CV16032 INFOMAR (Seabed mapping) Survey

The integrated Mapping for the Sustainable Development of Ireland’s Marine Resource (INFOMAR) programme is a joint venture between the Geological Survey of Ireland (GSI) and the Marine Institute (MI). The programme is a successor to the Irish National Seabed Survey (INSS) and concentrates on creating a range of integrated mapping products of the physical, chemical and biological features of the seabed in the near-shore area. This cruise took place on board the RV Celtic Voyager in 2016 from 11st — 25th September in the Celtic Sea. Surveys conducted include: Multibeam Echo sounder (MBES) Hydrographic survey to International Hydrographic Organisation (IHO) Order 1a standard. Bathymetry survey: to produce bathymetry shaded relief and Backscatter mosaic products which provide depth, seabed features and seabed hardness information. Sub Bottom Profiler (SBP) survey: to acquire data of the willow (up to 30 metres) sub seabed to determine the existence of buried objects and ascertain the sub-seabed character. A magnetometer was used to acquire data on sub seabed geology to provide information on manmade seafloor debris. Shipwrecks were also surveyed. An area of 350 km² was covered during this survey.