Year
2023-2024
Operation Area
Gulf of Maine
Purpose
The Gulf of Maine is a biologically rich and ecologically significant region and home to diverse marine life that plays a crucial role in maintaining marine biodiversity. It is one of the highest mapping priorities due to its significant commercial fisheries supported by diverse habitats, including deep-sea corals, and the potential to support wind energy. However, identifying and mapping these habitats has been challenging due to their remote locations and the vastness of the ocean.
Saildrone worked with the Northeast Fisheries Science Center, National Centers for Coastal Ocean Science, and the Office of Habitat Conservation’s Deep-sea Coral Program to gather high-resolution seafloor mapping data that will lead to habitat characterization and inform responsible offshore wind development and fisheries management in the region.
This project employed a pair of Saildrone Voyager USVs, equipped with NORBIT WINGHEAD i80s long-range multibeam echo sounders, to survey an expansive area in the north-central Gulf of Maine.
Results
Two Saildrone Voyager uncrewed surface vehicles (USVs) surveyed 1,122 sq nm in an area of the north-central Gulf that had never been mapped in high resolution. The mission primarily focused on the Jordan and Georges Basins, at depths up to 300 meters (900 feet).
In addition to bathymetric data, backscatter, temperature, salinity, and depth profiles, which are essential for understanding the habitat preferences of these corals, were also collected. The data has revealed a complex and varied underwater landscape, reflecting its glacial history and dynamic oceanographic processes.
The use of autonomous technology not only enhanced the efficiency and scope of the survey but also minimized the environmental impact and risk to personnel typically associated with manned missions.
