The bathymetry is the underwater equivalent  to altimetry. It is the study of marine depth, the third layer of lacustrine or marine depth. A bathymetric map or chart usually shows the bottom relief or terrain as Isolines, and may also provide additional information on surface navigation.

The Directorate of the Galapagos National Park and the "Instituto Oceanográfico de la Armada" (INOCAR) are implementing a pilot project of marine bio-zoning, which consists of high-resolution maps of the seabed of the archipelago to determine the regions where marine species exist which require special handling, such as the sea cucumber or lobster.

For bathymetric mapping, the data comes from a sonar mounted under the keel or side of a ship, launching a sound wave to the seafloor. The amount of time it takes for sound to go through the water, bouncing on the bottom and back, lets the computer know the actual depth. By tracking the waters of the Galapagos Marine Reserve, the relief of the seabed is revealed.

With this program, technicians from the INOCAR and the DGNP are identifying three basic parameters for development of susceptible species: marine substrate structure, ie. whether it is rocky, sandy, or influenced by currents; habitat of the species; and biological information on primary productivity (phytoplankton).

All this information will allow for reliable scientific and technical data in making decisions about the management of major fisheries in the Galapagos Marine Reserve.

The islands on which these parameters will be studied are Isabela, Santa Cruz, San Cristóbal, Fernandina, Floreana and Española.

Results

So far information has been acquired of two fishing sites known as Urbina Bay and "Los Cañones", west of Isabela Island.

The DGNP provided all facilities for the logistics on this first trip, held aboard the patrol boat "Guadalupe River," also providing divers and technicians. For their part, INOCAR also provided technical staff and high-resolution equipment.

It is expected that the artisanal fishing sector in Galapagos participate in subsequent trips to other islands as part of this program, since its success depends on participation and collaboration of all institutions and sectors involved in the management and sustainable use of resources of the Galapagos Marine Reserve.

This program has counted on the support of:

(INOCAR) - Oceanographic institute of the army on Ecuador.