Camera sled deployment off research vessel

U.S. Geological Survey geographer Nadine Golden (center, kneeling) works with USGS marine operations staffer Cordell Johnson (right) and a deckhand (left) to deploy a camera sled from the research vessel Coral Sea. The sled is towed close to the seafloor and collects real-time photographs and videos. Observers on board the vessel can watch the live video feed and make note of seafloor characteristics such as sediments, rocks, and biological cover. Observations enhance maps developed for the California Seafloor Mapping Program offshore of northern California.