Continuation of the NOAA joint hydrographic center at the university of new hampshire

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration awarded a $18 million Cooperative Agreement to the University of New Hampshire on October 1, 2025, to continue operation of the NOAA Joint Hydrographic Center under the Geodetic Surveys and Services program (CFDA 11.400).

The University of New Hampshire will conduct hydrographic surveying and ocean mapping research and education through September 30, 2030, at its facility in Lee, New Hampshire. The center will advance three priority areas: improving U.S. capabilities in acquiring high-quality ocean and coastal data, enhancing delivery of marine geospatial products and services, and developing expertise in marine geospatial and soundscape data. Research activities include improving sensor systems, developing new data processing techniques for marine mineral identification and quantification, and integrating artificial intelligence and machine learning into ocean mapping. Working with NOAA and private industry partners, the university will enhance hydrographic data collection efficiency, develop uncrewed surface vessel capability, improve data quality and processing, and create products supporting navigation chart production. The center will maintain and expand its education, training, and outreach programs to build workforce capacity in marine geospatial sciences. Expected outcomes include products and methodologies supporting U.S. safe navigation, resource management, and improved survey techniques.

This project will provide support to continue the operation of a NOAA joint hydrographic center for hydrographic surveying and ocean mapping research and education at the university of new hampshire. The joint hydrographic center is a national center for hydrographic, ocean and coastal mapping sciences that serves NOAA and the nation through research, advanced education, and the development of state-of-the-art hydrographic surveying and ocean mapping technologies and tools. The project activities address three priorities: advancing technology to improve U.S. Capabilities in acquiring high-quality ocean and coastal data, enhancing the delivery of marine geospatial products and services, and developing expertise in marine geospatial and soundscape data. Research efforts will include improving sensor systems, developing new data processing techniques, including approaches for the identification and quantification of marine minerals, and integrating advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence and machine learning through a range of ocean mapping activities. Working with NOAA and private industry partners, the university of new hampshire will focus on enhancing the efficiency of hydrographic data collection, developing uncrewed surface vessel capability, improving data quality and processing, and creating innovative products that will enhance the navigation chart production process. The center will maintain and enhance its education and training program as well as its outreach efforts to raise awareness about the importance of ocean mapping. The program emphasizes the importance of translating research into practical applications, ensuring that new technologies and tools are quickly integrated into NOAA's operational systems. The expected outcomes are products and improved methodologies that support U.S. Safe navigation and resource management, and improve survey techniques, especially as they relate to exploration for mineral resources and a highly trained workforce.