@inbook {6310, title = {Applying a Standardized Classification Scheme (CMECS) to Multibeam Sonar and ROV Video Data on Gosnold Seamount}, booktitle = {Seafloor Geomorphology as Benthic Habitat: GeoHab Atlas of Seafloor Geomorphic Features and Benthic Habitat}, year = {In Press}, edition = {2nd }, abstract = {

The Coastal and Marine Ecological Classification Standard (CMECS) is a federally-endorsed marine ecological classification scheme used in the United States. CMECS provides a useful framework for integrating available datasets about a marine region in order to characterize environmental attributes and habitat features. Developing pragmatic methods to apply the standard in a repeatable way (with limited field data) for initial characterization of deep sea habitats remains a challenge.

This study focused on application of CMECS to Gosnold Seamount within the New England Seamount Chain by analyzing multibeam sonar bathymetry and backscatter data and high-definition remotely-operated vehicle (ROV) video data collected by NOAA\’s Office of Ocean Exploration and Research. A preliminary spatial segmentation was obtained by first automatically segmenting the seafloor into geomorphic landform types (i.e. CMECS \“geoform\” units) based on multibeam bathymetry; then, to inform potential CMECS \“substrate\” classification, the method used co-located multibeam backscatter to detect similarity among segments. ROV video imagery was analyzed through a separate annotation process and used as ground-truth information to describe the general substrate character of seafloor segments over which the ROV had traversed. ROV video imagery was also analyzed to describe biological composition, diversity, and abundance (i.e. the CMECS \“biotic\” component).

This work provides a case study to assess methodology for practical application of CMECS for initial characterization of a deep sea seamount feature by combining observations from a ROV and multibeam sonar-derived bathymetry and backscatter.

}, keywords = {CMECS, mbes, rov video}, url = {https://www.geohab2018.org/program}, author = {Derek Sowers and Jennifer A. Dijkstra and Giuseppe Masetti and Larry A Mayer and Kristen Mello and Mashkoor A Malik} } @article {6309, title = {Bathymetric and Reflectivity-derived Data Fusion for Preliminary Seafloor Segmentation and Strategic Bottom Sampling}, year = {2018}, month = {May 7-11}, pages = {Santa Barbara, CA}, abstract = {

Modern multibeam sonars and processing software typically produce geo-located bathymetry and backscatter mosaic products, thus offering the opportunity to treat both data sets together to support seafloor characterization. However, there are few studies that have offered general methods for using machine-focused (automated) approaches for seafloor segmentation that combine and use the information found in co-located bathymetric digital elevation models (DEMs) and acoustic reflectivity mosaics.

We explore a methodology to combine both bathymetry and backscatter data to automatically segment the seafloor. The proposed method attempts to mimic the approach taken by a skilled analyst assuming that, when called upon to manually segment a seafloor area, the analyst initially evaluates the context surrounding the area and attempts to take full advantage of both bathymetric and reflectivity products rather than focusing on small-scale geomorphometric variability (e.g., local rugosity). The result is a bathymetry- and reflectivity-based estimator for seafloor segmentation that mimics the positive aspects of the segmentation process as performed by a skilled analyst (e.g., the use of context and multiple inputs) but avoids the inherent deficiencies (subjectivity, processing time, lack of reproducibility).

The algorithm starts by adopting principles of topographic openness, pattern recognition, and texture classification to identify geomorphic elements of the seafloor or \“area kernels\”, and then derives the final seafloor segmentation by merging or splitting the kernels based on the principles of similarity and multi-modality.

The output is a collection of preliminary, homogeneous, non-overlapping seafloor segments of consistent morphology and acoustic backscatter texture. Each labeled segment is enriched by a list of derived, physically-meaningful attributes that can be used for subsequent task-specific analysis. In this work, the resulting segments have been evaluated as possible inputs to identify a strategic seafloor sampling (ground-truthing) plan aimed at advancing characterization results while optimizing operational field efforts.

}, keywords = {seafloor segmentation, strategic bottom sampling}, url = {https://www.geohab2018.org/program}, author = {Giuseppe Masetti and Larry A Mayer and Larry G Ward and Derek Sowers} } @article {6484, title = {Mapping Community Structure of Canyons and Seamounts of the Northeastern US Atlantic Margin}, year = {2018}, month = {September 9-14}, pages = {Monterey Bay, CA}, abstract = {

The deep sea communities along the continental margin of the Northeastern United States and the New England Seamount Chain are
biologically diverse systems in which little is known of their distribution and the factors that influence their distribution. In the present study, we examined the distribution and structure of benthic communities along and between ROV tracks and examined relationships between abiotic factors and habitat structure. We analyzed full underwater video footage of 5 canyons and 5 seamounts spanning depths between ~550 m and 2500 m. Tracks were collected by ROV Deep Discoverer during three cruise legs of the 2013-2014 NOAA vessel Okeanos Explorer expeditions along the Atlantic Continental margin. During each dive, a CTD recorded temperature, dissolved oxygen, salinity and depth. We then combined ROV coordinates with CTD, sediment and biological data to map the distribution of benthic communities and their associated environments. To standardize video interpretation, each track was divided into 50 m
longitudinal X 50 cm segments widths and were analyzed for substrate type and organisms. Our findings indicate both coarse and fine-scale difference in community structure between canyons and seamounts, with greater abundance of organisms in canyons and greater evenness and diversity associated to seamounts. Our correlations of abiotic factors and community structure indicate that dissolved oxygen and salinity concentrations were linked to greater evenness and dissolved oxygen concentrations with diversity of organisms for both canyons and seamounts.

}, author = {Jennifer A. Dijkstra and Kristen Mello and Mashkoor A Malik and Derek Sowers and Larry A Mayer} } @article {6285, title = {Working with Video to Improve Deep-Sea Habitat Characterization}, volume = {31, No.1, Supplement}, year = {2018}, month = {March}, pages = {64-67}, publisher = {The Oceanographic Society}, abstract = {

Videos collected from ROVs empower people to explore the ocean from any location. Beyond the immediate value of revealing the mysteries of the deep ocean, video footage provides a rich data source that contributes to our fundamental understanding of the physical, biological, and chemical properties of explored ocean areas. NOAA\’s Office of Exploration and Research and its partners are improving video data management to extract the highest scientific value from these hard-to-obtain surveys of the deep. In addition to making video data publicly available through the OER Video Portal (https://www.nodc.noaa.gov/oer/video), OER and its partner organizations are adding substantial scientific value to video data through development of species identification guides, improved scientific annotations, application of a standard classification scheme, citizen scientist engagement, and improved marine habitat assessment and characterization.

}, keywords = {habitat characterization, Video}, url = {https://tos.org/oceanography/assets/docs/31-1_supplement.pdf}, author = {Peter J. Etnoyer and Mashkoor A Malik and Derek Sowers and Caitlin Ruby and Rachel Bassett and Jennifer A. Dijkstra and Nikolai Pawlenko and Susan Gottfried and Kristen Mello and Mark Finkbeiner and Angela Sallis} } @article {6118, title = {Deepwater Exploration of the Marianas}, volume = {30(1)}, year = {2017}, month = {March 2017}, pages = {60-65}, publisher = {Oceanography Society}, doi = {https://doi.org/10.5670/oceanog.2017.supplement.01$\#$sthash.usB6fq8O.dpuf}, url = {http://tos.org/oceanography/issue/volume-30-issue-01-supplement}, author = {D.J. Amon and P. Fryer and D. Glickson and S.A. Pomponi and Elizabeth Lobecker and K. Cantwell and Kelley Elliott and Derek Sowers} } @article {6117, title = {New Technologies for Ocean Mapping}, volume = {30(1)}, year = {2017}, month = {March 2017}, pages = {43-45}, publisher = {Oceanography Society}, doi = {https://doi.org/10.5670/oceanog.2017.supplement.01}, url = {https://tos.org/oceanography/issue/volume-30-issue-01-supplement}, author = {Elizabeth Lobecker and Derek Sowers and Mashkoor A Malik} } @article {5768, title = {Coarse and Fine Scale Patterns of Community Structure of Benthic Habitats Along the US Atlantic Continental Margin}, year = {2016}, month = {March 16-19}, address = {Portland, ME}, keywords = {Atlantic continental margin, benthic habitats, scale patterns}, author = {Kristen Mello and Jennifer A. Dijkstra and Mashkoor A Malik and Derek Sowers and Lindsay McKenna and Elizabeth Lobecker} } @article {5701, title = {Exploring Deep Sea Habitats for Baseline Characterization Using NOAA Ship Okeanos Explorer}, year = {2015}, month = {December 14-18}, address = {San Francisco, CA}, abstract = {

In 2015, NOAA Ship Okeanos Explorer, the only US federal ship dedicated to ocean exploration, systematically explored previously unknown deep sea ecosystems in the Caribbean and remote regions in the vicinity of the Hawaiian Islands. Initial characterization of these areas is essential in order to establish a baseline against which to assess potential future changes due to climate and anthropogenic change. In the Caribbean, over 37,500 sq km of previously unmapped seafloor were mapped with a high resolution multibeam revealing rugged canyons along shelf breaks, intricate incised channels, and complex tectonic features. 12 ROV dives, in the 300-6,000 m depth range, visually explored seamounts, escarpments, submarine canyons, and the water column revealing diverse ecosystems and habitats. Discoveries include large assemblages of deep sea corals, range extensions, and observations of several rare and potentially new organisms - including a seastar that had not been documented since its holotype specimen. In the Pacific, over 50,000 sq km of seafloor were mapped in high-resolution, revealing long linear ridge and tectonic fracture zone features, both peaked and flat-topped seamounts, and numerous features that appear to be volcanic in origin. To better understand ecosystem dynamics in depths greater than 2,000 m, the deepest ever ROV surveys and sampling were conducted in remote Pacific island marine sanctuaries and monuments. Novel observations include range extensions and exploration of dense deep sea coral and sponge habitat. Baseline habitat characterization was also conducted on seamounts within the Prime Crust Zone (PCZ), an area with the highest expected concentration of deep-sea minerals in the Pacific. The Hawaiian operations marked the first ever ROV sampling effort conducted onboard Okeanos, and several geological and biological samples are now available at museums and sample repositories in addition to all digital data available through the National Archives.

}, keywords = {deep sea habitats, okeanos explorer}, author = {Lindsay McKenna and Kasey Cantwell and Brian Kennedy and Kelley Elliott and Elizabeth Lobecker and Derek Sowers} } @article {5698, title = {NOAA Ship Okeanos Explorer 2015: Exploring from the Atlantic to the Pacific}, year = {2015}, month = {December 4}, address = {Center for Coastal and Ocean Mapping (CCOM)/Joint Hydrographic Center (JHC)}, abstract = {

In 2015, the NOAA Ship\ Okeanos Explorer\ crossed from the Atlantic to the Pacific, exploring the waters of Puerto Rico, two marine national monuments, and waters from Rhode Island to Hawaii along the way.The field season started in February with a transit to the Caribbean. During three legs\ Oc\éano Profundo 2015: Exploring Puerto Rico\’s Seamounts, Trenches, and Troughs, the\ Okeanos Explorer\ explored largely uncharted deep-sea ecosystems and seafloor in the vicinity of Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.\  Highlights of the expedition include, deploying free-vehicles to the bottom of the 8,000 m Puerto Rico Trench,\ identification of the very rare starfish,\ Laetmaster spectabilis,\ known previously from only one specimen collected in 1881, observations of at least two new species, and mapping\ 37,500 sq km of previously unmapped seafloor in high resolution revealing rugged canyons, intricate incised channels, and complex tectonic features. In May and June the ship transited through the\ Panama Canal to the Pacific Ocean. Along the way the sonars collected opportunistic mapping data.

In June, the ship began the three month\ Hohonu Moana: Exploring the Deep Waters off Hawai\’i expedition. The focus of the expedition was exploring\ unknown deep-sea ecosystems in the Hawaiian Archipelago and offshore Johnston Atoll\ in support o f\ priority marine national monument and national marine sanctuary science and management needs.\ Over 50,000 sq km of seafloor were mapped in high-resolution and\ 49 ROV dives were conducted over the course of the expedition.\ Hohonu Moana\ marked the first time\ Okeanos Explorer\ collected physical samples with ROV\ Deep Discoverer. Limited rock samples\ were collected to provide more information about geologic features in the region. Biological sampling was limited to potential new species or new animal records for the Hawai\’i region and so all were surprised by the number of samples collected \– 70 \– highlighting how much remains to be explored and discovered in our deep ocean.\ The presentation will focus on the importance of ocean exploration, highlights from the 2015 field season, and a discussion of what\&$\#$39;s to come in 2016, when six new sonars are added to the ship and the Office of Ocean Exploration and Research continues its ground breaking work in remote parts of the Pacific Ocean.

}, url = {http://ccom.unh.edu/seminars/noaa-ship-okeanos-explorer-2015-exploring-atlantic-pacific}, author = {Lindsay McKenna and Derek Sowers and Elizabeth Lobecker and Kelley Elliott} } @article {5282, title = {Utilizing New Multibeam Sonar Datasets to Map Potential Locations of Sensitive Benthic Habitats in the U.S. Atlantic Extended Continental Shelf}, year = {2013}, month = {9-13 December}, address = {San Francisco, CA}, keywords = {benthic habitat, continental shelf, multibeam sonar}, author = {Derek Sowers and Larry A Mayer and James V. Gardner} } @article {4908, title = {Concurrent Assessment of Eelgrass Beds (Zostera narina) and Salt Marsh Communities Along the Estuarine Gradient of the South Slough, Oregon}, volume = {SI 55}, year = {2008}, month = {November 2008}, pages = {121-134}, abstract = {

Salt marshes, eelgrass beds (Zostera marina), and benthic macroalgae frequently occur in close proximity along the steep tidal channels of Pacific Northwest estuaries, where they constitute distinct patches of transitional land-margin habitat. The eelgrass beds and adjacent salt marshes within the South Slough National Estuarine Research Reserve, Oregon, provide an opportunity to investigate commonalities and differences between two ecological-indicator communities that are often separated by only a few meters. The principal objectives of this study are to establish a series of adjacent eelgrass and salt marsh assessment and monitoring sites within different hydrographic regions of the South Slough estuary and to characterize initial temporal and spatial changes in the composition of the plant communities in accordance with new field protocols developed by the National Estuarine Research Reserve System (NERRS) and by SeagrassNet. Eelgrass beds and emergent salt marsh communities were sampled at three study sites located along the estuarine gradient of the South Slough (43\°20\′N, 124\°19\′W). Study sites were established at (1) Collver Point (marine-dominated region), (2) Valino Island (polyhaline region), and (3) Danger Point (riverine/mesohaline region). Ambient water parameters and water column nutrients were monitored throughout the study period (2004\–05) as part of the South Slough NERR System-Wide Monitoring Program. Periodic assessment of Rod Sediment Elevation Table (RSET) stations established within the eelgrass beds revealed that surface elevation increased at a rate of about 0.84 mm mo\−1 at the Valino Island site but decreased at a rate of about 0.44 mm mo\−1 at the Danger Point study site. Metrics of community richness, diversity, and species equitability indicate that the adjacent salt marshes and eelgrass beds develop community characteristics within the South Slough that are strongly reflective of their location along the estuarine gradient. The community composition, spatial cover, and density of macrophytes within the salt marsh and eelgrass communities were very similar between the Collver Point and Valino Island study sites, where mean monthly salinities in the tidal channel ranged between 25 and 32, and water temperatures were moderate (10\–16 \°C) throughout the year. In contrast, the salt marsh communities and eelgrass beds were distinctly different at the Danger Point study site, where mean monthly salinities ranged between 10 and 20, and water temperatures were much warmer in summer (20 \°C) than in winter (9 \°C). These intertidal salt marshes and eelgrass beds are highly productive and ecologically important components of the South Slough estuarine ecosystem despite their low richness of macrophyte species and relatively low metrics of community diversity. Recognition of these landscape-level differences in composition and productivity of submersed and emergent vegetation is important in the South Slough because the plant communities have potential to serve as reference sites to gauge the effectiveness of off-site habitat restoration and enhancement efforts.

}, keywords = {estuarine gradient; eelgrass beds; salt marsh communities}, url = {http://dx.doi.org/10.2112/SI55-016.1}, author = {Rumrill, Steven S.}, editor = {Derek Sowers} } @article {4909, title = {Benefits of Geographic Information Systems for State and Regional Ocean Management}, year = {1999}, month = {October 1999}, institution = {Oregon State University }, chapter = {Oregon Sea Grant, Special Report 99-01}, address = {Corvallis, OR, USA}, abstract = {

The principal goal of this study was to determine the potential benefits of using Geographic Information Systems (GIS) to manage marine resources and ocean space, emphasizing state ocean interests. We also wanted to know how these benefits might foster more integration in ocean management, as well as more equity, efficiency, and effectiveness in decision making. Another question was the perceived value and utility of the regional approaches, such as the Southeast Ocean Planning Information System (OPIS), versus less ambitious, more limited geographic area approaches. The role of the Internet in GIS data sharing was also of interest, given the exponential growth in its use over the last decade and expected growth in the future. To answer these questions, we developed 23 coastal state \“profiles\” on ocean management activities and GIS use, based on literature review and interviews of key state personnel. Two states that illustrated a range of ocean management activism were selected for more in-depth cases (Maine and Florida), along with the regional Southeast OPIS. Because of its proximity to the researchers, Oregon was also examined in more depth than other states, but was not the subject of a full case study. In addition, a special workshop in conjunction with the conference, Coastal Geotools 99, was held to get face-to-face perspectives and examples to supplement the interview and case study process.

}, keywords = {Sea grant; Geographic Information Systems; Ocean Management}, url = {ftp://reef.csc.noaa.gov/pub/opis/bnftrpt.pdf}, author = {Good, James W.}, editor = {Derek Sowers} }