NOAA Partnership Research Fills Critical Data Gaps in the US Virgin Islands
To provide new high resolution data for the nearshore waters of St. Thomas, St. John, and St Croix, USVI, NCCOS scientists partnered with NOAA’s Office of Coastal Survey, Fugro LADS Corporation, and the US Virgin Islands Territorial Government. The new data filled what were previously significant data gaps in coastal waters (0-30 m water depth).
NOAA’s Office of Coast Survey contracted for the collection of these data primarily meet navigational charting updates and NOAA’s commitment to integrated ocean and coastal mapping (“Map once… use many times”). The data will assist Territorial resource managers and NOAA scientists better understand the extent and condition of coral reef ecosystems and associated marine life.
The locations surveyed are at tremendous risk of human and natural impacts. To access the data, look for 2011 – LiDAR Bathymetry at the Seafloor Characterization of the U.S. Caribbean site.
Seafloor characterization of the U.S. Caribbean, 2011
Related NCCOS Center(s): CCMA
Related Region(s): Caribbean, U.S. Virgin Islands
Shorter web link for sharing: http://coastalscience.noaa.gov/news/?p=3994
