Seafloor Mapping
Kathryn Ford, Steve Voss
Although habitat is incorporated in virtually all of our projects, in 2007 it was decided to initiate a program specifically focused on the classification and delineation of fish habitats. We work with DMF’s lobster program, trawl survey, and shellfish program to better interpret benthic habitats, in particular. Check the links below to learn more about our projects and see our equipment. We’re working on an on-line field guide for an in-water perspective of habitats and their critters, so check back soon.
Seafloor (Benthic) Mapping
DMF collects a variety of benthic data, including acoustic data (primarily multibeam with backscatter), video data, and grab data. This data gets processed and housed in an ArcGIS geodatabase, and we use it to conduct benthic habitat assessments. We also utilize existing datasets from the USGS, CZM, and other researchers, as well as information from DMF’s trawl and lobster surveys, EFH and HAPC information, and shellfish suitability information. We are currently conducting an assessment of the benthic habitats of Buzzards Bay. In addition to assembling the dataset for Buzzards Bay, we are using the classification scheme developed by Gary Greene to create an index of habitat types.
We have two other projects that we work very closely with:
- The USGS-CZM partnership in ocean mapping is a well-established, multi-year program that is designed to map all of Massachusetts waters.
- The Integrated Ocean Observing System (IOOS) has funded a partnership from DMF, WHOI, UNH, and UConn to create a mobile benthic observatory that conducts real-time acoustic and video mapping of habitats on Jeffries Ledge and Georges Bank.
Water column (Pelagic) Mapping
The multibeam instrument which we support, a Kongsberg EM-3002, has water-column mapping capabilities. We investigated its use in identifying floating lobster line.
Tools and Equipment
Focus-2 Towed Underwater Vehicle : The Focus-2 is an instrument platform designed for stability. It has automatic control of roll and pitch. It can be on-the-fly programmed for constant altitude, constant depth, or undulating tows. It can be interfaced with an autopilot for automatic yaw control. It has been mounted with a video system and the EM-3002 multibeam system. Other systems being considered include a video plankton recorder and a CTD. The system included a topside unit, a fiber optic tow cable on a computer controlled winch system, and a genset for the winch.
Focus-2 on the R/V Quest
Kongsberg EM-3002 Multibeam : This is a 300kHz shallow-water multibeam system. It has roughly a 4x water-depth swath width. It has been mounted on the R/V Gloria Michelle (at NOAA’s Northeast Fisheries Science Center) and DMF’s R/V Mya.
EM-3002 in transit on the Mya
Video Systems : Within DMF there are several underwater video systems. These are used for a variety of projects, including gear development (Conservation Engineering) and habitat mapping (Lobster Investigations). The Focus-2 has been integrated with a video system, and Lobster Investigations has a pyramid-frame-mounted system specifically designed for benthic work. In addition, we have partnered with EPA to utilize their Sediment Profile Imaging camera and the USGS to use their SeaBOSS imaging/grab system.
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