Improving Coral Reef Habitat Mapping of the Puerto Rico Insular Shelf Using Side Scan Sonar

Use of high resolution (0.1m) side-scan sonar for generating detailed benthic maps (4 m 2 mapping unit) in coral reef environments was investigated by collecting imagery over 60 km 2 of the Puerto Rico insular shelf, from shoreline to shelfedge. Visual interpretation of acoustic imagery resulted in...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Marine geodesy 2008-01, Vol.31 (1), p.49-73
Main Authors: Prada, M. C., Appeldoorn, R. S., Rivera, José A.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Categories
coral reef mapping
Coral reefs
detailed benthic map
Habitats
Imagery
Mapping
Marine
Shelves
Side scan sonar
Sonar
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Summary:Use of high resolution (0.1m) side-scan sonar for generating detailed benthic maps (4 m 2 mapping unit) in coral reef environments was investigated by collecting imagery over 60 km 2 of the Puerto Rico insular shelf, from shoreline to shelfedge. Visual interpretation of acoustic imagery resulted in 21 different habitat types classified within broad categories of unconsolidated sediment (7), consolidated bottom (6), and vegetated areas (8). Detailed maps showed the amount, size, and spatial distribution of habitats across the shelf. Qualitative and quantitative benthic characterizations showed habitats to be biologically distinct and ecologically relevant at multiple scales. Image collection was cost effective and amenable to small-boat use.
ISSN:0149-0419
1521-060X
DOI:10.1080/01490410701812170