Pacific Ocean Regional Center

Based at Earth Sciences New Zealand (ESNZ), the Pacific Ocean Regional Center acts as the regional focus for data compilation and coordination activities in the South and West Pacific region.

www.earthsciences.nz

Credit: Tracey Jennings / Ocean Image Bank

CENTER ROLE

The Pacific Ocean Regional Center acts as the focus for data compilation and co-ordination activities for Seabed 2030 in the South and West Pacific Ocean.

The Center has responsibility over 123 million sq.km of ocean from South America to Australia, between 10°N and 50°S, and the western part of the Pacific Ocean to 50°N. The region includes the world’s deepest trenches, extensive internal seas, and Exclusive Economic Zones (EEZ) from everything from large ocean states of the Pacific Island Countries and Territories (PICT) to populous Asia countries. In the most remote regions, bathymetric data originate from existing ship tracks that are spaced by more than 100 km apart. The center is based at Earth Sciences New Zealand (ESNZ) and is one of Seabed 2030’s network of regional and global centers.

CENTER OVERVIEW

The center is coordinated by a Technical Management Committee consisting of staff from: Earth Sciences New Zealand (ESNZ) and Toitū Te Whenua Land Information New Zealand (LINZ), which hosts the New Zealand Hydrographic Office.

For the last 50 years ESNZ and its predecessor, the New Zealand Oceanographic Institute (NZOI), have been pioneers in seafloor landmark discovery around Aotearoa-New Zealand, including active faults and volcanoes.

Connections with Regional Hydrographic Offices and science organisations around and within the Pacific are providing substantial data input to Seabed 2030.

Promotion of the Seabed 2030 Project and GEBCO has featured prominently in the activities of the center, with more than 50 conference attendances, stakeholder meetings, and media interviews. The center is continually seeking opportunities to enhance its visibility and activity in the region and boost contribution from all potential partners. Coordination with the Pacific Community (SPC) is expected to bring more engagement of PICTs with the Project.

Center Head

Center Head

Kevin Mackay

Head of Pacific Ocean Center

View Bio

Center Team: Earth Sciences New Zealand (ESNZ)

Sam Davidson    Marine Geology Technician

Sally Watson    Marine Geologist 

Susi Woelz    Principal Technician – Marine Geology

Vaughan Stagpoole    Emeritus Scientist 

Brook Tozer    Marine Geophysicist 

Jenny Black    Data Technician – Geospatial Data and Analysis Team; IBCSO editorial member

Center Team: Toitū Te Whenua Land Information New Zealand (LINZ)

Adam Greenland     New Zealand National Hydrographer

Stuart Caie    Manager – Hydrographic Survey

Alysha Jonson  Geospatial Specialist  

NEWS & EVENTS: Pacific Ocean Regional Center