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Using side-scan sonar to characterize and map physical habitat and anthropogenic underwater features in the St. Louis River.
Citation:
Pearson, M., Dave Bolgrien, J. Launspach, AND Greg Peterson. Using side-scan sonar to characterize and map physical habitat and anthropogenic underwater features in the St. Louis River. St. Louis River Summit, Superior, WI, March 31 - April 01, 2015.
Impact/Purpose:
NA
Description:
Characterizing underwater habitat and other features is difficult and costly, especially in the large St. Louis River Estuary. We are using side-scan sonar (SSS), first developed in the 1960s to remotely sense underwater habitat features from reflected acoustic signals (backscatter). Backscatter intensity and other data are translated into two-dimensional classified images of features. With SSS, we are able to characterize, map, and quantify important aquatic habitat and a variety of anthropogenic features in the St. Louis River. When our method is fully developed, image data obtained by US EPA will help resource managers to prioritize habitat management projects and further develop the concept of Remediation to Restoration to Revitalization of Great Lakes AOC’s. In addition SSS will be useful for finding and mapping features of the cultural landscape such as modern and relic docks and sunken ships. We will describe how the image data are generated, geo-referenced, and the GIS tools used to develop classification maps. This abstract does not necessarily reflect EPA policy.