HEBRIDES. NORTH UIST AND SOUTH UIST WESTWARDS. LIVE WEAPONS FIRING IN PROGRESS.

Cattle mortality has been reported at the "Beloye Ukho" pasture in Kazakhstan's Atyrau region, though the exact cause of death remains undetermined. Livestock handler Nazbek Tastemirov told the Ak Zhayyk publication that approximately ten head of cattle died. According to Tastemirov, the animals stopped feeding, grew weak, and lost the ability to stand. He suggested emphysematous carbuncle (emcar) as a potential cause, noting that spring vaccinations were not conducted this year. Tastemirov is currently returning the livestock to their owners. The Atyrau regional agriculture department provided a different figure. Department head Amangeldy Salamat stated that only two deaths had been registered and noted that vaccinations against emcar are currently underway in the region.

While the second leg of CSM2026 concluded in May, the value of the data collected continues to be realised. Elizabeth Davis, Senior Geospatial Information Specialist at the UKHO, reflects on her time aboard the survey vessel and the collaboration that helped deliver environmental, hydrographic and marine heritage investigations. ## **Building on the first survey leg** When we left Falmouth on Tuesday 5 May for the second leg of CSM2026 and arrived back at the survey site off the north Cornish coast on Wednesday 6 May, the data collected during the first two weeks was already helping us identify where to focus our environmental investigations and where further survey work could add the most value. During transit to the survey site, the team aboard were introduced to one another and briefed on the goals. The hydrographic objectives for the leg were to complete bathymetric data collection in areas identified during the first leg, while also carrying out wreck investigations and feature checks to support navigational chart updates and marine heritage projects. _Arriving at the survey site ready to start the second leg of seabed mapping data acquisition._ ## **From seabed data to environmental evidence** One of the most interesting things I observed on board was how data gathered for hydrographic purposes could also support environmental investigations. Features visible in the bathymetry and backscatter data helped colleagues decide where to collect samples and capture seabed imagery that form the foundation for habitat mapping and environmental monitoring. This collaborative approach was particularly significant, as it marked the first time the vessel had supported such a diverse range of scientific activities during a single survey. The scale of activity at the first survey site was impressive. During this leg, scientists carried out: * Two wreck investigations and multiple feature checks to support the work of Historic England * 52 particle size analysis (PSA) sample collections * 46 macrofauna sample collections * 46 video tows, capturing hundreds of images of marine life and geological features * 340 km² of seabed surveyed at the first site The grab samples were collected under the remit of the UK Civil Hydrography Programme (CHP) for the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA), and habitat mapping purposes for Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science (Cefas), Natural England and Joint Nature Conservation Committee (JNCC). Despite each organisation having their own specialisms and objectives, scientists from all departments assisted across the acquisition activities onboard to encourage the sharing of research, analysis and skill development. _Scientists reviewing data received whilst conducting one of two wreck investigations before the weather changed._ _Scientists processing a seabed grab sample to support environmental and geological investigations._ ## **When the plan changed…** Midway through the leg, worsening weather meant continuing work at the original survey site was no longer the best option. The decision was made to move to a second site off South Devon, which meant developing new priorities while we were underway. The possibility of poor weather had been considered during the planning stages, and contingency sites identified. As the vessel travelled to the new site, the team worked together to identify alternative priorities based on equipment capabilities, existing data and shared objectives. The range of expertise on board the RV Cefas Endeavour enabled the team to switch to other valuable activities when plans changed. The weather did not improve over the following days, so we remained at the second survey site to make the most of the time available. Although conditions limited us to collecting bathymetry and backscatter data, the team adapted by moving to 24-hour multibeam acquisition. This demanded a huge amount of teamwork from everyone on board. Despite the challenging conditions, the total area surveyed of this second site was 70km², including six further wreck investigations. _To make the most of challenging weather conditions, the team moved to 24-hour multibeam data acquisition._ ## **Bringing the survey to a close** The RV Cefas Endeavour returned to Falmouth on the evening of Monday 18 May, with the scientific crew disembarking the following morning, marking the end of the survey. Following the four-week deployment, data was brought back by the respective organisations for further analysis. At the UKHO, the bathymetric data collected as part of the CHP will now be processed to support the UK’s Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) obligations and future navigational chart updates. ## **One survey, many outcomes** While the survey had come to an end, the value of the data gathered was beginning to be realised. CSM2026 demonstrated how data collected once can support the objectives of multiple organisations. Throughout the survey, hydrographic, environmental and marine heritage investigations were carried out alongside one another, helping maximise the value of time spent at sea. Over the course of the two survey legs, the team surveyed 410 km² of seabed. To put that into context, this is more than the area of the Isle of Wight. As the first multi-agency, cross-government seabed mapping survey of its kind, CSM2026 demonstrated how organisations can share resources, knowledge and expertise to build a better understanding of the UK's marine environment. Find out more about the UK Centre for Seabed Mapping and its work to improve our understanding of the UK’s marine environment.

Create an account or log in to Instagram - Share what you're into with the people who get you.

Do you still use paper charts, and should they be more affordable? Credit: Pete Niesen/Alamy **The UK Hydrographic Office (UKHO) is asking skippers and other maritime users to help inform the future affordability of Admiralty paper charts.** The UK Hydrographic Office (UKHO) is asking skippers and other maritime users to help inform the future pricing of Admiralty paper charts.

Лора Лумер уверена, что российский диктатор Владимир Путин в любом случае найдет повод для продолжения войны против Украины.

Лора Лумер уверена, что российский диктатор Владимир Путин в любом случае найдет повод для продолжения войны против Украины.

HEBRIDES. NORTH UIST AND SOUTH UIST WESTWARDS. LIVE WEAPONS FIRINGS IN PROGRESS.

HEBRIDES. OUTER HEBRIDES WESTWARDS. LIVE WEAPONS FIRINGS.

EASTERN NORTH ATLANTIC. ROCKALL PLATEAU NORTHEASTWARDS. LIVE WEAPONS FIRINGS IN PROGRESS.

HUMBER. JIM HOWE BANK. CABLE OPERATIONS WITH SUBMERSIBLE BY C/S PIERRE DE FERMAT.

EASTERN NORTH ATLANTIC. SCOTLAND WEST COAST. LIVE WEAPONS FIRINGS IN PROGRESS

Safe navigation relies on accurate hydrographic data, and collecting that data requires skilled surveyors, specialist equipment, and local expertise. For a remote island such as St Helena, located in the South Atlantic, having this capability locally is particularly important. Through its longstanding partnership with St Helena Government, the UKHO has provided loaned survey equipment and practical training to local teams. This is helping St Helena to collect vital seabed mapping data and support the safe and secure supply of goods to the island community. GIS staff from St Helena and hydrographic experts that took part in the initiative. From left to right: Ryan Benjamin, Jamie Phillips, Devlin Yon, Matt King (Hydrographic Surveyor), Joelle Henry and Luke Bargo. ## Why is supporting hydrographic capacity building important? Hydrography is the science that measures and describes the physical features of the seabed. Accurate hydrographic data underpins safe navigation, environmental management, and sustainable use of the marine environment. However, collecting and maintaining that data requires specialist equipment, technical expertise, and the ability to undertake surveys on an ongoing basis. For island nations such as St Helena, developing local hydrographic capability ensures the mariners on board vessels approaching the remote island have access to fit-for-purpose information and helps to maintain the safe and secure supply of essential food and goods for its community. Hydrographic data also enables coastal states like St Helena to gain further insights into the marine environment. Seabed mapping data provides marine scientists with information on marine habitats, as well as supporting decision-making for environmental protection and management. As a world leader in hydrography, the UKHO shares its expertise with the global hydrographic community and actively supports the UK Overseas Territories and other partners, to develop their hydrographic capabilities. In St Helena, the UKHO has provided access to specialist expertise, training, and state-of-the-art hydrographic survey equipment to undertake essential surveys within its port. By empowering local teams to collect, process, and manage hydrographic data themselves, the UKHO supports long-term resilience while improving the information used to update official navigational products. ## Building capability through practical training The capacity development has formed part of a longstanding partnership between the UKHO and St Helena Government, which aims to strengthen local hydrographic capability and support the collection of high-quality seabed mapping data around the island. Following an introduction to hydrographic surveying and the systems involved, UKHO hydrographic experts spent two weeks working alongside marine stakeholders in St Helena. They shared practical surveying techniques and provided hands-on training in the use of the UKHO’s loaned survey equipment. Staff from St Helena’s Geographical Information Systems, Marine and Meteorological departments developed the skills needed to collect, process and manage seabed mapping data independently. Seeing the seabed come to life: local teams analyse live survey data from the USV’s multibeam echosounder. ## Using new technology in St Helena Through its Hydrographic survey Equipment Loan Pool (HELP), the UKHO provided access to an uncrewed surface vessel (USV) equipped with an advanced multibeam echosounder. The all-in-one survey platform enabled the team to begin surveying the island's waters immediately. UKHO hydrographic experts then worked alongside local stakeholders, providing hands-on training and building the skills and confidence needed to operate the system safely in shallow and coastal waters around St Helena. A significant milestone for the partnership: the UKHO’s loaned USV arrives in St Helena, ready to support real-world hydrographic surveys and hands-on learning in the island’s waters. As well as supporting hydrographic surveys, USVs can be used in a range of operational situations, including search and rescue activities and environmental monitoring. This makes them a flexible tool for St Helena's marine community, while producing fewer emissions than traditional survey vessels. The initial training focused on using the USV to monitor the port environment and support the safe arrival of supply vessels. In the next phase, local teams will use the multibeam system on a local vessel to survey St Helena's coastal waters. Enabling local teams to use and maintain this technology is an important step towards building a sustainable hydrographic capability in St Helena. Devlin Yon, Head of Geomatic Services, St Helena Government, commented on the importance of this type of international collaboration, noting that: > “By bringing together colleagues from across government and providing hands-on experience with modern survey technology, we are building the foundations for a sustainable, locally managed hydrographic programme.” Kerrie Howard, PCA Programme Manager, UKHO said: > _“I am delighted that St Helena Government is the first recipient of equipment through the UKHO’s Hydrographic Survey Equipment Loan Pool. This provides them with the skills and equipment they need to collect hydrographic data, supporting both St Helena’s SOLAS commitments and wider use across government. This initiative will provide them with invaluable data to understand, manage and protect their marine environment.”_ Putting new skills into practice: the UKHO’s loaned USV operates in Rupert’s Bay as local teams gain hands-on experience collecting hydrographic data in a live survey environment. ## What happens next? This approach demonstrates the UKHO’s ongoing commitment to support its partners globally to strengthen their hydrographic capabilities. It also signals a change in how we support our partners, focusing on enabling and empowering our partners to develop their data collection capabilities. The UKHO will continue to work with St Helena and its partners, to ensure the data collected meets international hydrographic standards (IHO S-44) and UKHO’s data requirements for producing trusted products and services. While St Helena was the first beneficiary of equipment from UKHO’s HELP, the pool is currently being expanded to support more UK Overseas Territories and UKHO partner nations. As a global leader, the UKHO is proud to support nations across the globe to provide access to equipment that may not otherwise be accessible and empower local hydrographers to undertake the surveys of their own waters. Based on feedback from the hydrographic community in developing countries which the UKHO supports by providing charting services, the UKHO anticipates that the HELP will expand further in years to come to meet the demand. By providing our partners the skills and access to the equipment needed, UKHO aims to increase the quantity of modern data supplied by its partners for vital ports and to enable the development of the next generation of S-100 products.

HEBRIDES. NORTH UIST AND SOUTH UIST WESTWARDS. LIVE WEAPONS FIRINGS IN PROGRESS.

HEBRIDES. NORTH UIST AND SOUTH UIST WESTWARDS. LIVE WEAPONS FIRINGS IN PROGRESS DAILY FROM 0800 TO 1700 UTC, 14 TO 15 SEP

EASTERN NORTH ATLANTIC. ROCKALL PLATEAU NORTHEASTWARDS. LIVE WEAPONS FIRINGS IN PROGRESS.

NORWEGIAN SEA. VIKING BANK EASTWARDS. SEISMIC SURVEY IN PROGRESS BY RSV RAMFORM ATLAS.

HEBRIDES. NORTH UIST AND SOUTH UIST WESTWARDS. LIVE WEAPONS FIRINGS IN PROGRESS DAILY FROM 0800 TO 1800 UTC, 04 TO 05 SEP AND 07 TO 12 SEP.

NORWEGIAN SEA. JAN MAYEN. MILITARY EXERCISE

EASTERN NORTH ATLANTIC. ROCKALL PLATEAU SOUTHWARDS. NAVAL EXERCISE INCLUDING LIVE WEAPONS FIRING.