gov.noaa.nodc:MDBC-MGM-Inventory eng utf8 series NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information ncei.info@noaa.gov https://www.ncei.noaa.gov/contact HTTPS NOAA Contact Information Information for contacts at NCEI. information custodian 2026-03-19T14:36:32Z ISO 19115-2 Geographic Information - Metadata - Part 2: Extensions for Imagery and Gridded Data ISO 19115-2:2009(E) Comprehensive inventory of seafloor mapping, ground-truthing, and predictive habitat modeling datasets to support Deepwater Horizon mesophotic and deep benthic community restoration 2022-12-05 publication 2024-08-02 revision 2022-11-07 creation International DOI Foundation (IDF) 10.25921/r39j-k881 NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information gov.noaa.nodc:MDBC-MGM-Inventory NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information ncei.info@noaa.gov https://www.ncei.noaa.gov/contact HTTPS NCEI Contact Information Information for contacts at NCEI. information publisher NOAA National Centers for Coastal Ocean Science (NCCOS) https://coastalscience.noaa.gov/ HTTPS NOAA National Centers for Coastal Ocean Science (NCCOS) website Institution web page information resourceProvider Paxton, Avery NOAA National Centers for Coastal Ocean Science (NCCOS) avery.paxton@noaa.gov https://coastalscience.noaa.gov/ HTTPS NOAA National Centers for Coastal Ocean Science (NCCOS) website Institution web page information collaborator Herting, Jennifer NOAA Southeast Fisheries Science Center (NMFS/SEFSC) jennifer.herting@noaa.gov https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/about/southeast-fisheries-science-center HTTPS NOAA Southeast Fisheries Science Center (NMFS/SEFSC) website Institution web page information collaborator Winship, Arliss NOAA National Centers for Coastal Ocean Science (NCCOS) arliss.winship@noaa.gov https://coastalscience.noaa.gov/ HTTPS NOAA National Centers for Coastal Ocean Science (NCCOS) website Institution web page information collaborator Charles Menza NOAA National Centers for Coastal Ocean Science (NCCOS) charles.menza@noaa.gov https://coastalscience.noaa.gov/ HTTPS NOAA National Centers for Coastal Ocean Science (NCCOS) website Institution web page information principalInvestigator NOAA National Centers for Coastal Ocean Science (NCCOS) NCCOS Data Manager nccos.data@noaa.gov https://coastalscience.noaa.gov/ HTTPS NOAA National Centers for Coastal Ocean Science (NCCOS) website Institution web page information pointOfContact Benson, Kristopher NOAA Office of Habitat Conservation (NMFS/OHC) kristopher.benson@noaa.gov https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/about/office-habitat-conservation HTTPS NOAA Office of Habitat Conservation (NMFS/OHC) website Institution web page information collaborator Timothy A. Battista NOAA National Centers for Coastal Ocean Science (NCCOS) tim.battista@noaa.gov https://coastalscience.noaa.gov/ HTTPS NOAA National Centers for Coastal Ocean Science (NCCOS) website Institution web page information collaborator Harter, Stacey NOAA Southeast Fisheries Science Center (NMFS/SEFSC) stacey.harter@noaa.gov https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/about/southeast-fisheries-science-center HTTPS NOAA Southeast Fisheries Science Center (NMFS/SEFSC) website Institution web page information collaborator Ebert, Erik NOAA National Centers for Coastal Ocean Science (NCCOS) erik.ebert@noaa.gov https://coastalscience.noaa.gov/ HTTPS NOAA National Centers for Coastal Ocean Science (NCCOS) website Institution web page information collaborator Sautter, Will NOAA National Centers for Coastal Ocean Science (NCCOS) will.sautter@noaa.gov https://coastalscience.noaa.gov/ HTTPS NOAA National Centers for Coastal Ocean Science (NCCOS) website Institution web page information collaborator Kraus, Jennifer NOAA National Centers for Coastal Ocean Science (NCCOS) jennifer.kraus@noaa.gov https://coastalscience.noaa.gov/ HTTPS NOAA National Centers for Coastal Ocean Science (NCCOS) website Institution web page information collaborator Sarah D Hile NOAA National Centers for Coastal Ocean Science (NCCOS) sarah.hile@noaa.gov https://coastalscience.noaa.gov/ HTTPS NOAA National Centers for Coastal Ocean Science (NCCOS) website Institution web page information collaborator Howell, Jacob NOAA National Centers for Coastal Ocean Science (NCCOS) jacob.howell@noaa.gov https://coastalscience.noaa.gov/ HTTPS NOAA National Centers for Coastal Ocean Science (NCCOS) website Institution web page information collaborator Dan Dorfman NOAA National Centers for Coastal Ocean Science (NCCOS) dan.dorfman@noaa.gov https://coastalscience.noaa.gov/ HTTPS NOAA National Centers for Coastal Ocean Science (NCCOS) website Institution web page information collaborator Flounders, Samantha NOAA Southeast Fisheries Science Center (NMFS/SEFSC) samantha.flounders@noaa.gov https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/about/southeast-fisheries-science-center HTTPS NOAA Southeast Fisheries Science Center (NMFS/SEFSC) website Institution web page information collaborator Matthew Poti NOAA National Centers for Coastal Ocean Science (NCCOS) matthew.poti@noaa.gov https://coastalscience.noaa.gov/ HTTPS NOAA National Centers for Coastal Ocean Science (NCCOS) website Institution web page information collaborator Coyne, Michael NOAA National Centers for Coastal Ocean Science (NCCOS) michael.coyne@noaa.gov https://coastalscience.noaa.gov/ HTTPS NOAA National Centers for Coastal Ocean Science (NCCOS) website Institution web page information collaborator Stephen Formel NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information (NCEI) collaborator Asmita Shukla NOAA National Centers for Coastal Ocean Science (NCCOS) asmita.shukla@noaa.gov https://coastalscience.noaa.gov/ HTTPS NOAA National Centers for Coastal Ocean Science (NCCOS) website Institution web page information pointOfContact J. Christopher Taylor NOAA National Centers for Coastal Ocean Science (NCCOS) chris.taylor@noaa.gov https://coastalscience.noaa.gov/ HTTPS NOAA National Centers for Coastal Ocean Science (NCCOS) website Institution web page information collaborator Paxton, Avery NOAA National Centers for Coastal Ocean Science (NCCOS) avery.paxton@noaa.gov https://coastalscience.noaa.gov/ HTTPS NOAA National Centers for Coastal Ocean Science (NCCOS) website Institution web page information author Herting, Jennifer NOAA Southeast Fisheries Science Center (SEFSC) jennifer.herting@noaa.gov https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/about/southeast-fisheries-science-center HTTPS NOAA Southeast Fisheries Science Center (NMFS/SEFSC) website Institution web page information author Winship, Arliss CSS, Inc., under contract to NOAA National Centers for Coastal Ocean Science arliss.winship@noaa.gov https://coastalscience.noaa.gov/ HTTPS NOAA National Centers for Coastal Ocean Science (NCCOS) website Institution web page information author NOAA National Centers for Coastal Ocean Science (NCCOS) https://coastalscience.noaa.gov/ HTTPS NOAA National Centers for Coastal Ocean Science (NCCOS) website Institution web page information contributor tableDigital This dataset is a collection and inventory of existing seafloor mapping, ground-truthing, and predictive habitat modeling data within the Gulf of Mexico. The inventory was compiled by the Mesophotic and Deep Benthic Communities (MDBC): Mapping Ground-truthing, and Predictive Habitat Modeling Project. This project is one of many selected by the Open Ocean Trustee Implementation Group to restore natural resources injured by the 2010 Deepwater Horizon oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico. Data collected from 1980 to 2021 were sourced from federal and state agencies, as well as from academia and industry. Each dataset is represented in the inventory as a spatial footprint with corresponding quantitative and qualitative attributes. The seafloor mapping data are primarily remote sensing observations used to survey and derive depth, shape, and texture of the seafloor and characterize the geomorphological forms, substrates, and biota used to define MDBC habitats. Ground-truthing data are in-situ observations that provide visual and analytical characterization of information documenting the abundance and distribution of MDBC, substrate, and geomorphology. Predictive habitat models analyze habitat-environment or species-environment relationships from seafloor mapping data, in situ observations, and environmental data to predict MDBC habitat. The spatial extent of the dataset is as follows, except for predictive habitat models which have a more global extent. Project Purpose: The 2010 Deepwater Horizon (DWH) oil spill released approximately 3.2 million barrels of oil into the Gulf of Mexico (GOM), resulting in quantified injury to an area of over 2,000 km2 (770 mi2) of deep-sea benthic habitats surrounding the wellhead. The damage assessment also documented hydrocarbon exposure to an additional area of over 12,000 km2 extending up the continental slope and onto the continental shelf, as well as substantial losses to corals, other benthic invertebrates, and the associated fish and water column community in an approximately 10 km2 area of mesophotic reef habitats of the Pinnacles Trend off the coast of Mississippi and Alabama. The full extent of damage to mesophotic and deep benthic communities (MDBC) from the DWH oil spill remains unknown, and knowledge gaps regarding MDBC distribution create significant challenges for restoring MDBC communities and achieving restoration goals prescribed by the Final DWH Programmatic Damage Assessment and Restoration Plan / Programmatic Environmental Impact Statement (DWH PDARP / PEIS). Successful restoration of MDBC impacted by the DWH oil spill requires knowledge of the distribution, abundance, and status of these communities and associated habitats. Accurate high-resolution seafloor maps and data on abundance and distribution of MDBC represent key requirements for restoration efforts. Partial information about MDBC can be gleaned from existing datasets. As such, the MDBC Mapping, Ground-truthing, and Predictive Habitat Modeling Project conducted an inventory of existing seafloor mapping and ground-truthing data and of existing predictive habitat models. A comprehensive inventory of seafloor mapping, ground-truthing, and predictive habitat modeling data was compiled for a large part of the northern GOM from 1980 through 2021 to meet project objectives and support restoration activities. This archival data package includes spatial footprints of seafloor mapping, ground-truthing, and predictive habitat modeling datasets that were included in the inventory. Data Purpose: The broad goal of the inventory was to help determine the extent of MDBC communities and support restoration activities. More specifically, the resulting inventory will be used to 1) prioritize locations and key information requirements for habitat maps needed for planning, restoration activities, or conservation management actions; 2) conduct a gap analysis to define focal regions to conduct new seafloor mapping and ground-truthing surveys or predictive modeling; 3) inform participatory workshops with subject matter experts to define best practices for habitat mapping, ground-truthing, and modeling; and 4) inform operations to newly document the extent of MDBC. Funding Agency: Deepwater Horizon Natural Resource Damage Assessment, MDBC Mapping, Ground-truthing, and Predictive Habitat Modeling Project onGoing historicalArchive NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information ncei.info@noaa.gov https://www.ncei.noaa.gov/contact HTTPS NCEI Contact Information Information for contacts at NCEI. information pointOfContact asNeeded https://www.ncei.noaa.gov/access/metadata/landing-page/bin/gfx?id=gov.noaa.nodc:MDBC-MGM-Inventory Preview graphic PNG 0268765 0295552 NCEI ACCESSION NUMBER 2024-07-02 publication BATHYMETRY CORAL HABITAT - BENTHIC SEDIMENTS theme NODC DATA TYPES THESAURUS multibeam sonar sediment sampler - corer sediment sampler - grab seismic reflection profiler sonar instrument NODC INSTRUMENT TYPES THESAURUS in situ model output theme NODC OBSERVATION TYPES THESAURUS NOAA National Centers for Coastal Ocean Science dataCentre NODC COLLECTING INSTITUTION NAMES THESAURUS NOAA National Centers for Coastal Ocean Science dataCentre NODC SUBMITTING INSTITUTION NAMES THESAURUS Deepwater Horizon oil spill event (DWH) Mesophotic and Deep Benthic Communities (MDBC) Natural Resources Damage Assessment Process (NRDA Process) project NODC PROJECT NAMES THESAURUS World-Wide Distribution place NODC SEA AREA NAMES THESAURUS oceanography theme WMO_CategoryCode 2012-09-15 publication DOC/NOAA/NOS/NCCOS > National Centers for Coastal Ocean Science, National Ocean Service, NOAA, U.S. Department of Commerce dataCentre Global Change Master Directory (GCMD) Data Center Keywords 2026 revision 24 Earth Science Data and Information System, Earth Science Projects Division, Goddard Space Flight Center (GSFC), National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Greenbelt MD https://forum.earthdata.nasa.gov/app.php/tag/GCMD%2BKeywords HTTPS GCMD Keyword Forum Page Global Change Master Directory (GCMD). 2025. GCMD Keywords, Version 21. Greenbelt, MD: Earth Science Data and Information System, Earth Science Projects Division, Goddard Space Flight Center (GSFC), National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). URL (GCMD Keyword Forum Page): https://forum.earthdata.nasa.gov/app.php/tag/GCMD+Keywords information custodian MDBC > Mesophotic and Deep Benthic Communities project Global Change Master Directory (GCMD) Project Keywords 2026 revision 24 Earth Science Data and Information System, Earth Science Projects Division, Goddard Space Flight Center (GSFC), National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Greenbelt MD https://forum.earthdata.nasa.gov/app.php/tag/GCMD%2BKeywords HTTPS GCMD Keyword Forum Page Global Change Master Directory (GCMD). 2025. GCMD Keywords, Version 21. Greenbelt, MD: Earth Science Data and Information System, Earth Science Projects Division, Goddard Space Flight Center (GSFC), National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). URL (GCMD Keyword Forum Page): https://forum.earthdata.nasa.gov/app.php/tag/GCMD+Keywords information custodian Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) Deepwater Horizon (DWH) Mesophotic and Deep Benthic Communities (MDBC) NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information (NCEI) NOAA National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) NOAA National Ocean Service (NOS) National Centers for Coastal Ocean Science (NCCOS) NOS Office of National Marine Sanctuaries (OCMS) Natural Resource Damage Assessment (NRDA) Open Ocean Trustee Implementation Group (OOTIG) U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) project Provider Project Names EARTH SCIENCE > BIOSPHERE > ECOSYSTEMS > MARINE ECOSYSTEMS > BENTHIC EARTH SCIENCE > OCEANS > BATHYMETRY/SEAFLOOR TOPOGRAPHY > BATHYMETRY EARTH SCIENCE > OCEANS > MARINE SEDIMENTS EARTH SCIENCE > SOLID EARTH > GEOMORPHIC LANDFORMS/PROCESSES > COASTAL LANDFORMS > CORAL REEFS theme Global Change Master Directory (GCMD) Science Keywords 2026 revision 24 Earth Science Data and Information System, Earth Science Projects Division, Goddard Space Flight Center (GSFC), National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Greenbelt MD https://forum.earthdata.nasa.gov/app.php/tag/GCMD%2BKeywords HTTPS GCMD Keyword Forum Page Global Change Master Directory (GCMD). 2025. GCMD Keywords, Version 21. Greenbelt, MD: Earth Science Data and Information System, Earth Science Projects Division, Goddard Space Flight Center (GSFC), National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). URL (GCMD Keyword Forum Page): https://forum.earthdata.nasa.gov/app.php/tag/GCMD+Keywords information custodian Marine Spatial Ecology > Ecological and Biogeographic Assessments Marine Spatial Ecology > Habitat Mapping Marine Spatial Ecology > Regional Ecosystem Science theme NCCOS Research Areas Derived Data Product Geospatial Model theme NCCOS Research Data Types Acoustic Backscatter Annotations Observations Predictive Habitat Model Predictions Seafloor Bathymetry theme Provider Keywords GRAB SAMPLERS MBES > Multibeam Mapping System SEDIMENT CORERS > SEDIMENT CORERS SEISMIC REFLECTION PROFILERS SONAR > Sound Navigation and Ranging instrument Global Change Master Directory (GCMD) Instrument Keywords 2026 revision 24 Earth Science Data and Information System, Earth Science Projects Division, Goddard Space Flight Center (GSFC), National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Greenbelt MD https://forum.earthdata.nasa.gov/app.php/tag/GCMD%2BKeywords HTTPS GCMD Keyword Forum Page Global Change Master Directory (GCMD). 2025. GCMD Keywords, Version 21. Greenbelt, MD: Earth Science Data and Information System, Earth Science Projects Division, Goddard Space Flight Center (GSFC), National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). URL (GCMD Keyword Forum Page): https://forum.earthdata.nasa.gov/app.php/tag/GCMD+Keywords information custodian Biological Sampler Geological Sampler Laser-line Scanner Multibeam Sonar Multimedia devices Phase Differential Bathymetric Sonar Sediment Sampler Seismic profiler Side-scan Sonar Sub-bottom Profiler instrument Provider Instruments GEOGRAPHIC REGION > GLOBAL OCEAN place Global Change Master Directory (GCMD) Location Keywords 2026 revision 24 Earth Science Data and Information System, Earth Science Projects Division, Goddard Space Flight Center (GSFC), National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Greenbelt MD https://forum.earthdata.nasa.gov/app.php/tag/GCMD%2BKeywords HTTPS GCMD Keyword Forum Page Global Change Master Directory (GCMD). 2025. GCMD Keywords, Version 21. Greenbelt, MD: Earth Science Data and Information System, Earth Science Projects Division, Goddard Space Flight Center (GSFC), National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). URL (GCMD Keyword Forum Page): https://forum.earthdata.nasa.gov/app.php/tag/GCMD+Keywords information custodian U.S. States and Territories > Alabama U.S. States and Territories > Florida U.S. States and Territories > Louisiana U.S. States and Territories > Mississippi U.S. States and Territories > Texas Waterbodies > Atlantic Ocean Waterbodies > Gulf of Mexico place NCCOS Regions of Study Atlantic Ocean place Provider Place Names 9UA6GG E1H7J8 Send2NCEI Submission Package ID accessLevel: public otherRestrictions Cite as: Paxton, Avery; Herting, Jennifer; Winship, Arliss (2022). Comprehensive inventory of seafloor mapping, ground-truthing, and predictive habitat modeling datasets to support Deepwater Horizon mesophotic and deep benthic community restoration. [indicate subset used]. NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information. Dataset. https://doi.org/10.25921/r39j-k881. Accessed [date]. Distribution liability: NOAA and NCEI make no warranty, expressed or implied, regarding these data, nor does the fact of distribution constitute such a warranty. NOAA and NCEI cannot assume liability for any damages caused by any errors or omissions in these data. If appropriate, NCEI can only certify that the data it distributes are an authentic copy of the records that were accepted for inclusion in the NCEI archives. otherRestrictions Use liability: NOAA and NCEI cannot provide any warranty as to the accuracy, reliability, or completeness of furnished data. Users assume responsibility to determine the usability of these data. The user is responsible for the results of any application of this data for other than its intended purpose. Open Ocean Restoration Area 2022 publication https://www.gulfspillrestoration.noaa.gov/restoration-areas/open-ocean HTTPS Open Ocean Restoration Area OOTIG Project Webpage information Open Ocean Trustee Implementation Group https://www.gulfspillrestoration.noaa.gov/restoration-areas/open-ocean HTTPS website Institution web page information author Open Ocean Trustee Implementation Group https://www.gulfspillrestoration.noaa.gov/restoration-areas/open-ocean HTTPS website Institution web page information publisher documentDigital crossReference project NOAA Gulf Spill Restoration 2022 publication https://www.gulfspillrestoration.noaa.gov/ HTTPS NOAA Gulf Spill Restoration Oil Spill Restoration Webpage information Deepwater Horizon NRDA" https://www.gulfspillrestoration.noaa.gov/ HTTPS website Institution web page information author Deepwater Horizon NRDA https://www.gulfspillrestoration.noaa.gov/ HTTPS website Institution web page information publisher documentDigital crossReference program Scientific Support for Mesophotic and Deep Benthic Community Restoration in the Gulf of Mexico 2020 publication https://coastalscience.noaa.gov/project/scientific-support-for-mesophotic-and-deep-benthic-community-restoration-in-the-gulf-of-mexico/ HTTPS https://coastalscience.noaa.gov/project/scientific-support-for-mesophotic-and-deep-benthic-community-restoration-in-the-gulf-of-mexico/ National Centers for Coastal Ocean Science (NCCOS) project page information NOAA National Centers for Coastal Ocean Science (NCCOS) https://coastalscience.noaa.gov/ HTTPS NOAA National Centers for Coastal Ocean Science (NCCOS) website Institution web page information publisher documentDigital crossReference project eng; USA utf8 environment oceans geoscientificInformation biota -180 180 -90 90 1980-01-01 Project Purpose: The data in this accession were funded by the Mesophotic and Deep Benthic Communities (MDBC) Restoration Mapping, Ground-truthing, and Predictive Habitat Modeling (MGM) project. This project was selected by the Open Ocean Trustee Implementation Group to restore natural resources injured by the 2010 Deepwater Horizon oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico. The 2010 DWH oil spill was an unprecedented event. Approximately 3.2 million barrels of oil were released into the deep ocean over nearly three months. The plume of oil moved throughout the water column, formed surface slicks that cumulatively covered an area the size of Virginia, and washed oil onto at least 1,300 miles of shoreline habitats. More than 770 square miles (2,000 square kilometers) of deep benthic habitat were injured by the oil spill, including areas surrounding the DWH wellhead and parts of the Pinnacles Trend mesophotic reef complex, located at the edge of the continental shelf. Methods: Thorough and reproducible data discovery protocols were applied to search a range of data sources including project partners, external contacts, scientific literature, and online data portals. Reproducible protocols were also applied to screen, acquire, standardize, store, and document inventoried datasets. Summary products, such as the spatial footprints included in this archival data package, were derived from the original datasets to provide simplified, standardized views of the inventoried data across datasets and data types. Details on data discovery, data tracking, data screening and acquisition, data processing, and data product generation are available in Paxton et al. (2023). Total File Size: 935.2 MB total, 507 files in 6 folders (unzipped), 244 MB (zipped) NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information +1-301-713-3277 ncei.info@noaa.gov pointOfContact In most cases, electronic downloads of the data are free. However, fees may apply for custom orders, data certifications, copies of analog materials, and data distribution on physical media. Contact NCEI for other distribution options and instructions. Originator data format 2938.7 https://doi.org/10.25921/r39j-k881 HTTPS Web browser NCEI Dataset Landing Page Navigate directly to the URL for a descriptive web page with download links. information https://www.ncei.noaa.gov/metadata/granule/geoportal/?from=0&size=10&esdsl=%7B%22query%22%3A%7B%22bool%22%3A%7B%22must%22%3A%5B%7B%22query_string%22%3A%7B%22analyze_wildcard%22%3Atrue%2C%22query%22%3A%22fileid%3AMDBC-MGM-Inventory.*%22%7D%7D%5D%7D%7D%7D#searchPanel HTTPS Web browser Granule Search Search for data granules belonging to this collection (a granule is the smallest aggregation of data that can be independently described and retrieved). search series NCEI Accession 0268765 v1.1 was published. 2022-12-05T17:39:50Z NCEI Accession 0295552 v1.1 was published. 2024-08-02T21:46:02Z asNeeded Metadata are developed, maintained and distributed by NCEI. Updates are performed as needed to maintain currentness. NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information custodian multibeam sonar multibeam sonar generic instrument to measure seafloor topography Active sensors that utilize acoustic energy to collect measurements of seafloor depth and character (from http://www.csc.noaa.gov/crs/rs_apps/sensors/multi_beam.htm (last accessed 2008-12-09). Seafloor topography, bathymetry and other related geophysical data are usually managed and archived at the NOAA National Geophysical Data Center (www.ngdc.noaa.gov/mgg/). sediment sampler - corer sediment sampler - corer sediment coring device gravity or other coring device used to collect surfacial and near-surficial sediment samples sediment sampler - grab sediment sampler - grab grab sampler is used to take a sample of surficial seafloor sediments seismic reflection profiler seismic reflection profiler generic instrument designation for instruments used to map or quantify subsurface sea floor stratigraphy sonar sonar sound/sonic navigation and ranging Sonar (sound navigation and ranging or sonic navigation and ranging) is a technique that uses sound propagation (usually underwater, as in submarine navigation) to navigate, measure distances (ranging), communicate with or detect objects on or under the surface of the water, such as other vessels. Side-scan sonar (also sometimes called side scan sonar, sidescan sonar, side imaging sonar, side-imaging sonar and bottom classification sonar) is a category of sonar system that is used to efficiently create an image of large areas of the sea floor. [wikipedia] Bio-acoustic Sonar measures acoustic signals of plankton and zooplankton. [OOI]