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Guy R Cochrane, PhD

I have a background in marine geophysics which I employ for benthic habitat mapping in the Eastern Pacific Ocean

Professional Experience

  • Seafloor Mapping

  • Benthic Habitat Mapping

  • Coastal and Marine Ecological Classification Standard working group (CMECS)

  • Expanding Pacific Research and Exploration of Submerged Systems (EXPRESS)

  • Coastal and Marine Geology Data Management Leadership Team

Education and Certifications

  • BS Geology and Oceanography Humboldt State University

  • MS Geo-Oceanography University of Washington

  • PhD Earth Sciences University of California, Santa Cruz

Affiliations and Memberships*

  • GeoHab Board of Directors (geohab.org)

Science and Products

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A white ship with a blue bottom travels toward an island. The sky is orange, blue, and grey as the sun rises.

Exploring Biodiversity of the Deep Hawaiian Pacific Ocean with Seafloor Mapping and eDNA Technologies

Working in partnership with BOEM and the NOAA Ocean Exploration Cooperative Institute, scientists from the USGS will embark on a 10-day voyage to the outer limits of the U.S. Pacific waters south of Hawai’i to conduct seafloor mapping and autonomous environmental DNA sampling in order to investigate and characterize the geology and biology of the Hawaiian abyssal plain.
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Ecosystems Mission Area, Land Management Research Program, Species Management Research Program, Eastern Ecological Science Center, Deep Sea Exploration, Mapping and Characterization
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Exploring Biodiversity of the Deep Hawaiian Pacific Ocean with Seafloor Mapping and eDNA Technologies

Working in partnership with BOEM and the NOAA Ocean Exploration Cooperative Institute, scientists from the USGS will embark on a 10-day voyage to the outer limits of the U.S. Pacific waters south of Hawai’i to conduct seafloor mapping and autonomous environmental DNA sampling in order to investigate and characterize the geology and biology of the Hawaiian abyssal plain.
Learn More
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Colored shaded-relief bathymetry map of Monterey Canyon and Vicinity, California

Marine Geomorphology, Evolution, and Habitats

Seafloor resource managers and modelers need seafloor maps that can be combined in GIS, modeling, and statistical analysis environments and related successfully to biologic and oceanographic data. The Marine Geomorphology, Evolution, and Habitats Project encompasses mapping activities and the development of new mapping systems and methodologies. The emphasis is on the role of geologic processes in...
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Natural Hazards Mission Area, Coastal and Marine Hazards and Resources Program, Pacific Coastal and Marine Science Center, Deep Sea Exploration, Mapping and Characterization
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Marine Geomorphology, Evolution, and Habitats

Seafloor resource managers and modelers need seafloor maps that can be combined in GIS, modeling, and statistical analysis environments and related successfully to biologic and oceanographic data. The Marine Geomorphology, Evolution, and Habitats Project encompasses mapping activities and the development of new mapping systems and methodologies. The emphasis is on the role of geologic processes in...
Learn More
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Fish on seafloor, Offshore Northern California

California Seafloor Mapping Program

The California Seafloor Mapping Program (CSMP) is a cooperative program to create a comprehensive coastal and marine geologic and habitat base map series for all of California's State waters.
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Coastal and Marine Hazards and Resources Program, Pacific Coastal and Marine Science Center, Big Sur Landslides, Deep Sea Exploration, Mapping and Characterization
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California Seafloor Mapping Program

The California Seafloor Mapping Program (CSMP) is a cooperative program to create a comprehensive coastal and marine geologic and habitat base map series for all of California's State waters.
Learn More
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People wearing safety gear lean over the gunwale of a ship to help guide a large metal frame holding instruments.

California Seafloor Mapping Program data collection

Here we describe the data collection methods and techniques of the California Seaflor Mapping Program: mapping, video and photography ground-truthing, and seismic profiling data collection.
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Natural Hazards Mission Area, Coastal and Marine Hazards and Resources Program, Pacific Coastal and Marine Science Center
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California Seafloor Mapping Program data collection

Here we describe the data collection methods and techniques of the California Seaflor Mapping Program: mapping, video and photography ground-truthing, and seismic profiling data collection.
Learn More
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Seafloor image showing depth with lots of text of explanation.

California Seafloor Mapping Program map-set production

USGS and the California Ocean Protection Council (COPC) are supporting development of peer-reviewed map sets for California’s mainland State Waters.
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Natural Hazards Mission Area, Coastal and Marine Hazards and Resources Program, Pacific Coastal and Marine Science Center
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California Seafloor Mapping Program map-set production

USGS and the California Ocean Protection Council (COPC) are supporting development of peer-reviewed map sets for California’s mainland State Waters.
Learn More
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3-D angular view of a bay inlet with a bridge spanning the inlet, the floor of the bay is shown as if the water is drained out.

California Seafloor Mapping Program applications

California Seafloor Mapping Program data and map publications have and will be used for a large range of applications in coastal zone management and research.
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Coastal and Marine Hazards and Resources Program, Pacific Coastal and Marine Science Center
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California Seafloor Mapping Program applications

California Seafloor Mapping Program data and map publications have and will be used for a large range of applications in coastal zone management and research.
Learn More
Filter Total Items: 27

Bathymetry, backscatter intensity, seismic reflection, and benthic habitat data offshore of Arcata, California

Survey data collected for this data release were used to create maps of surficial geology and benthic habitat as part of the USGS California Seafloor Mapping Program, a collaboration with California State University Monterey Bay (CSUMB) and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). Funding was provided by the California Ocean Protection Council. These data are intended to provide
By
Pacific Coastal and Marine Science Center

Bathymetry, backscatter intensity, seismic reflection, and benthic habitat data offshore of Eureka, California

Survey data collected for this data release were used to create maps of surficial geology and benthic habitat as part of the USGS California Seafloor Mapping Program, a collaboration with California State University Monterey Bay (CSUMB) and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). Funding was provided by the California Ocean Protection Council.These data are intended to provide
By
Pacific Coastal and Marine Science Center

Bathymetry, backscatter intensity, and benthic habitat offshore of Cape Mendocino, California

Survey data collected for this data release were used to create maps of surficial geology and benthic habitat as part of the USGS California Seafloor Mapping Program, a collaboration with California State University Monterey Bay (CSUMB) and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). Funding was provided by the California Ocean Protection Council. These data are intended to provide
By
Pacific Coastal and Marine Science Center

Bathymetry, backscatter intensity, and benthic habitat offshore of the Eel River, California

Survey data collected for this data release were used to create maps of surficial geology and benthic habitat as part of the USGS California Seafloor Mapping Program, a collaboration with California State University Monterey Bay (CSUMB) and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). Funding was provided by the California Ocean Protection Council.These data are intended to provide
By
Pacific Coastal and Marine Science Center

Multibeam echo sounder, video observation, and derived benthic habitat data offshore of Tacoma, Washington

In 2010, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Region 10, initiated the Puget Sound Scientific Studies and Technical Investigations Assistance Program, which was designed to support research for implementing the Puget Sound Action Agenda. The Action Agenda was created because Puget Sound was designated as one of 28 estuaries of National Significance under section 320 of the Clean Water Act, an
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Pacific Coastal and Marine Science Center

Bathymetry and topography, video observation, and derived benthic habitat data offshore of Burien, Washington

In 2010, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Region 10, initiated the Puget Sound Scientific Studies and Technical Investigations Assistance Program, which was designed to support research for implementing the Puget Sound Action Agenda. The Action Agenda was created because Puget Sound was designated as one of 28 estuaries of National Significance under section 320 of the Clean Water Act, an
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Pacific Coastal and Marine Science Center

Bathymetry, backscatter intensity, and benthic habitat offshore of Point Buchon, California (ver. 1.1, January 2024)

Surveys offshore of Point Buchon, California, were conducted to map surficial geology and benthic habitat as part of the USGS California Seafloor Mapping Program, a collaboration with California State University Monterey Bay (CSUMB) and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). These data are intended to provide regional bathymetric information in California State waters for offs
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Coastal and Marine Hazards and Resources Program, Pacific Coastal and Marine Science Center, Deep Sea Exploration, Mapping and Characterization

Bathymetry, backscatter intensity, and benthic habitat offshore of Point Estero, California (ver 1.1, November 2023)

Surveys offshore of Point Estero, California, were conducted to map surficial geology and benthic habitat as part of the USGS California Seafloor Mapping Program, a collaboration with California State University Monterey Bay (CSUMB) and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). These data are intended to provide regional bathymetric information in California State waters for offs
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Coastal and Marine Hazards and Resources Program, Pacific Coastal and Marine Science Center

Bathymetry, backscatter intensity, and benthic habitat offshore of Morro Bay, California (ver. 1.1, January 2024)

The surveys were conducted to map surficial geology and benthic habitat as part of the USGS California Seafloor Mapping Program, a collaboration with California State University Monterey Bay (CSUMB) and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). These data are intended to provide regional bathymetric information in California State waters for offshore resource and ecosystem manage
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Coastal and Marine Hazards and Resources Program, Pacific Coastal and Marine Science Center, Deep Sea Exploration, Mapping and Characterization

Bathymetry and topography, video observation, and derived benthic habitat data offshore of Seattle, Washington

In 2010, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Region 10, initiated the Puget Sound Scientific Studies and Technical Investigations Assistance Program, which was designed to support research for implementing the Puget Sound Action Agenda. The Action Agenda was created because Puget Sound was designated as one of 28 estuaries of National Significance under section 320 of the Clean Water Act, an
By
Coastal and Marine Hazards and Resources Program, Pacific Coastal and Marine Science Center, Deep Sea Exploration, Mapping and Characterization

Multibeam echosounder, video observation, and derived benthic habitat data offshore of south-central California in support of the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management Cal DIG I, offshore alternative energy project

Coastal and Marine Ecological Classification Standard (CMECS) geoform, substrate, and biotic component (also known as "biotope") GIS products were developed for the U.S. Exclusive Economic Zone of south-central California motivated by interest in development of offshore wind energy capacity and infrastructure. The lead agency responsible for planning and leasing in the Exclusive Economic Zone, the
By
Coastal and Marine Hazards and Resources Program, Pacific Coastal and Marine Science Center, Deep Sea Exploration, Mapping and Characterization

Piston and gravity core data collected during USGS cruise 2019-642-FA offshore of south-central California in support of the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) California Deepwater Investigations and Groundtruthing (Cal DIG I) alternative energy pro

This data release includes photographs, multi-sensor core logger (MSCL), porewater analyses, and location and depth data from piston and gravity cores collected off the south-central California coast. This dataset is one of several collected as part of the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM)-funded California Deepwater Investigations and Groundtruthing (Cal DIG I) project. The purpose of the
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Natural Hazards Mission Area, Coastal and Marine Hazards and Resources Program, Pacific Coastal and Marine Science Center, Core Preparation and Analysis Laboratory and Sample Repositories, Multi-Sensor Core Logger Laboratory, Deep Sea Exploration, Mapping and Characterization

California State Waters Map Series: Offshore of Refugio Beach, California

In 2007, the California Ocean Protection Council initiated the California Seafloor Mapping Program (CSMP), designed to create a comprehensive seafloor map of high-resolution bathymetry, marine benthic habitats, and geology within California’s State Waters. The CSMP approach is to create highly detailed seafloor maps through collection, integration, interpretation, and visualization of swath sonar
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Pacific Coastal and Marine Science Center

California State Waters Map Series — Offshore of San Gregorio, California

In 2007, the California Ocean Protection Council initiated the California Seafloor Mapping Program (CSMP), designed to create a comprehensive seafloor map of high-resolution bathymetry, marine benthic habitats, and geology within the 3-nautical-mile limit of California's State Waters. The CSMP approach is to create highly detailed seafloor maps through collection, integration, interpretation, and
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Pacific Coastal and Marine Science Center

California State Waters Map Series: Offshore of Coal Oil Point, California

In 2007, the California Ocean Protection Council initiated the California Seafloor Mapping Program (CSMP), designed to create a comprehensive seafloor map of high-resolution bathymetry, marine benthic habitats, and geology within the 3-nautical-mile limit of California’s State Waters. The CSMP approach is to create highly detailed seafloor maps through collection, integration, interpretation, and
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Pacific Coastal and Marine Science Center

California State Waters Map Series: offshore of Santa Barbara, California

In 2007, the California Ocean Protection Council initiated the California Seafloor Mapping Program (CSMP), designed to create a comprehensive seafloor map of high-resolution bathymetry, marine benthic habitats, and geology within the 3-nautical-mile limit of California’s State Waters. The CSMP approach is to create highly detailed seafloor maps through collection, integration, interpretation, and

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Natural Hazards Mission Area, Coastal and Marine Hazards and Resources Program, Pacific Coastal and Marine Science Center

California State Waters Map Series: Offshore of Carpinteria, California

In 2007, the California Ocean Protection Council initiated the California Seafloor Mapping Program (CSMP), designed to create a comprehensive seafloor map of high-resolution bathymetry, marine benthic habitats, and geology within the 3-nautical-mile limit of California’s State Waters. The CSMP approach is to create highly detailed seafloor maps through collection, integration, interpretation, and
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Pacific Coastal and Marine Science Center

Marine benthic habitat mapping of the West Arm, Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve, Alaska

Seafloor geology and potential benthic habitats were mapped in West Arm, Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve, Alaska, using multibeam sonar, groundtruthed observations, and geological interpretations. The West Arm of Glacier Bay is a recently deglaciated fjord system under the influence of glacial and paraglacial marine processes. High glacially derived sediment and meltwater fluxes, slope inst
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Pacific Coastal and Marine Science Center

California State Waters Map Series — Offshore of Ventura, California

In 2007, the California Ocean Protection Council initiated the California Seafloor Mapping Program (CSMP), designed to create a comprehensive seafloor map of high-resolution bathymetry, marine benthic habitats, and geology within the 3-nautical-mile limit of California’s State Waters. The CSMP approach is to create highly detailed seafloor maps through collection, integration, interpretation, and
By
Pacific Coastal and Marine Science Center

California State Waters Map Series: Offshore of Santa Barbara, California

In 2007, the California Ocean Protection Council initiated the California Seafloor Mapping Program (CSMP), designed to create a comprehensive seafloor map of high-resolution bathymetry, marine benthic habitats, and geology within the 3-nautical-mile limit of California’s State Waters. The CSMP approach is to create highly detailed seafloor maps through collection, integration, interpretation, and
By
Pacific Coastal and Marine Science Center

California State Waters Map Series — Hueneme Canyon and vicinity, California

In 2007, the California Ocean Protection Council initiated the California Seafloor Mapping Program (CSMP), designed to create a comprehensive seafloor map of high-resolution bathymetry, marine benthic habitats, and geology within the 3-nautical-mile limit of California's State Waters. The CSMP approach is to create highly detailed seafloor maps through collection, integration, interpretation, and
By
Coastal and Marine Hazards and Resources Program, Pacific Coastal and Marine Science Center

Marine benthic habitat mapping of Muir Inlet, Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve, Alaska, with an evaluation of the Coastal and Marine Ecological Classification Standard III

Seafloor geology and potential benthic habitats were mapped in Muir Inlet, Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve, Alaska, using multibeam sonar, ground-truth information, and geological interpretations. Muir Inlet is a recently deglaciated fjord that is under the influence of glacial and paraglacial marine processes. High glacially derived sediment and meltwater fluxes, slope instabilities, and v

By
Pacific Coastal and Marine Science Center
A group of smiling men and women wearing lifejackets pose on the bow of a ship at sea with a bridge far off in the distance.
Cal DIG I science crew
Cal DIG I science crew
A group of smiling men and women wearing lifejackets pose on the bow of a ship at sea with a bridge far off in the distance.

Cal DIG I science crew

Cal DIG I science crew

The USGS California Deepwater Investigations and Groundtruthing, or Cal DIG, science crew aboard research vessel Bold Horizon on San Francisco Bay.

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Coastal and Marine Hazards and Resources Program, Pacific Coastal and Marine Science Center
A group of smiling men and women wearing lifejackets pose on the bow of a ship at sea with a bridge far off in the distance.

Cal DIG I science crew

Cal DIG I science crew

The USGS California Deepwater Investigations and Groundtruthing, or Cal DIG, science crew aboard research vessel Bold Horizon on San Francisco Bay.

By
Coastal and Marine Hazards and Resources Program, Pacific Coastal and Marine Science Center
Anemones attached to a rocky outcrop on the seafloor.
Pom-pom anemone on the Pacific Ocean floor off California
Pom-pom anemone on the Pacific Ocean floor off California
Anemones attached to a rocky outcrop on the seafloor.

Pom-pom anemone on the Pacific Ocean floor off California

Pom-pom anemone on the Pacific Ocean floor off California

These “pom-pom” anemones (Liponema sp.) have attached to the rock in a place where there are probably very good currents, which bring small floating particles of food to them. Water depth is 1041 m (3415 ft).

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Coastal and Marine Hazards and Resources Program, Pacific Coastal and Marine Science Center, Pacific Coastal and Marine Science Center
Anemones attached to a rocky outcrop on the seafloor.

Pom-pom anemone on the Pacific Ocean floor off California

Pom-pom anemone on the Pacific Ocean floor off California

These “pom-pom” anemones (Liponema sp.) have attached to the rock in a place where there are probably very good currents, which bring small floating particles of food to them. Water depth is 1041 m (3415 ft).

By
Coastal and Marine Hazards and Resources Program, Pacific Coastal and Marine Science Center, Pacific Coastal and Marine Science Center
Critters on the bottom of the ocean, a sea star, skate, and rockfish.
Sea life offshore of Morro Bay, California
Sea life offshore of Morro Bay, California
Critters on the bottom of the ocean, a sea star, skate, and rockfish.

Sea life offshore of Morro Bay, California

Sea life offshore of Morro Bay, California

A small juvenile skate (left) and a large rockfish (right) hang out on the murky, silty seafloor with sea stars. Water depth: 856 m (2808 ft).

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Coastal and Marine Hazards and Resources Program, Pacific Coastal and Marine Science Center, Pacific Coastal and Marine Science Center
Critters on the bottom of the ocean, a sea star, skate, and rockfish.

Sea life offshore of Morro Bay, California

Sea life offshore of Morro Bay, California

A small juvenile skate (left) and a large rockfish (right) hang out on the murky, silty seafloor with sea stars. Water depth: 856 m (2808 ft).

By
Coastal and Marine Hazards and Resources Program, Pacific Coastal and Marine Science Center, Pacific Coastal and Marine Science Center
Two men stand on the deck of a ship, and one is giving hand signals while they retrieve a large instrument from the ocean.
Retrieving the MiniROV
Retrieving the MiniROV
Two men stand on the deck of a ship, and one is giving hand signals while they retrieve a large instrument from the ocean.

Retrieving the MiniROV

Retrieving the MiniROV

Retrieving the MBARI (Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute) MiniROV from the Pacific Ocean offshore of California, on research vessel (R/V) Bold Horizon.

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Coastal and Marine Hazards and Resources Program, Pacific Coastal and Marine Science Center, Deep Sea Exploration, Mapping and Characterization
Two men stand on the deck of a ship, and one is giving hand signals while they retrieve a large instrument from the ocean.

Retrieving the MiniROV

Retrieving the MiniROV

Retrieving the MBARI (Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute) MiniROV from the Pacific Ocean offshore of California, on research vessel (R/V) Bold Horizon.

By
Coastal and Marine Hazards and Resources Program, Pacific Coastal and Marine Science Center, Deep Sea Exploration, Mapping and Characterization
Filter Total Items: 47

California State Waters Map Series—Benthic habitat characterization in the region offshore Humboldt Bay, California

Coastal and Marine Ecological Classification Standard (CMECS) geoform, substrate, and biotic component geographic information system (GIS) products were developed for the California State Waters of northern California in the region offshore of Humboldt Bay. The study was motivated by interest in development of offshore wind-energy capacity and infrastructure in Federal waters offshore. This projec
Authors
Guy R. Cochrane
By
Pacific Coastal and Marine Science Center

Pockmarks offshore Big Sur, California provide evidence for recurrent, regional, and unconfined sediment gravity flows

Recent surface ship multibeam surveys of the Sur Pockmark Field, offshore Central California, reveal >5,000 pockmarks in an area that is slated to host a wind farm, between 500- and 1,500-m water depth. Extensive fieldwork was conducted to characterize the seafloor environment and its recent geologic history, including visual observations with remotely operated vehicles, sediment core sampling, an
Authors
E. Lundsten, Charles K. Paull, R. Gwiazda, S. Dobbs, D.W. Caress, Linda A. Kuhnz, M. Walton, N. Nieminski, Mary McGann, Thomas Lorenson, Guy R. Cochrane, Jason A. Addison
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Pacific Coastal and Marine Science Center

California State waters map series—Benthic habitat characterization in the region offshore of Morro Bay, California

Coastal and Marine Ecological Classification Standard geoform, substrate, and biotic component geographic information system products were developed for the California State waters of south-central California in the region offshore of Morro Bay. The study was motivated by interest in development of offshore wind-energy capacity and infrastructure in Federal waters offshore. The Bureau of Ocean Ene
Authors
Guy R. Cochrane, Rikk Kvitek, Aaron Cole, Meghan Sherrier, Alia Roca-Lezra, Sean Hallahan, Peter Dartnell
By
Pacific Coastal and Marine Science Center

Multi-factor biotopes as a method for detailed site characterization in diverse benthic megafaunal communities and habitats in deep-water off Morro Bay, California

Here we describe the methods and results for biological characterization of the benthos on a previously unexplored area of central California, USA seafloor. We conducted 40 remotely operated vehicle dives from 371 to 1173 m water depth. Seafloor habitats and megafauna (fish and invertebrates) were documented from 46.8 km of seafloor video footage. Our expanded development and analysis of biotopes
Authors
Linda A. Kuhnz, Lisa Gilbane, Guy R. Cochrane, Charles K. Paull
By
Pacific Coastal and Marine Science Center

California Deepwater Investigations and Groundtruthing (Cal DIG) I, volume 3 — Benthic habitat characterization offshore Morro Bay, California

Coastal and Marine Ecological Classification Standard (CMECS) geoform, substrate, and biotic component geographic information system (GIS) products were developed for the U.S. Exclusive Economic Zone (U.S. EEZ) of south-central California in the region of Santa Lucia Bank motivated by interest in development of offshore wind-energy capacity and infrastructure. The Bureau of Ocean Energy Management
Authors
Guy R. Cochrane, Linda A. Kuhnz, Lisa Gilbane, Peter Dartnell, Maureen A. L. Walton, Charles K. Paull
By
Coastal and Marine Hazards and Resources Program, Pacific Coastal and Marine Science Center, Deep Sea Exploration, Mapping and Characterization

California deepwater investigations and groundtruthing (Cal DIG) I: Fault and shallow geohazard analysis offshore Morro Bay

The California Deepwater Investigations and Groundtruthing (Cal DIG) I project focuses on the potential seafloor hazards and impacts of alternative energy infrastructure in the outer continental shelf region offshore of south-central California. This is one of three reports covering a single study area located between Monterey and Point Conception, California in federal waters outside of the State

Authors
Maureen A. L. Walton, Charlie K Paull, Guy R. Cochrane, Jason A. Addison, Roberto Gwiazda, Daniel J. Kennedy, Eve M. Lundsten, Antoinette Gabrielle Papesh
By
Natural Hazards Mission Area, Ecosystems Land Change Science Program, Coastal and Marine Hazards and Resources Program, Pacific Coastal and Marine Science Center, Core Preparation and Analysis Laboratory and Sample Repositories, Deep Sea Exploration, Mapping and Characterization

Characterization of deep-sea coral and sponge communities in Greater Farallones National Marine Sanctuary: Point Arena South Essential Fish Habitat Conservation Area and New Amendment 28 Areas

This report summarizes samples collected during a remotely operated vehicle (ROV) cruise conducted in October 2019 on board E/V Nautilus. Areas sampled in Greater Farallones National Marine Sanctuary included areas proposed for fisheries management zoning in the Point Arena South (PAS) Essential Fish Habitat Conservation Area (EFH). Dive planning targeted habitats and biological communities of cor
Authors
Kaitlin Graiff, Jan Roletto, Sage Tezak, Gary E. Williams, Guy R. Cochrane
By
Coastal and Marine Hazards and Resources Program, Pacific Coastal and Marine Science Center, Deep Sea Exploration, Mapping and Characterization

California State Waters Map Series — Offshore of Gaviota, California

IntroductionIn 2007, the California Ocean Protection Council initiated the California Seafloor Mapping Program (CSMP), designed to create a comprehensive seafloor map of high-resolution bathymetry, marine benthic habitats, and geology within the 3-nautical-mile limit of California’s State Waters. The CSMP approach is to create highly detailed seafloor maps through collection, integration, interpre
Authors
Samuel Y. Johnson, Peter Dartnell, Guy R. Cochrane, Stephen R. Hartwell, Nadine E. Golden, Rikk Kvitek, Clifton W. Davenport
By
Pacific Coastal and Marine Science Center

California State Waters Map Series — Offshore of Point Conception, California

IntroductionIn 2007, the California Ocean Protection Council initiated the California Seafloor Mapping Program (CSMP), designed to create a comprehensive seafloor map of high-resolution bathymetry, marine benthic habitats, and geology within the 3-nautical-mile limit of California’s State Waters. The CSMP approach is to create highly detailed seafloor maps through collection, integration, interpre
Authors
Samuel Y. Johnson, Peter Dartnell, Guy R. Cochrane, Stephen R. Hartwell, Nadine E. Golden, Rikk Kvitek, Clifton W. Davenport
By
Pacific Coastal and Marine Science Center

Benthic assemblages of mega epifauna on the Oregon continental margin

Environmental assessment studies are usually required by a country's administration before issuing permits for any industrial activities. One of the goals of such environmental assessment studies is to highlight species assemblages and habitat composition that could make the targeted area unique. A section of the Oregon continental slope that had not been previously explored was targeted for the d
Authors
Lenaïg G. Hemery, Sarah K. Henkel, Guy R. Cochrane
By
Coastal and Marine Hazards and Resources Program, Pacific Coastal and Marine Science Center, Deep Sea Exploration, Mapping and Characterization

Oregon OCS seafloor mapping: Selected lease blocks relevant to renewable energy

In 2014 the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) and the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) entered into Intra-agency agreement M13PG00037 to map an area of the Oregon Outer Continental Shelf (OCS) off of Coos Bay, Oregon, under consideration for development of a floating wind energy farm. The BOEM requires seafloor mapping and site characterization studies in order to evaluate the impact of seaflo
Authors
Guy R. Cochrane, Lenaïg G. Hemery, Sarah K. Henkel
By
Natural Hazards Mission Area, Coastal and Marine Hazards and Resources Program, Pacific Coastal and Marine Science Center

The California Seafloor and Coastal Mapping Program – Providing science and geospatial data for California's State Waters

The California Seafloor and Coastal Mapping Program (CSCMP) is a collaborative effort to develop comprehensive bathymetric, geologic, and habitat maps and data for California's State Waters. CSCMP began in 2007 when the California Ocean Protection Council (OPC) and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) allocated funding for high-resolution bathymetric mapping, largely to suppo
Authors
Samuel Y. Johnson, Guy R. Cochrane, Nadine E. Golden, Peter Dartnell, Stephen Hartwell, Susan A. Cochran, Janet Watt
By
Natural Hazards Mission Area, Coastal and Marine Hazards and Resources Program, Pacific Coastal and Marine Science Center, Deep Sea Exploration, Mapping and Characterization
Sediment Flows Create Seafloor Pockmarks offshore of Central California

Sediment Flows Create Seafloor Pockmarks offshore of Central California

A recent study from researchers at Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute, Stanford University, and USGS debunks the longstanding theory that...

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Collaborative Federal Investigation Reveals Cause of Huntington Oil Spill

Collaborative Federal Investigation Reveals Cause of Huntington Oil Spill

A collaborative investigation involving multiple federal agencies, including the FBI, U.S. Attorneys' Office, U.S. Coast Guard (USCG), Bureau of Ocean...

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California Deepwater Investigations and Groundtruthing

California Deepwater Investigations and Groundtruthing

To advance national and state renewable energy goals, the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM), USGS, and the State of California are considering...

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Science and Products

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A white ship with a blue bottom travels toward an island. The sky is orange, blue, and grey as the sun rises.

Exploring Biodiversity of the Deep Hawaiian Pacific Ocean with Seafloor Mapping and eDNA Technologies

Working in partnership with BOEM and the NOAA Ocean Exploration Cooperative Institute, scientists from the USGS will embark on a 10-day voyage to the outer limits of the U.S. Pacific waters south of Hawai’i to conduct seafloor mapping and autonomous environmental DNA sampling in order to investigate and characterize the geology and biology of the Hawaiian abyssal plain.
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Land Management Research Program, Species Management Research Program, Eastern Ecological Science Center, Deep Sea Exploration, Mapping and Characterization
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Exploring Biodiversity of the Deep Hawaiian Pacific Ocean with Seafloor Mapping and eDNA Technologies

Working in partnership with BOEM and the NOAA Ocean Exploration Cooperative Institute, scientists from the USGS will embark on a 10-day voyage to the outer limits of the U.S. Pacific waters south of Hawai’i to conduct seafloor mapping and autonomous environmental DNA sampling in order to investigate and characterize the geology and biology of the Hawaiian abyssal plain.
Learn More
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Colored shaded-relief bathymetry map of Monterey Canyon and Vicinity, California

Marine Geomorphology, Evolution, and Habitats

Seafloor resource managers and modelers need seafloor maps that can be combined in GIS, modeling, and statistical analysis environments and related successfully to biologic and oceanographic data. The Marine Geomorphology, Evolution, and Habitats Project encompasses mapping activities and the development of new mapping systems and methodologies. The emphasis is on the role of geologic processes in...
By
Natural Hazards Mission Area, Coastal and Marine Hazards and Resources Program, Pacific Coastal and Marine Science Center, Deep Sea Exploration, Mapping and Characterization
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Marine Geomorphology, Evolution, and Habitats

Seafloor resource managers and modelers need seafloor maps that can be combined in GIS, modeling, and statistical analysis environments and related successfully to biologic and oceanographic data. The Marine Geomorphology, Evolution, and Habitats Project encompasses mapping activities and the development of new mapping systems and methodologies. The emphasis is on the role of geologic processes in...
Learn More
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Fish on seafloor, Offshore Northern California

California Seafloor Mapping Program

The California Seafloor Mapping Program (CSMP) is a cooperative program to create a comprehensive coastal and marine geologic and habitat base map series for all of California's State waters.
By
Coastal and Marine Hazards and Resources Program, Pacific Coastal and Marine Science Center, Big Sur Landslides, Deep Sea Exploration, Mapping and Characterization
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California Seafloor Mapping Program

The California Seafloor Mapping Program (CSMP) is a cooperative program to create a comprehensive coastal and marine geologic and habitat base map series for all of California's State waters.
Learn More
link
People wearing safety gear lean over the gunwale of a ship to help guide a large metal frame holding instruments.

California Seafloor Mapping Program data collection

Here we describe the data collection methods and techniques of the California Seaflor Mapping Program: mapping, video and photography ground-truthing, and seismic profiling data collection.
By
Natural Hazards Mission Area, Coastal and Marine Hazards and Resources Program, Pacific Coastal and Marine Science Center
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California Seafloor Mapping Program data collection

Here we describe the data collection methods and techniques of the California Seaflor Mapping Program: mapping, video and photography ground-truthing, and seismic profiling data collection.
Learn More
link
Seafloor image showing depth with lots of text of explanation.

California Seafloor Mapping Program map-set production

USGS and the California Ocean Protection Council (COPC) are supporting development of peer-reviewed map sets for California’s mainland State Waters.
By
Natural Hazards Mission Area, Coastal and Marine Hazards and Resources Program, Pacific Coastal and Marine Science Center
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California Seafloor Mapping Program map-set production

USGS and the California Ocean Protection Council (COPC) are supporting development of peer-reviewed map sets for California’s mainland State Waters.
Learn More
link
3-D angular view of a bay inlet with a bridge spanning the inlet, the floor of the bay is shown as if the water is drained out.

California Seafloor Mapping Program applications

California Seafloor Mapping Program data and map publications have and will be used for a large range of applications in coastal zone management and research.
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Coastal and Marine Hazards and Resources Program, Pacific Coastal and Marine Science Center
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California Seafloor Mapping Program applications

California Seafloor Mapping Program data and map publications have and will be used for a large range of applications in coastal zone management and research.
Learn More
Filter Total Items: 27

Bathymetry, backscatter intensity, seismic reflection, and benthic habitat data offshore of Arcata, California

Survey data collected for this data release were used to create maps of surficial geology and benthic habitat as part of the USGS California Seafloor Mapping Program, a collaboration with California State University Monterey Bay (CSUMB) and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). Funding was provided by the California Ocean Protection Council. These data are intended to provide
By
Pacific Coastal and Marine Science Center

Bathymetry, backscatter intensity, seismic reflection, and benthic habitat data offshore of Eureka, California

Survey data collected for this data release were used to create maps of surficial geology and benthic habitat as part of the USGS California Seafloor Mapping Program, a collaboration with California State University Monterey Bay (CSUMB) and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). Funding was provided by the California Ocean Protection Council.These data are intended to provide
By
Pacific Coastal and Marine Science Center

Bathymetry, backscatter intensity, and benthic habitat offshore of Cape Mendocino, California

Survey data collected for this data release were used to create maps of surficial geology and benthic habitat as part of the USGS California Seafloor Mapping Program, a collaboration with California State University Monterey Bay (CSUMB) and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). Funding was provided by the California Ocean Protection Council. These data are intended to provide
By
Pacific Coastal and Marine Science Center

Bathymetry, backscatter intensity, and benthic habitat offshore of the Eel River, California

Survey data collected for this data release were used to create maps of surficial geology and benthic habitat as part of the USGS California Seafloor Mapping Program, a collaboration with California State University Monterey Bay (CSUMB) and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). Funding was provided by the California Ocean Protection Council.These data are intended to provide
By
Pacific Coastal and Marine Science Center

Multibeam echo sounder, video observation, and derived benthic habitat data offshore of Tacoma, Washington

In 2010, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Region 10, initiated the Puget Sound Scientific Studies and Technical Investigations Assistance Program, which was designed to support research for implementing the Puget Sound Action Agenda. The Action Agenda was created because Puget Sound was designated as one of 28 estuaries of National Significance under section 320 of the Clean Water Act, an
By
Pacific Coastal and Marine Science Center

Bathymetry and topography, video observation, and derived benthic habitat data offshore of Burien, Washington

In 2010, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Region 10, initiated the Puget Sound Scientific Studies and Technical Investigations Assistance Program, which was designed to support research for implementing the Puget Sound Action Agenda. The Action Agenda was created because Puget Sound was designated as one of 28 estuaries of National Significance under section 320 of the Clean Water Act, an
By
Pacific Coastal and Marine Science Center

Bathymetry, backscatter intensity, and benthic habitat offshore of Point Buchon, California (ver. 1.1, January 2024)

Surveys offshore of Point Buchon, California, were conducted to map surficial geology and benthic habitat as part of the USGS California Seafloor Mapping Program, a collaboration with California State University Monterey Bay (CSUMB) and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). These data are intended to provide regional bathymetric information in California State waters for offs
By
Coastal and Marine Hazards and Resources Program, Pacific Coastal and Marine Science Center, Deep Sea Exploration, Mapping and Characterization

Bathymetry, backscatter intensity, and benthic habitat offshore of Point Estero, California (ver 1.1, November 2023)

Surveys offshore of Point Estero, California, were conducted to map surficial geology and benthic habitat as part of the USGS California Seafloor Mapping Program, a collaboration with California State University Monterey Bay (CSUMB) and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). These data are intended to provide regional bathymetric information in California State waters for offs
By
Coastal and Marine Hazards and Resources Program, Pacific Coastal and Marine Science Center

Bathymetry, backscatter intensity, and benthic habitat offshore of Morro Bay, California (ver. 1.1, January 2024)

The surveys were conducted to map surficial geology and benthic habitat as part of the USGS California Seafloor Mapping Program, a collaboration with California State University Monterey Bay (CSUMB) and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). These data are intended to provide regional bathymetric information in California State waters for offshore resource and ecosystem manage
By
Coastal and Marine Hazards and Resources Program, Pacific Coastal and Marine Science Center, Deep Sea Exploration, Mapping and Characterization

Bathymetry and topography, video observation, and derived benthic habitat data offshore of Seattle, Washington

In 2010, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Region 10, initiated the Puget Sound Scientific Studies and Technical Investigations Assistance Program, which was designed to support research for implementing the Puget Sound Action Agenda. The Action Agenda was created because Puget Sound was designated as one of 28 estuaries of National Significance under section 320 of the Clean Water Act, an
By
Coastal and Marine Hazards and Resources Program, Pacific Coastal and Marine Science Center, Deep Sea Exploration, Mapping and Characterization

Multibeam echosounder, video observation, and derived benthic habitat data offshore of south-central California in support of the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management Cal DIG I, offshore alternative energy project

Coastal and Marine Ecological Classification Standard (CMECS) geoform, substrate, and biotic component (also known as "biotope") GIS products were developed for the U.S. Exclusive Economic Zone of south-central California motivated by interest in development of offshore wind energy capacity and infrastructure. The lead agency responsible for planning and leasing in the Exclusive Economic Zone, the
By
Coastal and Marine Hazards and Resources Program, Pacific Coastal and Marine Science Center, Deep Sea Exploration, Mapping and Characterization

Piston and gravity core data collected during USGS cruise 2019-642-FA offshore of south-central California in support of the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) California Deepwater Investigations and Groundtruthing (Cal DIG I) alternative energy pro

This data release includes photographs, multi-sensor core logger (MSCL), porewater analyses, and location and depth data from piston and gravity cores collected off the south-central California coast. This dataset is one of several collected as part of the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM)-funded California Deepwater Investigations and Groundtruthing (Cal DIG I) project. The purpose of the
By
Natural Hazards Mission Area, Coastal and Marine Hazards and Resources Program, Pacific Coastal and Marine Science Center, Core Preparation and Analysis Laboratory and Sample Repositories, Multi-Sensor Core Logger Laboratory, Deep Sea Exploration, Mapping and Characterization

California State Waters Map Series: Offshore of Refugio Beach, California

In 2007, the California Ocean Protection Council initiated the California Seafloor Mapping Program (CSMP), designed to create a comprehensive seafloor map of high-resolution bathymetry, marine benthic habitats, and geology within California’s State Waters. The CSMP approach is to create highly detailed seafloor maps through collection, integration, interpretation, and visualization of swath sonar
By
Pacific Coastal and Marine Science Center

California State Waters Map Series — Offshore of San Gregorio, California

In 2007, the California Ocean Protection Council initiated the California Seafloor Mapping Program (CSMP), designed to create a comprehensive seafloor map of high-resolution bathymetry, marine benthic habitats, and geology within the 3-nautical-mile limit of California's State Waters. The CSMP approach is to create highly detailed seafloor maps through collection, integration, interpretation, and
By
Pacific Coastal and Marine Science Center

California State Waters Map Series: Offshore of Coal Oil Point, California

In 2007, the California Ocean Protection Council initiated the California Seafloor Mapping Program (CSMP), designed to create a comprehensive seafloor map of high-resolution bathymetry, marine benthic habitats, and geology within the 3-nautical-mile limit of California’s State Waters. The CSMP approach is to create highly detailed seafloor maps through collection, integration, interpretation, and
By
Pacific Coastal and Marine Science Center

California State Waters Map Series: offshore of Santa Barbara, California

In 2007, the California Ocean Protection Council initiated the California Seafloor Mapping Program (CSMP), designed to create a comprehensive seafloor map of high-resolution bathymetry, marine benthic habitats, and geology within the 3-nautical-mile limit of California’s State Waters. The CSMP approach is to create highly detailed seafloor maps through collection, integration, interpretation, and

By
Natural Hazards Mission Area, Coastal and Marine Hazards and Resources Program, Pacific Coastal and Marine Science Center

California State Waters Map Series: Offshore of Carpinteria, California

In 2007, the California Ocean Protection Council initiated the California Seafloor Mapping Program (CSMP), designed to create a comprehensive seafloor map of high-resolution bathymetry, marine benthic habitats, and geology within the 3-nautical-mile limit of California’s State Waters. The CSMP approach is to create highly detailed seafloor maps through collection, integration, interpretation, and
By
Pacific Coastal and Marine Science Center

Marine benthic habitat mapping of the West Arm, Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve, Alaska

Seafloor geology and potential benthic habitats were mapped in West Arm, Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve, Alaska, using multibeam sonar, groundtruthed observations, and geological interpretations. The West Arm of Glacier Bay is a recently deglaciated fjord system under the influence of glacial and paraglacial marine processes. High glacially derived sediment and meltwater fluxes, slope inst
By
Pacific Coastal and Marine Science Center

California State Waters Map Series — Offshore of Ventura, California

In 2007, the California Ocean Protection Council initiated the California Seafloor Mapping Program (CSMP), designed to create a comprehensive seafloor map of high-resolution bathymetry, marine benthic habitats, and geology within the 3-nautical-mile limit of California’s State Waters. The CSMP approach is to create highly detailed seafloor maps through collection, integration, interpretation, and
By
Pacific Coastal and Marine Science Center

California State Waters Map Series: Offshore of Santa Barbara, California

In 2007, the California Ocean Protection Council initiated the California Seafloor Mapping Program (CSMP), designed to create a comprehensive seafloor map of high-resolution bathymetry, marine benthic habitats, and geology within the 3-nautical-mile limit of California’s State Waters. The CSMP approach is to create highly detailed seafloor maps through collection, integration, interpretation, and
By
Pacific Coastal and Marine Science Center

California State Waters Map Series — Hueneme Canyon and vicinity, California

In 2007, the California Ocean Protection Council initiated the California Seafloor Mapping Program (CSMP), designed to create a comprehensive seafloor map of high-resolution bathymetry, marine benthic habitats, and geology within the 3-nautical-mile limit of California's State Waters. The CSMP approach is to create highly detailed seafloor maps through collection, integration, interpretation, and
By
Coastal and Marine Hazards and Resources Program, Pacific Coastal and Marine Science Center

Marine benthic habitat mapping of Muir Inlet, Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve, Alaska, with an evaluation of the Coastal and Marine Ecological Classification Standard III

Seafloor geology and potential benthic habitats were mapped in Muir Inlet, Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve, Alaska, using multibeam sonar, ground-truth information, and geological interpretations. Muir Inlet is a recently deglaciated fjord that is under the influence of glacial and paraglacial marine processes. High glacially derived sediment and meltwater fluxes, slope instabilities, and v

By
Pacific Coastal and Marine Science Center
A group of smiling men and women wearing lifejackets pose on the bow of a ship at sea with a bridge far off in the distance.
Cal DIG I science crew
Cal DIG I science crew
A group of smiling men and women wearing lifejackets pose on the bow of a ship at sea with a bridge far off in the distance.

Cal DIG I science crew

Cal DIG I science crew

The USGS California Deepwater Investigations and Groundtruthing, or Cal DIG, science crew aboard research vessel Bold Horizon on San Francisco Bay.

By
Coastal and Marine Hazards and Resources Program, Pacific Coastal and Marine Science Center
A group of smiling men and women wearing lifejackets pose on the bow of a ship at sea with a bridge far off in the distance.

Cal DIG I science crew

Cal DIG I science crew

The USGS California Deepwater Investigations and Groundtruthing, or Cal DIG, science crew aboard research vessel Bold Horizon on San Francisco Bay.

By
Coastal and Marine Hazards and Resources Program, Pacific Coastal and Marine Science Center
Anemones attached to a rocky outcrop on the seafloor.
Pom-pom anemone on the Pacific Ocean floor off California
Pom-pom anemone on the Pacific Ocean floor off California
Anemones attached to a rocky outcrop on the seafloor.

Pom-pom anemone on the Pacific Ocean floor off California

Pom-pom anemone on the Pacific Ocean floor off California

These “pom-pom” anemones (Liponema sp.) have attached to the rock in a place where there are probably very good currents, which bring small floating particles of food to them. Water depth is 1041 m (3415 ft).

By
Coastal and Marine Hazards and Resources Program, Pacific Coastal and Marine Science Center, Pacific Coastal and Marine Science Center
Anemones attached to a rocky outcrop on the seafloor.

Pom-pom anemone on the Pacific Ocean floor off California

Pom-pom anemone on the Pacific Ocean floor off California

These “pom-pom” anemones (Liponema sp.) have attached to the rock in a place where there are probably very good currents, which bring small floating particles of food to them. Water depth is 1041 m (3415 ft).

By
Coastal and Marine Hazards and Resources Program, Pacific Coastal and Marine Science Center, Pacific Coastal and Marine Science Center
Critters on the bottom of the ocean, a sea star, skate, and rockfish.
Sea life offshore of Morro Bay, California
Sea life offshore of Morro Bay, California
Critters on the bottom of the ocean, a sea star, skate, and rockfish.

Sea life offshore of Morro Bay, California

Sea life offshore of Morro Bay, California

A small juvenile skate (left) and a large rockfish (right) hang out on the murky, silty seafloor with sea stars. Water depth: 856 m (2808 ft).

By
Coastal and Marine Hazards and Resources Program, Pacific Coastal and Marine Science Center, Pacific Coastal and Marine Science Center
Critters on the bottom of the ocean, a sea star, skate, and rockfish.

Sea life offshore of Morro Bay, California

Sea life offshore of Morro Bay, California

A small juvenile skate (left) and a large rockfish (right) hang out on the murky, silty seafloor with sea stars. Water depth: 856 m (2808 ft).

By
Coastal and Marine Hazards and Resources Program, Pacific Coastal and Marine Science Center, Pacific Coastal and Marine Science Center
Two men stand on the deck of a ship, and one is giving hand signals while they retrieve a large instrument from the ocean.
Retrieving the MiniROV
Retrieving the MiniROV
Two men stand on the deck of a ship, and one is giving hand signals while they retrieve a large instrument from the ocean.

Retrieving the MiniROV

Retrieving the MiniROV

Retrieving the MBARI (Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute) MiniROV from the Pacific Ocean offshore of California, on research vessel (R/V) Bold Horizon.

By
Coastal and Marine Hazards and Resources Program, Pacific Coastal and Marine Science Center, Deep Sea Exploration, Mapping and Characterization
Two men stand on the deck of a ship, and one is giving hand signals while they retrieve a large instrument from the ocean.

Retrieving the MiniROV

Retrieving the MiniROV

Retrieving the MBARI (Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute) MiniROV from the Pacific Ocean offshore of California, on research vessel (R/V) Bold Horizon.

By
Coastal and Marine Hazards and Resources Program, Pacific Coastal and Marine Science Center, Deep Sea Exploration, Mapping and Characterization
Filter Total Items: 47

California State Waters Map Series—Benthic habitat characterization in the region offshore Humboldt Bay, California

Coastal and Marine Ecological Classification Standard (CMECS) geoform, substrate, and biotic component geographic information system (GIS) products were developed for the California State Waters of northern California in the region offshore of Humboldt Bay. The study was motivated by interest in development of offshore wind-energy capacity and infrastructure in Federal waters offshore. This projec
Authors
Guy R. Cochrane
By
Pacific Coastal and Marine Science Center

Pockmarks offshore Big Sur, California provide evidence for recurrent, regional, and unconfined sediment gravity flows

Recent surface ship multibeam surveys of the Sur Pockmark Field, offshore Central California, reveal >5,000 pockmarks in an area that is slated to host a wind farm, between 500- and 1,500-m water depth. Extensive fieldwork was conducted to characterize the seafloor environment and its recent geologic history, including visual observations with remotely operated vehicles, sediment core sampling, an
Authors
E. Lundsten, Charles K. Paull, R. Gwiazda, S. Dobbs, D.W. Caress, Linda A. Kuhnz, M. Walton, N. Nieminski, Mary McGann, Thomas Lorenson, Guy R. Cochrane, Jason A. Addison
By
Pacific Coastal and Marine Science Center

California State waters map series—Benthic habitat characterization in the region offshore of Morro Bay, California

Coastal and Marine Ecological Classification Standard geoform, substrate, and biotic component geographic information system products were developed for the California State waters of south-central California in the region offshore of Morro Bay. The study was motivated by interest in development of offshore wind-energy capacity and infrastructure in Federal waters offshore. The Bureau of Ocean Ene
Authors
Guy R. Cochrane, Rikk Kvitek, Aaron Cole, Meghan Sherrier, Alia Roca-Lezra, Sean Hallahan, Peter Dartnell
By
Pacific Coastal and Marine Science Center

Multi-factor biotopes as a method for detailed site characterization in diverse benthic megafaunal communities and habitats in deep-water off Morro Bay, California

Here we describe the methods and results for biological characterization of the benthos on a previously unexplored area of central California, USA seafloor. We conducted 40 remotely operated vehicle dives from 371 to 1173 m water depth. Seafloor habitats and megafauna (fish and invertebrates) were documented from 46.8 km of seafloor video footage. Our expanded development and analysis of biotopes
Authors
Linda A. Kuhnz, Lisa Gilbane, Guy R. Cochrane, Charles K. Paull
By
Pacific Coastal and Marine Science Center

California Deepwater Investigations and Groundtruthing (Cal DIG) I, volume 3 — Benthic habitat characterization offshore Morro Bay, California

Coastal and Marine Ecological Classification Standard (CMECS) geoform, substrate, and biotic component geographic information system (GIS) products were developed for the U.S. Exclusive Economic Zone (U.S. EEZ) of south-central California in the region of Santa Lucia Bank motivated by interest in development of offshore wind-energy capacity and infrastructure. The Bureau of Ocean Energy Management
Authors
Guy R. Cochrane, Linda A. Kuhnz, Lisa Gilbane, Peter Dartnell, Maureen A. L. Walton, Charles K. Paull
By
Coastal and Marine Hazards and Resources Program, Pacific Coastal and Marine Science Center, Deep Sea Exploration, Mapping and Characterization

California deepwater investigations and groundtruthing (Cal DIG) I: Fault and shallow geohazard analysis offshore Morro Bay

The California Deepwater Investigations and Groundtruthing (Cal DIG) I project focuses on the potential seafloor hazards and impacts of alternative energy infrastructure in the outer continental shelf region offshore of south-central California. This is one of three reports covering a single study area located between Monterey and Point Conception, California in federal waters outside of the State

Authors
Maureen A. L. Walton, Charlie K Paull, Guy R. Cochrane, Jason A. Addison, Roberto Gwiazda, Daniel J. Kennedy, Eve M. Lundsten, Antoinette Gabrielle Papesh
By
Natural Hazards Mission Area, Ecosystems Land Change Science Program, Coastal and Marine Hazards and Resources Program, Pacific Coastal and Marine Science Center, Core Preparation and Analysis Laboratory and Sample Repositories, Deep Sea Exploration, Mapping and Characterization

Characterization of deep-sea coral and sponge communities in Greater Farallones National Marine Sanctuary: Point Arena South Essential Fish Habitat Conservation Area and New Amendment 28 Areas

This report summarizes samples collected during a remotely operated vehicle (ROV) cruise conducted in October 2019 on board E/V Nautilus. Areas sampled in Greater Farallones National Marine Sanctuary included areas proposed for fisheries management zoning in the Point Arena South (PAS) Essential Fish Habitat Conservation Area (EFH). Dive planning targeted habitats and biological communities of cor
Authors
Kaitlin Graiff, Jan Roletto, Sage Tezak, Gary E. Williams, Guy R. Cochrane
By
Coastal and Marine Hazards and Resources Program, Pacific Coastal and Marine Science Center, Deep Sea Exploration, Mapping and Characterization

California State Waters Map Series — Offshore of Gaviota, California

IntroductionIn 2007, the California Ocean Protection Council initiated the California Seafloor Mapping Program (CSMP), designed to create a comprehensive seafloor map of high-resolution bathymetry, marine benthic habitats, and geology within the 3-nautical-mile limit of California’s State Waters. The CSMP approach is to create highly detailed seafloor maps through collection, integration, interpre
Authors
Samuel Y. Johnson, Peter Dartnell, Guy R. Cochrane, Stephen R. Hartwell, Nadine E. Golden, Rikk Kvitek, Clifton W. Davenport
By
Pacific Coastal and Marine Science Center

California State Waters Map Series — Offshore of Point Conception, California

IntroductionIn 2007, the California Ocean Protection Council initiated the California Seafloor Mapping Program (CSMP), designed to create a comprehensive seafloor map of high-resolution bathymetry, marine benthic habitats, and geology within the 3-nautical-mile limit of California’s State Waters. The CSMP approach is to create highly detailed seafloor maps through collection, integration, interpre
Authors
Samuel Y. Johnson, Peter Dartnell, Guy R. Cochrane, Stephen R. Hartwell, Nadine E. Golden, Rikk Kvitek, Clifton W. Davenport
By
Pacific Coastal and Marine Science Center

Benthic assemblages of mega epifauna on the Oregon continental margin

Environmental assessment studies are usually required by a country's administration before issuing permits for any industrial activities. One of the goals of such environmental assessment studies is to highlight species assemblages and habitat composition that could make the targeted area unique. A section of the Oregon continental slope that had not been previously explored was targeted for the d
Authors
Lenaïg G. Hemery, Sarah K. Henkel, Guy R. Cochrane
By
Coastal and Marine Hazards and Resources Program, Pacific Coastal and Marine Science Center, Deep Sea Exploration, Mapping and Characterization

Oregon OCS seafloor mapping: Selected lease blocks relevant to renewable energy

In 2014 the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) and the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) entered into Intra-agency agreement M13PG00037 to map an area of the Oregon Outer Continental Shelf (OCS) off of Coos Bay, Oregon, under consideration for development of a floating wind energy farm. The BOEM requires seafloor mapping and site characterization studies in order to evaluate the impact of seaflo
Authors
Guy R. Cochrane, Lenaïg G. Hemery, Sarah K. Henkel
By
Natural Hazards Mission Area, Coastal and Marine Hazards and Resources Program, Pacific Coastal and Marine Science Center

The California Seafloor and Coastal Mapping Program – Providing science and geospatial data for California's State Waters

The California Seafloor and Coastal Mapping Program (CSCMP) is a collaborative effort to develop comprehensive bathymetric, geologic, and habitat maps and data for California's State Waters. CSCMP began in 2007 when the California Ocean Protection Council (OPC) and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) allocated funding for high-resolution bathymetric mapping, largely to suppo
Authors
Samuel Y. Johnson, Guy R. Cochrane, Nadine E. Golden, Peter Dartnell, Stephen Hartwell, Susan A. Cochran, Janet Watt
By
Natural Hazards Mission Area, Coastal and Marine Hazards and Resources Program, Pacific Coastal and Marine Science Center, Deep Sea Exploration, Mapping and Characterization
Sediment Flows Create Seafloor Pockmarks offshore of Central California

Sediment Flows Create Seafloor Pockmarks offshore of Central California

A recent study from researchers at Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute, Stanford University, and USGS debunks the longstanding theory that...

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Collaborative Federal Investigation Reveals Cause of Huntington Oil Spill

Collaborative Federal Investigation Reveals Cause of Huntington Oil Spill

A collaborative investigation involving multiple federal agencies, including the FBI, U.S. Attorneys' Office, U.S. Coast Guard (USCG), Bureau of Ocean...

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California Deepwater Investigations and Groundtruthing

California Deepwater Investigations and Groundtruthing

To advance national and state renewable energy goals, the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM), USGS, and the State of California are considering...

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*Disclaimer: Listing outside positions with professional scientific organizations on this Staff Profile are for informational purposes only and do not constitute an endorsement of those professional scientific organizations or their activities by the USGS, Department of the Interior, or U.S. Government

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