University of New Hampshire partners with NOAA on state-of-the-art ocean mapping center
New England Council member, University of New Hampshire (UNH) will expand its partnership with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) with the creation of a new Joint Hydrographic Center of Excellence for Operational Ocean and Great Lakes Mapping at UNH.
The center will be funded through $10 million in NOAA’s FY 2023 budget and will primarily focus on coastal mapping and hydrographic change amidst climate-driven changes in the Gulf of Maine, one of the world’s most dynamic and fastest-warming bodies of water. Ocean mapping has become a vital asset to research and industry, which rely on spatial data for commerce, transportation, and emergency response services. In addition to a mapping center, the center will feature a high bay–an advanced docking facility to store and operate necessary equipment and small maritime vessels. Upon completion, the center will include an office and instructional space, which will allow a shared space for collaboration between academia, government, and maritime industry.
“The Center of Excellence will build upon our decades-long partnership with NOAA, as well as grow the critical research field of ocean and Great Lakes mapping, where we can engage with industry leaders to develop and train the next generation of mappers,” said Marian McCord, senior vice provost for research, economic engagement, and outreach at UNH.
The New England Council would like to congratulate the University of New Hampshire for this milestone in its endeavor to build a new blue economy.
Read more on UNH Today.