submitted product specification to IHO for elaboration/adoption

•          Apprised/engaged the international community for support

Displaying coral/MPA information with an ENC enables the mariner to make more informed decisions to avoid damage to sensitive marine resources. Adoption of an international standard for such information allows the mariner to access/view it in a consistent manner.

The following is a list of specific PRODUCTS AND OUTCOMES for FY 2007

1.         Established an international dialogue on the integration of environmental information into maritime safety technologies

2.        Engaged the International Hydrographic Organization and the International Maritime Organization to sensitize the international community regarding the pilot activities of the project to gain support for symbology and regulatory considerations

3.        Developed internationally accepted standards for depicting coral reefs and MPAs on ENCs

4.        Encoded MIO data, based on IHO S-57 data formats.