Benthic Habitat Documentation
OSI often utilizes ROV underwater videography in concert with a variety of remote sensing and real-time data collection techniques. These techniques include side scan sonar mapping, benthic sediment grabs, and diver quadrat surveys to document benthic habitat of discrete sites as well as proposed pipeline/cable routes. Benthic studies typically document the habitat as well as the biological community assemblages present within each habitat unit. Divers and/or ROV position is often accomplished by employing a precision Ultra Short Base Line (USBL) acoustic tracking system interfaced with precision GNSS, motion, and heading sensors.
Benthic Habitat Fig. 1
Diver Quadrat Survey.
Benthic Habitat Fig. 2
Pipeline route habitat inspection reveals hole from prior route centerline geotechnical core.
Benthic Habitat Fig. 3
The habitat inspection assignment that everyone wants...Bermuda.