New Zealand: Hydrographic Surveying and Charting in the ... · Title: New Zealand: Hydrographic...
Transcript of New Zealand: Hydrographic Surveying and Charting in the ... · Title: New Zealand: Hydrographic...
WP 4
Agenda Item: ATME 3(a)(ii)
Presented by: New Zealand
Original: English
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New Zealand: Hydrographic Surveying and Charting In the Ross Sea Region,
Antarctica
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New Zealand: Hydrographic Surveying and Charting In the Ross Sea Region, Antarctica
Adam Greenland, New Zealand National Hydrographer, Land Information New
Zealand
Hydrographic Survey Coverage of Antarctica
The majority of the Antarctic sea area remains unsurveyed or requires a modern
re-survey. Less than 1% of the sea area within the 200m contour has been
adequately surveyed to meet the needs of contemporary shipping entering
Antarctic waters. It is important that vessels operating in the Antarctic Treaty
area should be aware of the limitations regarding the adequacy of charts for the
region.
To date, the greatest effort has been focused on the Antarctic Peninsula Maritime
Shipping Routes (MSR) and approaches to permanent scientific bases.
Hydrographic Information
Land Information New Zealand (LINZ) is responsible for maintaining and
delivering the NZ Government’s land and seabed information including
information in respect of the Ross Sea region of Antarctica. LINZ’s survey,
topographic mapping, hydrographic charting and place naming activities
collectively provide key elements of a spatial infrastructure.
LINZ is the government department responsible for providing authoritative
hydrographic information for the primary purpose of safety of navigation. New
Zealand is a member state of the International Hydrographic Organisation (IHO)
and LINZ is the national hydrographic authority.
Surveying and Charting in Antarctica
New Zealand is a full member of the IHO Hydrographic Commission on Antarctica
(HCA) which is responsible for hydrographic surveying and nautical charting
matters in International (INT) Region M - the Antarctic. Membership is open to
any IHO Member State whose government has acceded to the Antarctic Treaty.
LINZ, supported by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade attended the most
recent HCA meeting held in South Africa in October 2009 and presented a
comprehensive national report with details of past, current and intended surveys
and charting activities within the Ross Sea Region.
The aims of the HCA include technical cooperation in the domain of hydrographic
surveying, marine cartography and nautical information within the region. In
particular; to implement the INT chart scheme for the region and monitor its
suitability, to define the needs for new surveys and if necessary to develop a
cooperative approach to meet those needs.
Essentially, the HCA works to promote, facilitate, stimulate and encourage a
multilateral approach to hydrographic activity within the region. This ensures the
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widest possible participation and cooperation across IHO member states, relevant
international organisations, industry bodies and scientific organisations.
In recent years the IHO has been active in raising awareness of surveying and
charting issues with Antarctic Treaty System (ATS) nations at Antarctic Treaty
Consultative Meetings (ATCM). This has culminated in the adoption of Resolution
3 (2003) – ATCM XXVI – Cooperation in hydrographic survey and charting of
Antarctic waters, and Resolution 5 (2008) – ATCM XXXI – Improving hydrographic
surveying and charting to support safety of navigation and environmental
protection in the Antarctic region. These Resolutions constitute a firm
commitment by Antarctic Treaty Parties to undertake steps to improve the quality
and coverage of hydrographic data in the region.
NZ Hydrographic Surveying Activities
During the 2001 and 2004 survey seasons LINZ contracted the National Institute
of Water and Atmospheric Research Ltd (NIWA) to undertake a safety of
navigation survey of a new MSR within the Western Ross Sea Region. The NIWA
research vessel Tangaroa conducted the surveys using the survey launch Pelorus
for shallow inshore survey work.
The proposed survey area extended from Cape Adare in the north to Cape Hallett
in the south, along the east coast of Victoria Land. These were identified as areas
of more frequent maritime traffic, including research and commercial tourist
traffic. It included three specific chart areas of Cape Adare and Cape Hallett (INT
9006) and the Possession Islands (INT 9007) as well as the MSR connecting all
three areas and anchorages.
In 2001 an initial lack of sea ice enabled the capture of hydrographic data in the
areas of Cape Hallett and Possession Islands. Incoming sea ice forced the ship
north before they could complete coverage of the Cape Adare area. Further
survey work was conducted around the Balleny Islands.
In 2004 the survey recommenced off Cape Adare, being the area of highest
priority. However due to deteriorating weather and the increasing presence of
pack ice Cape Adare was abandoned for the Balleny Islands where more
productive survey work could be accomplished.
In summary the various charts that existed for the Ross Sea Region prior to the
recent surveys contained scant information and appeared to be compilations from
various historic sources. It was noted that significant differences do exist between
these charts and the survey. Many shoal soundings of doubtful data were
sounded and disproved. Most of the MSR has been surveyed with the exception of
areas occupied by grounded icebergs. However, in some areas it is very likely
that many uncharted and dangerous shoal areas exist, for example in the near
shore waters of islands and inshore landing areas. The extent of which can only
be determined with more surveys.
NZ Government and Science Voyages
In 2006 and 2008 further surveys were conducted on an opportunistic basis by
NIWA for LINZ. The areas included Scott Island (INT 9003) and Balleny Islands
and Balleny Seamount (INT 9012).
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Other Hydrographic Data
Hydrographic data received by LINZ from a scientific cruise by R/V Palmer in
2004 was processed and used to update existing charts and produce new charts
of Cape Royds to Pram Point (INT 9001) and McMurdo Station and Scott Base
(INT 9002).
LINZ has recently received bathymetric data from the Institute of Geological and
Nuclear Sciences Limited (GNS), a Crown Research Institute of New Zealand. GNS
have compiled a comprehensive database of surveys over the last 3 decades
which includes multi-beam and single-beam data from various sources for the
region 130º E to 110º W and from 50º S to 80º S. The data include 119 surveys
– 28 of these are multi-beam. The data will be assessed for future editions of NZ
charts in the Ross Sea Region.
INT Chart Region M – South of 60ºS
As of September 2009 a total of 60 INT charts have been produced out of the 102
INT charts which are included in the scheme.
The New Zealand chart folio is produced and maintained by LINZ and consists of
small and large scale INT charts extending from the Balleny Islands in the north
to Ross Island in the south.
Prior to the 2001 and 2004 hydrographic surveys LINZ produced two small scale
overview charts of the Southern Ocean and Ross Sea. These charts were
compiled using IHO information gathered mainly from vessel tracks on ocean
passage shared among member states.
The result of the LINZ safety of navigation surveys and availability of further
information in recent years has been the production of 8 new nautical charts in
the last 7 years. These are medium scale coastal/approach charts and large scale
inshore landing/harbour charts.
These nautical charts are available to the mariner as traditional paper charts and
are included in the Raster Navigational Chart (RNC) folio, NZMariner. LINZ is in
the process of producing Electronic Navigational Charts (ENCs) of these charts to
meet the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS)
Convention, Mandatory Carriage Requirements for Electronic Chart & Information
Systems (ECDIS).
However, it should be appreciated that whilst new charts have been produced
many have limited coverage surveyed to modern standards and significant
unsurveyed areas and large areas of scant information remain.
Ship-Borne Tourism in the Ross Sea Region
From data collated from the IAATO Overview of Antarctic Tourism reports it has
been possible to carry out a limited investigation and analysis of recent ship-
borne tourism in the Ross Sea Region. Information from 2003 - 2008 including an
estimate for the 2009-10 season was analysed and the following observations are
made.
Ship-borne tourism in the Ross Sea Region fluctuates annually and is largely
confined to a small number of tourist vessels. The most popular seasons were
2005-06 and 2008-09 with a total of 11 and 10 voyages per season respectively
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and an increase in sites visited from 12 to 21 in 2008-09. The two most popular
sites are Cape Adare and Cape Bird which are Antarctic Specially Protected Areas
(ASPA) as are many of the sites visited. New sites are being included in the
voyages.
Future Intentions
Further investigation and analysis is required which will include science and
government vessels to obtain a comprehensive understanding of all shipping
activity in the Ross Sea Region. Actual landing locations and vessel tracking
information is becoming available which can be matched to existing charting
coverage surveyed to modern standards.
It will highlight areas of significance to support improvements to the standard of
charting where it is needed most, namely; sensitivity of the environment, needs
of scientific research, demands of the tourism industry and other identified
maritime activities.
In accordance with initiatives agreed by the IHO HCA, LINZ will co-operate with
national and international departments and organisations to identify areas of
significance and develop a prioritised survey plan for the Ross Sea Region. This
work will be guided by the HCA Survey Prioritisation Working Group (HSPWG) and
be presented at the next HCA meeting as part of the national report for review
and comment. A range of options will be considered which will include use of
vessels of opportunity.
This work will be a whole-of-government approach in accordance with the LINZ
vision in the Ross Sea Region Strategy 2003-2012.
New Zealand will continue to support, promote and contribute to the work of the
IHO HCA. New Zealand proposes to develop a national prioritised survey plan for
the Ross Sea Region which will include a range of options to achieve the desired
outcomes in an appropriate timeframe. It is New Zealand’s intention to present
the national prioritised survey plan at the next IHO HCA Meeting.
Recommendations
1. The Antarctic Treaty Parties should advise all tourist vessels intending to
operate in the Antarctic Treaty area to be aware of the limitations of the
adequacy of charts for the region.
2. The Parties should contribute to the improvement of charting information.
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NZ CHARTS – SOUTHERN OCEAN &
ROSS SEA REGION
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NZ14908 (INT 9008) Cape Adare to Cape Daniell
New Zealand – Ross Sea Region
Chart No. Title Scale Published New Ed
NZ 14065 (INT 65) Ross Sea to New Zealand 1:10M 10/1994
NZ 14900 (INT 900) Ross Sea 1:2M 4/1998
Chart No. Title Approx. % Surveyed to
Modern Standards
Scale Published New Ed
NZ 14901 (INT
9001) Cape Royds to Pram Point 45% 1:60K 7/2007
NZ 14902 (INT
9002) McMurdo Station and Scott Base 20% 1:5K 7/2007
Approaches to Scott Island: Scott
Island 25% 1:75K NZ 14903 (INT
9003) Scott Island 80% 1:25K
8/2008
Cape Adare 70% 1:50K
Cape Hallett 70% 1:50K
Ridley Beach 60% 1:15K
NZ 14906 (INT
9006)
SeeBee Hook 50% 1:15K
1/2003 8/2006
NZ 14907 (INT
9007) Possession Islands 60% 1:60K 1/2003 8/2006
NZ 14908 (INT
9008) Cape Adare to Cape Daniell 40% 1:200K 1/2003 8/2006
NZ 14909 (INT
9009) Cape Hooker to Coulman Island 2% 1:500K 6/2004
NZ 14912 (INT
9012) Balleny Islands 25% 1:300K 8/2006
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Legend
Maritime Shipping
Route
Chart Coverage
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NZ14907 (INT 9007) Possession Islands
Legend
Maritime Shipping
Route
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NZ14906 (INT 9006) Cape Adare and Cape Hallett
Legend
Maritime Shipping
Route
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NZ14912 (INT 9012) Balleny Islands
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NZ14901 (INT 9001) Cape Royds to Pram Point
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NZ14902 (INT 9002) McMurdo Station and Scott Base
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Ship-Borne Tourism in the Ross Sea Region 2003-2010
Summary
- The majority of tourist visits are to the Antarctic Peninsula where the largest
vessel carries approximately five times more passengers than the largest
vessel operating in the Ross Sea.
- Two new vessels commenced operations in the 2005-06 season, although not
all vessels operate in the Ross Sea region each season
- The total number of visits (landings & cruise only) increased in 2008-09 by
approximately 300% from the previous season and the number of sites visited
increased from 12 to 21.
- Of the 28 sites listed, Cape Adare, Cape Bird and Franklin Island show the
greatest increase in total visits during 2008-09 than the previous season.
However, the 2007-08 season recorded the least number of passengers and
visits for the six seasons investigated.
- Two new sites were included in the 2008-09 season that had not been visited
during the previous five seasons. These were Cape Colbeck (King Edward VII
Land) and the Ross Ice Shelf (actual location(s) unknown).
- Three sites have not been visited since the 2005-06 season (Balleny Islands,
Cape Rogets and Ironside Glacier); one since 2004-05 season
(Leningradskaya); and three since 2003-04 (Campbell Glacier, Cape Crozier
and Moubry Bay).
- Estimates for the 2009-10 season indicate three vessels returning to the
region, the same number as the last season; however the total number of
voyages planned has halved. The total number of passengers is estimated to
be reduced by approximately 40%, reflecting similar numbers to those
recorded during the 2007-08 season (the least for the seasons investigated).
- Further investigation and analysis is required to identify:
o actual landing locations
o actual vessel track
o future surveying & charting requirements for safety-of-navigation
Notes:
1. Information collated from IAATO Overview of Antarctic Tourism reports
(www.iaato.org)
2. Estimates for 2009-10 extracted from the XXXII Antarctic Treaty meeting,
2009, IAATO Overview of Antarctic Tourism report.
3. Other operators such as scientific research, fisheries or government
agencies have not been included.
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Table 1: Number of Tourist Vessels per Site / per Season
Season
Site 2003-04 2004-05 2005-06 2006-07 2007-08 2008-09 2009-10
Balleny Islands 1 1 1 1
Campbell Glacier 1
Cape Adare (16) 2 2 4 2 1 3 2
Cape Bird (12) 1 2 2 2 1 2 2
Cape Colbeck 1
Cape Crozier 1
Cape Evans (16) 1 2 3 3 2 3 2
Cape Hallett 2 2 2 1 2
Cape Rogets 1 3
Cape Royds (13) 2 2 3 2 3 1
Cape Washington 1 2 1 1 1
Coulman Island 1 2 2
Drygalski Ice Tongue 1 2 1 1
Franklin Island (13) 1 1 3 3 1 2 2
Inexpressible Island (11) 1 2 4 2 2
Ironside Glacier 1 1 1
Leningradskaya 1
McMurdo Ice Channel 1 1 1 1 3
McMurdo Station (10) 2 1 1 1 1 2 2
Mertz Glacier Tongue 2 2 1
Moubry Bay 1
New Harbour 1
Possession Island 1 1 2 1
Ross Ice Shelf 2 3
Ross Sea 2
Scott Base 2 1 1 1 1 1
Taylor Valley 1 1 1 1 1
Terra Nova Bay 3 1 1 2
Terra Nova Station (11) 2 2 4 1 1 1
Table 2: Number of Tourist Vessel Voyages per Season
Season
Vessel 2003-04 2004-05 2005-06 2006-07 2007-08 2008-09 2009-10
Kaptain Khlebnikov 4 3 4 2 2 1
Marina Svetaeva 2 3
Orion 2 3 2
Spirit of Enderby 2 2 3 3 5 2
Akademik Shokalskiy 3 3
Total voyages 7 5 11 8 5 10 5
Table 3: Vessel Particulars
Name Length Beam Draught POB
Kaptain Khlebnikov 122.5 26.5 8.5 178
Marina Svetaeva 90.0 17.2 5.3 134
Orion 103.0 14.3 3.8 250
Spirit of Enderby 69.7 12.8 4.5 72
Akademik Shokalskiy 69.7 12.8 4.5 72
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Figure 1: Ross Sea Region Overview
Legend
Year V/Ls
2003-04
2004-05
2005-06
2006-07
2007-08
2008-09
2009-10
Existing Charts
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Figure 2: Cape Adare, Cape Hallett & Coulman Island
Legend
Year V/Ls
2003-04
2004-05
2005-06
2006-07
2007-08
2008-09
2009-10
Maritime Shipping
Route
Existing Charts
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Figure 3: New Zealand & Sub-Antarctic Islands
Legend
Year V/Ls
2009-10