Why are we launching MAREMAP?

MAREMAP is a new NERC initiative led by the British Geological Survey, the National Oceanography Centre and the Scottish Association for Marine Science to improve our understanding of the seabed environment around the UK.

This programme will bring together the expertise and resources of NERC to deliver a national research programme. The aim of the initiative is to develop detailed seabed and geological information necessary to underpin the future development of our marine resources effectively and efficiently. Additional partners include the University of Southampton and the Channel Coastal Observatory. Seven themes are proposed, with a focus on UK waters:

  • Coastal and shelf geological and habitat models
  • Deep water geological and habitat models
  • Submarine hazards
  • Sediment mobility and 4D monitoring/modeling
  • Technology and techniques
  • Heritage and archaeology
  • Data and products
Photograph of seabed
(©NERC) Photograph of seabed from site +59-06/395, cruise BGS2007_7. Base drill, rock, marine fauna
Sea-bed image.
(©NERC) Sea-bed image. Derived from 3D seismic first signal (sea bed) return, shows the outline of the AFEN slide, located 60 km north-west of Shetland in 800m water depth.