FAQ
Frequently asked questions
| What does GOMMDP stand for? Gulf of Mexico Marine Debris Program How long will this project last? The Project will continue through at least September 30, 2008. How is the Gulf of Mexico Marine Debris Project funded? In May 2006, Congress passed supplemental appropriations to NOAA for data collection and public outreach using hydrographic surveys of underwater debris left in the wake of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita. This supplemental funding was again appropriated in 2007 to continue the work in the coastal Gulf of Mexico regions effected by the storms of 2005. What survey methods and tools are being used for this project? NOAA’s Office of Coast Survey is using five survey contractors to conduct side scan sonar surveys of near shore areas in Louisiana. The surveyors are conducting 200% bottom coverage surveys to determine debris dimensions, clearance depth, echo-sounder depth, and nautical position (latitude and longitude) of each debris contact. This means that the ocean floor within the survey areas is being examined a minimum of two times for debris, with additional examination for individual targets that merit it. Surveyors are on the water (weather permitting), working six to seven days a week to collect this data as quickly as possible. What is a “side-scan sonar”? It is a sonar that can look sideways. Sonar technology can be compared with radar, but uses sound waves and echoes instead of electromagnetic pulses. These pulses are sent in a wide angular pattern down from the sonar emitter or “transducer” to the bottom. The sound pulses are usually on frequencies between 100 and 500 KHz. and are most commonly transmitted from a towed transducer (also known as a “fish”), but there are also hull-mounted versions. The pulses reflect back off of whatever they encounter, and these echoes are received back at the transducer fractions of a second later. Thus each pulse lets us “see” a narrow strip below and to the sides. As the fish advances, an image is displayed on a monitor or a paper plotter.  What does DTON stand for? Danger(s) to Navigation. A term used on navigational charts. Who can I contact for more information? The team can be reached by email at gomdebris@noaa.gov |