JIBS
The UK Maritime and Coastguard Agency led the Joint Irish Bathymetric Survey Project (JIBS), approved under the INTERREG IIIA Programme, with the Marine Institute of Ireland as project partner. The Marine Institute were also co-leaders, with the Geological Survey of Ireland in the INFOMAR Project, designated to carry out integrated mapping around key coastal areas of Ireland.
The main aims of the JIBS project proposal were as follows:
- To provide, for the first time, comprehensive multibeam bathymetry data over prioritised areas within the 3nm coastal strip between Donegal Bay and Dundalk Bay. The area initially proposedwas the 3nm coastal strip from Malin Head to Rathlin Island,. The survey was conducted to IHO “Order 1” standard. Target areas were identified after consultation with the stakeholder groups. A total of 140 vessel days were budgeted for. Both MCA-appointed contractors and the Marine Institute R.V. Celtic Voyager carried out the hydrographic survey.
- To obtain ground-truthed, geocoded backscatter data for the surveyed area. Ground truthing was performed by grab-sample.
- To provide seabed texture sheets for the surveyed area showing interpreted seabed types.
- To serve up multibeam bathymetry and backscatter data as “Generic Sensor Format” files on the world-wide web.
- To disseminate the results of the survey between all interested stakeholders.
- To work co-operatively with the Marine Institute of Ireland to ensure results are compatible with the needs of both nations and to foster better technology and procedure transfer between the MCA and the Marine Institute.
- To provide bathymetry data to the United Kingdom Hydrographic Office to enable updating of nautical charts and publications in Northern Irish and Irish waters to improve safety for all mariners.
To view data obtained by the project visit the web mapping application here
To freely download the data, visit the project data download portal here
