Abstract The necessity to develop and make a high-resolution global ocean map available to facilitate the sustainable use of maritime resources is more than evident. By the close of 2024, ~26% of the ocean was mapped at high resolution, according to the General Bathymetric Chart of the Oceans (GEBCO), meaning that much more work is needed to fill in the gaps. Centered on achieving a fully mapped ocean by 2030, The Nippon Foundation-GEBCO Seabed 2030 Project's core approach proposes science-backed ocean knowledge sourced from global input to provide tools to design adequate strategies for the sustainable use of marine resources. However, the inequity in technology and knowledge access complicates this challenging goal, and even after identifying data gaps and understanding the context in nations with severe needs, completing the puzzle remains a significant undertaking. There is a great advantage in leveraging frameworks and data-sharing mechanisms established through global initiatives such as The Nippon Foundation-GEBCO Seabed 2030 Project. Countries with limited access to technology could identify the appropriate approach based on access to existing documentation and resources. This paper focuses on the specific scenario of using existing local initiatives to enhance participatory seafloor mapping and advance local knowledge and expertise within the Western Indian Ocean region. We highlight major problems common across the region and propose a call to action to increase the involvement of stakeholders to close gaps and contribute to the global endeavor of mapping the ocean.
Martin et al. (Tue,) studied this question.