Activity

The first phase consisted of collecting data. Working with the National Parks Trust (NPT) and Ministry of Natural Resources, Labour and Immigration (MNRLI), the RDA brought in a team from the National Oceanographic Centre to conduct a two-week marine survey. A variety of marine survey equipment was deployed to collect data on fisheries, biodiversity, depth, seafloor composition and more.
The team also trained 16 (11 male, 5 female) staff from NPT and MNRL in marine survey techniques, use of equipment and collection and analysis of data, so that they may conduct similar surveys themselves in the future. The project is also procuring essential equipment for Virgin Island authorities to conduct ongoing data analysis. The second phase will be to support the Ministry in the formulation of a Marine Spatial Plan.

Result

The marine survey has provided relevant ministries with valuable data which will assist them in developing a marine area plan, which is critical to realising the economic and environmental objectives of the Government’s blue economy strategy.

They also now have the training and equipment is currently being procured to carry out surveys, analyse data and undertake further marine spatial planning.