Habitat Mapping
& Monitoring
Coastal Sensing and Survey provides habitat mapping, description, monitoring, research support and sensing. Marine health is directly tied to the available habitats and we are passionate about supporting research and monitoring of these resources.
Tire Reefs & Artificial Reefs
More than 40 sites are being imaged and documented as part of the Tire Reef removal efforts in the Puget Sound. See the Tire & Trash Reef Project for a lot more information.
Tire Dump Areas & New Artificial Reef at Saltwater State Park
Data Collection and Presentation
Habitat study is a multi-dimensional endeavor. Through combining data from bathymetry, sidescan, ROV multibeam and HD video we are able to provide extensive support of habitat research and monitoring.
ROV Video Inspection of Tire Bundles - Les Davis Park in Tacoma Washington
Multibeam sonar image from the ROV showing dense tire bundles at the Seattle Fishing Reef - Elliott Bay Seattle
This below image shows an mixed materials artificial reef in Elliott Bay Washington. This reef is comprised of tires, rock, concrete reef products, and a standing concrete pier. The targets at the top of the image are tire bundles. These have spread beyond the image over the years and were documented for this project. Behind the tire bundles are scattered rocks that are rather flat to the bottom and some concrete reef products under standing concrete pilings.
Artificial Reef - Mixed Materials
Artificial Reef - Mixed Materials at Blake Island
Reef Material Coverage Area - Tires, Concrete Slab, Concrete Poles, Concrete Boxes make up this reef.
Eelgrass, like a coral reef, serves as a nursery for small life. As such, it is critical the health of the overall marine ecosystem. In the above image you can see the outer edge of an eel grass bed.
Eel Grass
Coastal has the ability to economically provide habitat boundaries and densities to research organizations. Sensor placement, data acquisition, sensor maintenance, etc. are available.
Habitat Boundaries
In the side scan image above you can see the individual rocks on this artificial reef. The site spreads out over a rather large area at depths from 20 to 40 meters. The image was taken at 340khz. 400khz and 900khz are also available.
Rock Reef
An abandon fishing net is visible in the above image. Lost fishing gear can be located and recovered for commercial operators or disposed of for clean-up efforts. Pots, nets, cable, etc. can be located.
Fishing Net
Invasive Species
Milfoil, an invasive freshwater weed, is seen extending significantly into the water body. The dark areas at the bottom of the image are thick milfoil beds with plants nearly reaching the water surface. The lighter areas show deeper and less dense plant growth. It was surprising to see the weed growth extend so far into the deeper water areas.