UK Scientists Launch Seabed Mapping Survey & Environmental Research Initiative

The UK Centre for Seabed Mapping is launching a comprehensive four-week survey to map the seabed along the south-west coastline of the United Kingdom using the Research Vessel Cefas Endeavour.

Known as CSM2026, the survey involves a team of 26 scientists from across the maritime research field who will collect vital hydrographic, geological, and environmental data. Setting sail from Lowestoft on 20 April, the mission represents an unprecedented level of collaboration between government agencies. By combining skills and capabilities into a single operation, the participating organisations aim to advance how the seabed is understood and managed while delivering on national commitments.

The 11 member organisations participating in the survey include the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA), UK Hydrographic Office (UKHO), British Geological Survey (BGS), Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science (Cefas), Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (Defra), The Crown Estate, Historic England, Joint Nature Conservation Committee (JNCC), Agri-Food and Biosciences Institute, Northern Ireland (AFBI), Natural England, and the Royal Navy. These partners are operating under a “gather once, use many times” philosophy to increase efficiencies in data collection, processing, and analysis.

This alliance is coordinated by the UK Centre for Seabed Mapping (UK CSM). Established in 2022 and administered by the UKHO, the UK CSM consists of over 30 public sector organisations dedicated to the collection and management of high-quality marine data. The datasets acquired during this mission will provide a foundational basemap for the UK marine estate, supporting applications such as offshore energy infrastructure, safety at sea, marine policy, and national defence.

Marine Minister Emma Hardy said, “The UK is at the forefront of marine protection with a comprehensive network of 374 Marine Protected Areas, protecting more than 38% of our waters. This survey is an excellent example of our work in partnership to improve our understanding of our maritime estate, providing data to deliver our commitments and make advances in how our seabed is mapped, understood and managed.”

Andrew Colenutt, Chair of the CSM2026 Project Team and Head of Hydrography and Meteorology at the MCA, added, “This is the first time that such a large-scale, multi-agency, collaborative survey has been undertaken in the UK and it’s a really exciting venture. We are fortunate to have expert scientists and surveyors from across government who will collect a wide range of highly valuable data. The partnership approach provides opportunities to share knowledge and expertise, as well as providing invaluable training and offshore fieldwork experience.”

The research will consist of two survey legs, concluding in Falmouth, Cornwall, on 19 May. Scientists on board will work alongside experts from various public sector bodies to share skills and source data essential for the maritime economy and energy security.

Alison Pettafor, Oversea Territories Country Lead, Cefas, co-chair of the Project Team and Surveyor in Charge during the first survey leg, said, “This survey is an exciting opportunity and highlights the strength of UK Government organisations working together. It clearly demonstrates the benefits of a ‘collect once, use many times’ approach – combining expertise, sharing data openly and building a clearer picture of our marine environment to support better decisions for the future.”

Rear Admiral Angus Essenhigh OBE, UK National Hydrographer & Director of Data Acquisition at the UKHO and chair of the UK CSM Steering Committee, commented, “This joint survey is a fantastic example of what public sector collaboration can achieve when expertise, capability and purpose are aligned. By bringing together organisations from across the UK maritime sector through the UK Centre for Seabed Mapping (UK CSM), we are not only improving how the seabed is mapped, but deepening our collective understanding of the ocean environment, while also providing an opportunity for various experts to learn from one another.

“High‑quality seabed mapping underpins everything from safety at sea and environmental protection to sustainable development and supporting national security. Working together through the UK CSM allows us to maximise the value of data, share knowledge, and deliver insights that no single organisation could achieve alone.”