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Project Description
A description of the GOM Marine Debris Project
During the 2005 hurricane season, hurricane Katrina inflicted severe damage on the Gulf of Mexico coastal region, and deposited huge amounts of debris over large areas of the Gulf coast. Submerged marine debris poses a hazard to vessel traffic and can adversely affect commercially viable fishing grounds.
In an effort to address these concerns, survey work began in September 2006 using side scan sonar to image the sea floor and locate marine debris. Sounding measurements are also taken to determine the depth of each contact. The Office of Coast Survey uses this data to update nautical charts, providing mariners with more accurate and up-to-date navigation information. The mapping aspect of the project will aid in the identification of submerged object location, and assist debris removal efforts to restore safe navigation and re-establish viable commercial fishing in the region.
The Marine Debris Program and Office of Response and Restoration, along with state National Sea Grant Offices, are leading a public outreach effort which includes a project Web site where users can access printable maps indicating submerged object location and density. The maps provide survey data to those who need it for submerged object avoidance and removal activities. The project website also links to a scaleable, interactive mapping server (IMS) that provides information on each submerged object identified, and allows users to highlight unique data layers, such as navigation aids and benthic habitat information. NOAA is working collaboratively with local, state, and federal stakeholders to determine their data needs and to develop methods of disseminating this information in a useful and effective manner.
The Gulf of Mexico Marine Debris Project team is working closely with regional outreach organizations to develop a comprehensive strategy for effectively disseminating survey results to the public using brochures, posters, and media releases, as well as the project website. This is an ongoing process, and the team has already determined that outreach efforts will focus on critical stakeholders which include, but are not limited to: commercial and recreational fishing and shrimp boat operators, recreational boaters, harbor masters, marina owners, natural resource managers, and coastal planners.
New characterization of submerged objects detected, including density and volume, is now available and will continue to be updated as the project continues. The project team will also continue to solicit specific feedback on the web-based IMS to ensure the most meaningful data layers are available to users. Additionally, the team will produce planning documents to aid in the coordination of marine debris removal following future hurricane activity.
To assist in the coordination efforts and stakeholder outreach, the NOAA Gulf of Mexico Marine Debris Project team opened a field coordination office in the Hale Boggs Federal Complex at 501 Magazine Street, New Orleans, LA 70130.
In an effort to address these concerns, survey work began in September 2006 using side scan sonar to image the sea floor and locate marine debris. Sounding measurements are also taken to determine the depth of each contact. The Office of Coast Survey uses this data to update nautical charts, providing mariners with more accurate and up-to-date navigation information. The mapping aspect of the project will aid in the identification of submerged object location, and assist debris removal efforts to restore safe navigation and re-establish viable commercial fishing in the region.
The Marine Debris Program and Office of Response and Restoration, along with state National Sea Grant Offices, are leading a public outreach effort which includes a project Web site where users can access printable maps indicating submerged object location and density. The maps provide survey data to those who need it for submerged object avoidance and removal activities. The project website also links to a scaleable, interactive mapping server (IMS) that provides information on each submerged object identified, and allows users to highlight unique data layers, such as navigation aids and benthic habitat information. NOAA is working collaboratively with local, state, and federal stakeholders to determine their data needs and to develop methods of disseminating this information in a useful and effective manner.
The Gulf of Mexico Marine Debris Project team is working closely with regional outreach organizations to develop a comprehensive strategy for effectively disseminating survey results to the public using brochures, posters, and media releases, as well as the project website. This is an ongoing process, and the team has already determined that outreach efforts will focus on critical stakeholders which include, but are not limited to: commercial and recreational fishing and shrimp boat operators, recreational boaters, harbor masters, marina owners, natural resource managers, and coastal planners.
New characterization of submerged objects detected, including density and volume, is now available and will continue to be updated as the project continues. The project team will also continue to solicit specific feedback on the web-based IMS to ensure the most meaningful data layers are available to users. Additionally, the team will produce planning documents to aid in the coordination of marine debris removal following future hurricane activity.
To assist in the coordination efforts and stakeholder outreach, the NOAA Gulf of Mexico Marine Debris Project team opened a field coordination office in the Hale Boggs Federal Complex at 501 Magazine Street, New Orleans, LA 70130.
