Uk SBS - UK National Seabed Mapping Programme- Scoping Study

*** This tender requirement was abandoned prior to a Contract award decision. *** A number of public sector bodies map the seabed. They already coordinate but recognise a greater level of coordination could yield benefits for planning, businesses, the environment and safety.

Businesses would be able to utilise the data and local authorities, regulatory bodies and other public sector organisations would share access. It could potentially be a major contribution to the Government's open source data programme and strengthen the UK's growth capacity.

Background to the Requirement The public and private sectors have been aware for some time of the need to have a national programme for mapping the seabed. With the present increased coordination, it is felt that the climate is now right to put this into practice.

Matthew Hancock, when he was the Minister of State for Business and Energy, agreed with the industry that a scoping study should be undertaken. The study will be carried out on behalf of the Maritime & Coastguard Agency, Defra, Crown Estate and BIS.

The contractor will report to BIS. Aims To produce a report that outlines the seabed mapping currently undertaken by the public sector and recommends what economic and technological benefits there could be from undertaking a national coordinated approach to seabed mapping.

Objectives The research and analysis will examine the requirements of governmental and private sector organisations in relation bathymetric, environmental (biological) and geological data sets. The maritime professional bodies and private sector will be able to explain the development of technology, skills and value added data of possible products and services.

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