Winner of the 2026 Ex Abyssis ad Alta IHO Award Announced

In recognition of her commitment to the global ocean community, to raising the visibility of ocean mapping and to increasing knowledge of the ocean, Ms. Jennifer Jencks of the United States has been presented with the 2026 Ex Abyssis ad Alta award.

Ms. Jencks is Director of the IHO Data Center for Digital Bathymetry (DCDB), hosted by the United States’ National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) at its National Centers for Environmental Information (NCEI). Under her leadership, the centre has developed into a major global repository, now containing over 70 terabytes of bathymetric data. Additionally, she leads the Ocean and Coastal Mapping Team at the National Environmental Satellite, Data, and Information Service (NESDIS). In these roles, Ms. Jencks operates at the intersection of national data stewardship and international coordination.

Ms. Jencks also chairs the IHO Crowdsourced Bathymetry Working Group, where she successfully brings together hydrographic offices, philanthropic organisations, academia and industry to promote non-traditional ocean mapping. Furthermore, Ms. Jencks serves as Vice Chair of the Inter-Regional Coordinating Committee and is an ex officio member of the GEBCO Guiding Committee.

"Jennifer Jencks is a true professional and has been a driving force behind the progress in crowdsourcing depth data and in building a central repository for ocean data” declared  IHO Secretary-General Dr Mathias Jonas. “Through her leadership, she has brought together partners from across the world including from the yachting and cruise industries. She has inspired a growing community to contribute to our collective understanding of the ocean and I am delighted to see this work being recognized."

Despite her busy agenda, Ms. Jencks continues to expand her role and influence in hydrographic affairs. In 2025, she took on the leadership of NOAA’s eight-million-dollar, multi-year capacity development programme in the Maldives and Sri Lanka, working with both countries to strengthen their hydrographic capabilities.

Rear Admiral Christiaan van Westendorp, Director of the NOAA Office of Coast Survey, summarizes what makes Jennifer stand out:

“Ms. Jencks’s impact and successes are due in no small part to her technical and administrative expertise, as well as her dedication to integrating all parties involved in discussion and decisions. With respect and care for all involved, she successfully navigates the complex ecosystem of national regulations, Member State priorities, and individual personalities when others would struggle. She champions a highly dynamic workforce and positive culture in the world hydrographic community, and she is most deserving of this recognition.”

Altogether, Ms. Jennifer Jencks is a dedicated and outstanding leader within the international hydrographic community, whose commitment and unique blend of skills ensure that her impact will only grow going forward.