Application of Acoustic Hydrosurvey Technology to the Mapping of Eelgrass (Zostera marina) Distribution in Humboldt Bay, California

by Scotty P. Miner, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, San Francisco, United States,



Document Type: Proceeding Paper

Part of: Coastal Zone '93

Abstract:

Acoustic hydrosurvey technology provides an efficient and accurate means of surveying the distribution of submerged aquatic vegetation under some circumstances. The San Francisco District, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has successfully used standard acoustic hydrosurvey equipment and methods to map the distribution of eelgrass (Zostera marina L.) in two areas within Humboldt Bay, California totaling 50.4 acres. The results of the survey were used to evaluate the impacts of a proposed navigation channel improvement project on the eelgrass beds. This paper describes the acoustic hydrosurvey methodology and discusses the advantages and disadvantages of the acoustic hydrosurvey procedure relative to other survey methods.

Subject Headings: Acoustics | Vegetation | Hydrographic surveys | Mapping | Surveying methods | Surveying instruments | Aquatic habitats | California | United States

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