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The Republic of Kiribati has officially become the 100th Member State of the International Hydrographic Organization (IHO), marking a significant milestone for the global hydrographic community. This historic landmark opens up numerous benefits of being an IHO Member State, from helping carry out obligations under the SOLAS Convention, to enhancing safety of navigation, maritime security, fisheries management, economic growth, environmental protection, and climate resilience.

In many places around the world, data clearly shows the level of the sea is rising. In low lying coastal areas, even small increases when coupled with high tides and storm surges have had devastating consequences, such as altering coastlines, impacting offshore energy infrastructure and displacing populations. A better understanding of factors influencing sea level is vital in order to prepare for and mitigate its impacts.

The IHO has published the first “Satellite-Derived Bathymetry Best Practice Guide” for the hydrographic community. The new document provides an overview of methods and factors to consider when applying SDB to map shallow coastal environments.

On invitation of the Bahamian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, IHO Director Luigi Sinapi paid a High Level Visit to the Commonwealth of The Bahamas from 15 to 19 April. The Visit was aimed at resuming discussions on the Bahamas’ potential membership to the International Hydrographic Organization and on the progress made in the maritime sector of The Bahamas, to further strengthening the national capacity in the area of hydrography and improving the current Bahamian Maritime National Policy.

The IHO and the OECD are co-hosting a satellite event during the UN Ocean Decade conference in Barcelona. Entitled "The Seabed Data We Need for the Ocean We Want," this session aims to look at the importance of advancing our understanding of the ocean and fostering increased investment in related activities.

Like other disciplines within science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM), hydrography exhibits a gender imbalance, particularly in advanced career stages. Currently, just over 10% of the 99 Member States of the International Hydrographic Organization (IHO) have a female National Hydrographer. And while women represent roughly half the population, only 24.8% of them occupy leadership positions with national hydrographic offices. In today’s competitive world, organizations need qualified employees to help them achieve their objectives. By not tapping into half of the available talent pool, they could be missing out.  

Acknowledging this disparity, the International Hydrographic Organization (IHO) and the Canadian Hydrographic Service collaboratively initiated a Canadian-funded, groundbreaking three-year project titled "Empowering Women in Hydrography," aimed at fostering gender equality in the field.

The Republic of Cabo Verde, an archipelago located 500km off the west coast of Africa in the Atlantic Ocean, has taken a stride towards improving its hydrographic capacity by becoming the 99th Member State of the International Hydrographic Organization (IHO). This strategic move positions Cabo Verde at the centre of international cooperation in the area of ocean affairs, unlocking a myriad of benefits for the nation and its rich marine environment.

In line with its mandate to plan, administer, and implement Capacity-Building activities, the International Hydrographic Organization (IHO) conducted a high-level technical visit to the Dominican Republic from 23 – 24 November. The primary focus was to discuss the important role of Hydrographic Services at national, regional, and international levels, emphasizing their contribution to the sustainable development of national economies, and applying to how they pertain to the Hydrographic and Oceanographic Service of the Dominican Republic.