EK80 Water Column Sonar Data Collected During NF-15-01-USVI

Mapping Essential Fish Habitat in the US Caribbean to Inform MPA Management (NF-15-01-USVI, EK80). Scientists will collect high resolution multibeam and acoustic fisheries data in mid-water
depths approximately 10 to 2000 meters so as to continue to characterize seafloor
habitats within all U.S. States, Territories, and Commonwealths. The objective of this
project is to collect a multibeam bathymetry dataset with 100% seafloor ensonification,
along with multibeam backscatter suitable for seafloor characterization. Fishery acoustics
data will be collected to characterize broad-scale fish abundance, biomass, and utilization
patterns, as well as to locate and document fish spawning aggregations. Multibeam data
will be collected to conform to IHO Order 1 (less than 100m) and Order 2 (greater than 100m) accuracy
standards. The strategies developed for each survey area will take into account the
minimum depths, general bathymetry, and time allotment. The delineation and
identification of seafloor habitats will be assisted by the use of a moderate-depth
Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV). The vehicle has video and frame camera capability
to depths of 300 meters and will be used for transect sampling within areas mapped
during this mission. Two Slocum Glider G2 will be deployed during the duration of the
project to collect oceanographic data and passive fish acoustics in the study region.