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Collecting bathymetry data, which describes the depth and shape of the seafloor with respect to an accurate reference elevation point (or datum), is essential for working towards sustainable coastal communities and advancing our scientific understanding of coastal ecosystems, including ocean dynamics, hurricane and storm surge forecasting, fishing resources, sediment transport, and other environmental changes. Unfortunately, accurate bathymetry is available for less than 50% of the world's coastal waters.

The Shallow-Water Hydrographic Observation and Assessment Logging (SHOAL) Project is working to address this data gap by engaging mariners and collecting data created by the United States Power Squadrons and through community-based efforts including recovery of lost fishing traps by fishers.

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Shallow-water Hydrographic Observation and Assessment Logging Project (SHOAL)

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Bathymetry Data

About the SHOAL Project

The VIMS Center for Coastal Resources Management (CCRM) is collaborating with the United States Power Squadrons to collect depth (bathymetric) data. Members of the Power Squadron submit raw bathymetric data to a VIMS online data portal for processing.The post-processing of waterman tracklines produces millions of tide and time-adjusted bathymetry points in the shallow tributaries of Chesapeake Bay.

The SHOAL project originated from CCRM's Virginia Marine Debris Removal Program (2008-2014). In that project, commercial crabbers were employed to remove ~34,000 traps over 6 years and were equipped with sonar GPS chart-plotters to locate derelict traps. Over 4 million depth readings were recorded and 1.3 million miles surveyed in the Chesapeake Bay. This data has been processed by CCRM and are being used, in combination with the Power Squadron collected data to become the foundation for the new VIMS "Trusted Community Bathymetry" program.

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