Publications

Towards Standardized Integration of Seafloor Mapping Tools for Offshore Benthic Characterization

By Craig A. Jones, Ph.D., Managing Principal, Business Director, Marine, Coastal, Climate, and Technology Services

Daniel Doolittle, Principal, Offshore Wind

Eugene C. Revelas, Senior Science Advisor

Nathan Rebuck, Ph.D., Senior Scientist

Abstract

Offshore energy development requires a thorough understanding of the seafloor and benthic environments to inform the potential risks to infrastructure and assess the potential environmental impacts of the project. In this paper, we present a novel method for generating quantitative benthic maps using integrated seafloor SPI-PV imagery and MBES data. We use a predictive processing framework that extracts physical and biological metrics from the SPI-PV images and combines them with MBES bathymetry and backscatter data. The framework is demonstrated at a permitted energy site off the Pacific Coast of the United States. The resulting maps provide valuable information for environmental assessments, geohazard assessments, and monitoring of offshore sites. The method can help evaluate site suitability, monitor environmental changes, and enhance the safety and efficiency of offshore operations. The method also reduces risks and costs associated with offshore energy production by enabling rapid and consistent seafloor surveys.

Paper presented at the Offshore Technology Conference, Houston, Texas, USA, May 2024.

Paper Number: OTC-35388-MS

https://doi.org/10.4043/35388-MS

Published: April 29 2024

Published

July 1, 2024

About The Author

Dr. Craig Jones serves as the managing principal for Integral’s Marine, Coastal, Climate, and Technology Services. With more than two... Full bio

About The Author

Mr. Daniel Doolittle is a broadly trained marine scientist and senior program manager with more than 25 years of industry,... Full bio

About The Author

Mr. Gene Revelas, senior science advisor at Integral, is a leading sediment scientist with 40 years of experience working on... Full bio

About The Author

Dr. Nathan Rebuck is an oceanographer with diverse experience in operational oceanography, the offshore wind industry, benthic and essential fish... Full bio