May 4, 2014 — NOAA ships, small boats, and hydrographic services contractors will be surveying more than 2,000 square nautical miles in US coastal waters this year, collecting data that will strengthen the foundation of the nation’s environmental intelligence.
Most of the vessels have already set sail to their initial project areas.
The NOAA Office of Coast Survey will manage and conduct surveys that will measure water depths and collect ocean floor data so the agency can update its nautical charts, identify navigational hazards, support wind farm sitings, map ocean habitats, and assist state governments with their ocean projects.
“Accurate data are absolutely necessary to engage in informed discussions and make sound ocean policy,” said Holly Bamford, Ph.D., assistant NOAA administrator for NOAA’s National Ocean Service.
Protecting life and property at sea is the major objective of the hydrographic survey programme. Since vibrant tourism and commercial fishing industries mean more traffic on the ocean, NOAA ships Rainier and Fairweather will gather hydrographic data to supplement old and sparse depth measurements on nautical charts covering Alaska's Kodiak Island.