Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF) has revealed a large part of the country has been surveyed under the ongoing hydrographic survey of Maldivian waters.
The hydrographic survey of territorial waters in the northern and central atolls of the Maldives was launched by MNDF in April, under the assistance of the Indian Navy. MNDF revealed an area of 944sqkm has been surveyed so far, including 844 sqkm between Hanimaadhoo, Haa Dhaalu Atoll and Farukolhu Funadhoo, Shaviyani Atoll, as well as 100sqkm near Male’.
MNDF said the main objective of the survey is to ensure the safety of trade routes in the Maldives. MNDF said the survey will enable the updating of charts, which will help to identify new lagoons and shallow areas in the sea and reduce accidents.
Furthermore, MNDF noted the project will provide the information required to legalise insurance claims and expand the economy. MNDF stated information related to coastal zone management required to assess the environmental impact of the Maldives can also be collected.