Fishing communities and coastal businesses in Guyana are expected to benefit from improved seabed mapping under a new partnership between the UK Hydrographic Office (UKHO) and the Maritime Administration Department (MARAD).
The collaboration, a statement from the British High Commission in Georgetown stated, aims to strengthen Guyana’s capacity to survey and manage its waters, providing sustainable access to high-quality seabed data. This data is essential for safe maritime trade, fisheries management, and protecting coastal communities from the effects of climate change.
More than 90 per cent of Guyana’s population lives along the coast and waterways, making accurate ocean data critical to economic activity and public safety. As part of the initiative, UKHO specialists are working with MARAD survey teams to transfer technical knowledge and improve survey practices. This includes calibrating equipment on Guyana’s new vessel, the Arau, and training local personnel in advanced hydrographic techniques.
The statement on Wednesday said that one MARAD staff member also completed five months of formal hydrographic training at an internationally accredited institution in the United Kingdom.
The project builds on previous support provided through the Commonwealth Marine Economies Programme, which assisted Guyana in supplying hydrographic data for updated nautical charts of key shipping routes. UKHO personnel spent four weeks working with MARAD to improve data collection, processing, and validation.
According to the statement the initiative reflects a strategic move by Guyana to develop local expertise and reduce reliance on external support, ensuring the country can continue collecting and managing maritime data independently.
Acting British High Commissioner to Guyana, Liam McShane, said the collaboration demonstrates the UK’s commitment to supporting coastal nations in strengthening marine management capacity.
Meanwhile, MARAD representative Troy Clarke noted that ongoing training and improved data quality have enhanced navigation safety and supported participation in international initiatives, including efforts to promote women in hydrography.
UKHO deployments to Guyana took place in October 2025 and March 2026 under the Sustainable Blue Economies Technical Assistance Programme, which provides specialist support to Small Island Developing States to build capacity for climate-resilient and sustainable ocean-based economies.
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