Sam Harper

International Hydrographic Organization (IHO)

The IHO is an intergovernmental organization which works to ensure all the physics and features of the oceans are measured and charted. This includes sea level, topography of the seabed (mountains, volcanoes, ravines…), bathymetry (depth) currents, etc. This information supports all marine activities including navigation, scientific research, environmental protection, and the development of the Blue Economy. With 98 Member States across five continents, the IHO sets standards and coordinates activities of national hydrographic offices so that all oceans, coastal areas, lakes and rivers are surveyed and charted. Information related to the topography of the seabed or the strength and regularity of currents for example can be used to develop marine renewable energy projects. Environmental factors such as temperature, salinity, and currents can be used by industries like fishing and aquaculture to optimize their activities. Plus, the marine environment is changing. In some parts of the world sea level is rising, ice is melting, coasts are eroding etc. Hydrography provides baseline data to measure and monitor these changes. The IHO was established in 1921.