Rooney, J., Parke, M., Lundblad, E., Chojnacki, J., Holst, S., Miller, J., Laughlin, J.

Characterization of benthic habitat for Saipan Anchorage Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands

2005

Report prepared for Military Sealift Command, U.S. Dept. of the Navy

PIFSC Internal Report IR-05-005

44

Final Report

"This final report is being submitted in fulfillment of the Scope of Work for Characterization of Benthic Habitat for Saipan Anchorage, Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, as part of a contract between the Military Sealift Command (MSC) and the Coral Reef Ecosystem Division (CRED) of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administrations (NOAA) Pacific Islands Fisheries Science Center (PIFSC). It describes the data collection and processing methods used to complete Tasks 1 and 2, and the results obtained. Task 1 is defined as Analyze Saipan Bathymetry and Imagery: NOAA/PIFSC shall complete an analysis of the high-resolution bathymetry data, overlain with acoustic backscatter data, that were collected from within the designated anchorage areas off the west coast of Saipan in 2003 during NOAA research cruise OES 0307. NOAA/PIFSC shall develop an interim and final report consisting of both paper and digital maps of the anchorage area. Particular areas of interest may be highlighted with separate maps and three-dimensional views as required. Task 2 is defined as Collect and analyze optical data in Saipan Anchorage: NOAA/PIFSC shall analyze existing optical (still and video camera) data that were collected from then-accessible areas within the designated anchorage areas off the west coast of Saipan in 2003 during NOAA research cruise OES 0307. NOAA/PIFSC shall assess coverage of the existing 2003 optical data and compare it to locations of specific concern as designated by NAVFAC Pacific. After comparing the location of existing optical data with the designated areas of concern, NOAA/PIFSC shall return to Saipan and collect and analyze any additional optical data as required. NOAA/PIFSC shall analyze the newly collected optical data and develop an interim report. Based upon this interim report, NOAA/PIFSC may provide additional analysis as needed in the final report."

FY2004 CRCP Project ID 1390; Project Title: Water Resistant Bilingual Pamphlet Regarding Coral Reef and Fishery Laws; Principal Investigator: Lisamarie Carrubba