| Abstract: |
The Massachusetts Office of Coastal Zone Management (CZM) and United States Geological Survey (USGS) Woods Hole Science Center initiated the Seafloor Mapping Cooperative in 2003 to address the need for acquiring datasets on the spatial distribution of benthic resources to help resource management. The goal of the cooperative is to comprehensively map the seafloor in Massachusetts. The program is a success story in partnership, funded by a combination of state (Massachusetts), federal (USGS and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration), and private sector contributions, while effectively leveraging expertise and technology within state and federal agencies. To date, nearly 1450 km2 of the seafloor of coastal Massachusetts has been mapped from the New Hampshire border to Cape Cod Bay. Planning for additional surveys in Buzzards Bay and Vineyard Sound is currently underway. These mapping efforts reveal the complexity of the seafloor landscape and are a large step toward a greater understanding of seafloor habitats. Furthermore, seafloor maps are widely used by collaborators and stakeholders and are facilitating better management of ocean resources. In addition to publishing maps and data depicting the distribution of bottom types and water depths, outreach material is produced and mapping workshops are organized to raise awareness and promote stewardship for the ocean environment. |