The Institute of Marine Sciences (ICM-CSIC) has strengthened its scientific legacy with the inclusion of these two names—once prominent researchers at the center—in the official cartography of Spain’s submarine relief.
Seafloor mapping reflects both knowledge and the history of those who have dedicated their lives to exploring the ocean. As part of the recent update of submarine toponymy in Spanish waters, the Institute of Marine Sciences (ICM-CSIC) has seen the work of two of its most distinguished figures recognized through the incorporation of their names into the official nomenclature of the Strait of Gibraltar and its adjacent areas. This initiative not only seeks geographic precision but also serves as a historical tribute to the research excellence that has defined the trajectory of the center.
The update of the submarine relief database ensures that names such as Miquel Alcaraz and Agustí Julià become permanently linked to oceanic orography. Miquel Alcaraz was a leading researcher in the study of zooplankton and the metabolism of marine ecosystems, and his presence in the new toponymy symbolizes his immense contribution to biological oceanography. Meanwhile, Agustí Julià was a key marine geologist in understanding sedimentary dynamics and coastal morphology, and his inclusion in the official cartography acknowledges his mastery in interpreting the relief features that now bear his name.
Gemma Ercilla, an ICM researcher who has actively participated in this toponymic redefinition process, highlights the importance of this milestone, noting that naming submarine relief features is not only a matter of cartographic organization but also an act of scientific visibility.
According to Ercilla:
“This work makes it possible to give identity to complex geological structures while paying a necessary tribute to colleagues who paved the way in the exploration of our seas, ensuring that their memory endures in the maps that future generations of oceanographers will use.”
For the ICM-CSIC, this standardization of toponymy—also involving the Spanish Institute of Oceanography (IEO)—is a key tool for research and the protection of the marine environment. Having official and unified names for structures such as canyons or basins allows teams to increase scientific precision by facilitating data exchange in international geoscience and biology projects. Likewise, a clear nomenclature is essential for the designation of Marine Protected Areas and the management of vulnerable habitats, while also preserving institutional memory by integrating the names of pioneers into the technical language of modern oceanography.
Overall, this milestone aligns with the mission of the ICM-CSIC to document and protect the biodiversity and geology of our seas. “The inclusion of members of our institution on the official map of ocean relief highlights the importance of knowledge transfer from basic research to international maritime management tools,” Ercilla concludes.