Transit mapping operations will collect bathymetry, sub-bottom profiles, water column backscatter, and seafloor backscatter over the continental shelf and Claypile Bank in accordance with request from the scientific community. Survey mapping operations will collect continuous bathymetry, sub-bottom profiles, water column backscatter, and seafloor backscatter over the area to the south of Flower Garden Banks NMS, also in accordance with the scientific community. Data will provide details about biological habitats in the area and improve understanding of the ecological connection between mid-water and deepwater biological communities. During EX-14-02 Leg 2, multibeam, single beam, and sub-bottom profile data will be collected 24 hours a day and XBT casts will be conducted at an interval defined by prevailing oceanographic conditions, but not to exceed 6 hours.

Public Domain