Map the Deep Sea: How Ocean Mapping Drives Conservation, Equity, and Innovation

Map the Deep Sea to protect what we don’t yet understand. In this episode, Andrew Lewin speaks with Tim Kearns from Map the Gaps, a global initiative working to close the knowledge gap beneath the waves. With over 75% of the seafloor still unmapped in high resolution, the ocean remains Earth’s final frontier—and unlocking its secrets is essential for biodiversity, disaster planning, and climate action.

Ocean mapping is more than bathymetry. It’s a tool for social justice, environmental stewardship, and informed decision-making. Tim shares how Map the Gaps supports small island nations, Indigenous communities, and global science efforts through collaboration and cutting-edge technology. From an exploration policy perspective, this conversation makes a clear case: mapping the deep sea is the foundation for a sustainable ocean future.

Website: https://www.mapthegaps.org/

Map the Gaps Website: https://www.mapthegaps.org/symposium

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