Bottom Mapping and Habitat Characterization of the Navy's East Coast Undersea Warfare Training Range

In early 2010 the Navy conducted surveys of the proposed Undersea Warfare Training Range (USWTR) that will be constructed off the northeast coast of Florida. The project consisted of two parts, the first being an initial hydrographic survey using a multibeam sonar and a sub-bottom profiler to determine bathymetry and sediment thickness throughout the range. The second part consisted of a ground-truthing survey which included the use of a remotely operated vehicle (ROV) to collect video footage, as well as the collection of benthic cores and bottom grabs to determine sediment type and characteristics. These data were spatially integrated during post-processing to develop habitat characterizations of the range and identify areas designated as Essential Fish Habitat. These data have provided crucial information needed for the design and development of the range as well as for determining and limiting potential impacts to the environment during construction and use of the range.