EX2202: Caribbean Mapping (MACHC partnership)

From March 10 - 28, 2021 (Key West, FL to San Juan, Puerto Rico), NOAA Ocean Exploration conducted mapping operations south of Puerto Rico in U.S. waters, aiding in closing bathymetric gaps within this region. EX-22-02 collected 18,850 square kilometers of bathymetry and associated water column data, 18,033 square kilometers of which were within the U.S. Exclusive Economic Zone and Territorial Sea deeper than 200 m. During mapping operations, NOAA Ocean Exploration simultaneously collected EM 304 multibeam sonar bathymetry observations and Simrad EK60/EK80 split-beam fisheries sonar observations of biologic material in the water column, as well as Knudsen 3260 sub-bottom profiler observations of sub-seafloor geologic structure and sediment. A single CTD cast during the expedition validated deep deployment capabilities in preparation for planned CTD operations on EX-22-03. The exploratory mapping operations conducted during this cruise will provide initial characterization of the region, as well as data to support further exploration.