The side scanner provides higher resolution imagery. From the manufacturer’s information, I have learned that it was designed for search and recovery and shallow water surveys. Having seen the side scanner used at a dozen different research stations on this cruise, I wanted to learn more about capabilities of this scientific instrument.

Preparing to put the side scan over board. Scanners such as these have been useful on other NOAA and marine conservation research cruises especially working to map and assess reefs in the Gulf. This system was added as a precaution in advance of trawling due to the uneven nature of the Gulf floor off the Florida Coast, which is not as much of a problem the further west one goes in the Gulf. Using a scanner such as this for a groundfish survey in the Gulf by NOAA is not typical. Since it plays a major role in the scientific research we have completed, I wanted to focus on it a bit more in this blog. That probe is called the EdgeTech 4125 Side Scan Sonar. I also mentioned the use of a probe to scan the sea floor in advance of trawling for fish samples.

In my previous blog, I mentioned the challenges of doing survey work on the eastern side of the Gulf near Florida.

Geographic Area of Cruise: Gulf of Mexico Mission: Leg III of SEAMAP Summer Groundfish Survey

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