The humanitarian program, Geoscientists Without Borders (GWB), launched by the Society of Exploration Geophysicists (SEG) six years ago, will sponsor a new project in Tanzania to prevent an ecological disaster that would impact the fisheries and the population that depends on them.
Professor Michael McGlue will lead the project. His team will include the Nature Conservancy and Tanzania Fisheries Research Institute. The project goal is to prevent the collapse of the littoral Lake Tanganyika fishery which would be a disaster for the quality of life of the rapidly growing populations of impoverished people in the area, and would irreversibly damage one of the world’s most spectacularly diverse freshwater ecosystems. High-resolution, marine geophysical survey data and analysis will be provided by the project team to local stakeholders for developing a new conservation strategy that focuses on small-scale protected zones.
Dr. McGlue, Pioneer Professor at the University of Kentucky, explained “This project is truly translational geoscience – new benthic habitat maps will help define small scale protected zones that will secure the health and productivity of the littoral fishery and thus improve the quality of life of lakeshore villagers.”
Project team member Colin Apse, The Nature Conservancy Freshwater Program Director (Africa Program), agreed, saying “We look forward to integrating new geophysical and remote sensing data into freshwater strategies designed to protect the aquatic biodiversity of Lake Tanganyika.”
GWB projects work to ensure sustainable results after project completion. To that goal, Tanzanians working on the project will receive on-the job training in geophysics and the principles of benthic habitat mapping. Dr. McGlue added, “This project will also benefit a number of graduate and undergraduate students at the University of Kentucky, and help introduce them to marine-type geophysical surveying and science in the service of humanity.”
Thanks to the passion of donors both corporate and individual, Geoscientists Without Borders has invested US$1.7million in more than 21 selected projects in 17 countries. The total value of an individual project is much higher thanks to partnerships and collaborations. Each project has multiple partners and every one involves the local communities or governments to ensure sustainability.
About SEG
The Society of Exploration Geophysicists (www.seg.org), the international society of applied geophysics, is a not-for-profit organization that promotes the science of geophysics and the education of applied geophysicists. SEG fosters the expert and ethical practice of geophysics in the exploration and development of natural resources, in characterizing the near surface, and in mitigating Earth hazards. The Society, which has 32,000 members in 138 countries, fulfills its mission through its publications, conferences, forums, and educational opportunities.
About GWB
Geoscientists Without Borders (www.seg.org/gwb) was established by the SEG Foundation in 2008 with a $1 million leadership investment from Schlumberger. Since then, PGS, CGG, Kiwi Energy, Santos, LLC, Global Geophysical, and many other individuals have joined to support the program. Geoscientists Without Borders is transforming lives around the world by providing humanitarian application of geoscience solutions to global problems by connecting universities and industries with communities in need. Projects include the application of geophysical science, information and technology to improve poor conditions or mitigate dangerous conditions and hazards.
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