Ship groundings can cause sever environmental damage to the delicate ecosystems such as coral reefs, seagrass beds, and beaches. At present, survey work is performed by hand â a method that is inefficient and difficult to perform reliably. Improved bottom survey tools are clearly needed to evaluate the extent and type of damage and assist in determining remediation efforts. Creare proposals to develop an Autonomous Bathymetric Survey System (ABSS) that allows the operator to obtain highly detailed surveys, determine the extent of damage and understand bottom type. Creareâs ABSS uses novel sensor technology to augment traditional bathymetric sounding techniques. Our technology provides improved resolution and detects underwater vegetation to assist in determining whether seagrass beds have been damaged. During Phase I. we will demonstrate the technology through a series for open water surveys SUMMARY OF
Anticipated Results: The ABSS is intended for use in near shore survey work to document erosion, monitor erosion mitigation effects and plan coastal and beachfront development efforts. We expect an attractive commercial market for technology, particularly in light of the growth in sales of autonomous platforms for shallow water survey wo
