Bathymetry grids compiled from multibeam sonar on the TAN2412 voyage of the R/V Tangaroa

Not to be used for navigational purposes. This dataset contains bathymetry grids from the TAN2412 survey of the R/V Tangaroa in 2024 around the southwest Pacific Ocean, This overall research project aims to resolve the long-standing mystery of New Zealand longfin (Anguilla dieffenbachii) and shortfin (A. australis schmidtii) eel life cycles using cutting-edge approaches. Our primary objectives with this voyage were to: (1) generate an isotopic map of the western South Pacific Ocean (WSP) to improve understanding of eel migration and spawning environments, (2) investigate the region’s biogeochemistry and primary productivity drivers, and (3) analyse the broader structure and functioning of WSP ecosystems. As such, the TAN2412 research voyage aboard the RV Tangaroa (17 October – 21 November 2024) collect seawater, plankton, and micronekton specimen samples, alongside hydrographic, acoustic, and multi-beam mapping data, to achieve these goals. Samples were collected at specific stations while acoustic and multi-beam data was collected while underway and at each station." Bathymetric data was collected using a Kongsberg EM302 multibeam system using a Applanix POS MV Oceanmaster GPS Inertial Navigation System. Multibeam data was collected mainly along transits. Sound velocity profiles were generated using the Sound Speed Manager v.2018.1.50 application and the World Ocean Database 2013. The raw multibeam data has been uploaded into the International Hydrographic Organization’s Data Centre for Digital Bathymetry (IHO DCDB) available at https://www.ncei.noaa.gov/iho-data-centre-digital-bathymetry.