MARINE MAPPING IN COASTAL NATIONAL PARKS: MANAGEMENT, SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

The National Park Service manages approximately 3 million acres of submerged natural and cultural resources in ocean and coastal parks. However, few maps of these resources exist. As a result the ability of park managers and scientists to better understand existing conditions as well as impacts from development, climate change and other natural phenomena and/or anthropogenic alterations has been severely limited. The way forward will likely be partnerships that maximize the ability to 'map once and use many times'. The state of Massachusetts has funded a 3 year pilot project to develop methods to produce ‘nearshore resource characterization maps' in very shallow waters (<10 m) in portions of Cape Cod Bay using a state-of-the-art interferometric sonar system. Areas within and adjacent to Cape Cod National Seashore will be included.

Data collection from the first full field season has yielded encouraging results with respect to the concerns of managers and scientists. For instance, information on natural resources including submerged aquatic vegetation as well as habitat and bottom types will inform restoration and aquaculture projects. The mapping of cultural resources, some previously unknown and others imaged for the first time, such as a foundation of a submerged lighthouse and sunken vessels, will contribute to the preservation of these resources and provide unique opportunities for outreach and education. Other issues such as developing a database of derelict fishing gear found on the seafloor which could entangle or otherwise endanger marine animals will also be addressed.

This project will provide managers with data they need to better understand the resources within and adjacent to their parks. Further, it will provide a baseline for existing conditions with which potential impacts from projects such as tidal and offshore wind energy development and sediment removal for beach replenishment might impact park resources.