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Integration of submersible transect data and high-resolution multibeam sonar imagery for a habitat-based groundfish assessment of Heceta Bank, Oregon

ScholarsArchive at Oregon State University

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Title Integration of submersible transect data and high-resolution multibeam sonar imagery for a habitat-based groundfish assessment of Heceta Bank, Oregon
Names Nasby-Lucas, Nicole M. (creator)
Embley, Bob W. (creator)
Hixon, Mark A. (creator)
Merle, Susan G. (creator)
Tissot, Brian N. (creator)
Wright, Dawn J. (creator)
Date Issued 2002 (iso8601)
Abstract In the face of dramatic declines
in groundfish populations and
a lack of sufficient stock assessment
information, a need has arisen for new
methods of assessing groundfish populations.
We describe the integration of
seafloor transect data gathered by a
manned submersible with high-resolution
sonar imagery to produce a habitat-
based stock assessment system
for groundfish. The data sets used in
this study were collected from Heceta
Bank, Oregon, and were derived from
42 submersible dives (1988–90) and
a multibeam sonar survey (1998).
The submersible habitat survey investigated
seafloor topography and
groundfish abundance along 30-minute
transects over six predetermined stations
and found a statistical relationship
between habitat variability and
groundfish distribution and abundance.
These transects were analyzed in a
geographic information system (GIS)
by using dynamic segmentation to display
changes in habitat along the transects.
We used the submersible data to
extrapolate fish abundance within uniform
habitat patches over broad areas
of the bank by means of a habitat classification based on the sonar imagery.
After applying a navigation correction
to the submersible-based habitat segments,
a good correlation with major
boundaries on the backscatter and
topographic boundaries on the imagery
were apparent. Extrapolation of the
extent of uniform habitats was made
in the vicinity of the dive stations and
a preliminary stock assessment of several
species of demersal fish was calculated.
Such a habitat-based approach
will allow researchers to characterize
marine communities over large areas
of the seafloor.
Genre Article
Identifier Nasby-Lucas, N. M., Embley, B. W., Hixon, M. A., Merle, S. G., Tissot, B. N., & Wright, D. J. (2002). Integration of submersible transect data and high-resolution multibeam sonar imagery for a habitat-based groundfish assessment of Heceta Bank, Oregon [Electronic version]. Fishery Bulletin, 100(4), 739-751.

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