Summary for Field Activity Number 1994-004-FA

Alternate Leg ID: 9409

Area of Operations: Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary, United States, North America, North Atlantic

Dates: October 11, 1994 to October 25, 1994

Objectives: Document character/distribution of fisheries habitats in SE Stellwagen Bank w/ sidescan sonar, video, photo, and samples. Resurvey/sample areas surveyed April and Sep. 1993 to evaluate changes in dredge disturbance on sea bed; prepare sediment distribution/bio habitat maps.

Type of Activity:

Information to be derived:

Summary: Previous cruises have imaged the southwestern part of Stellwagen Bank. This cruise expanded sidescan sonar coverage to the east. Bottom sediment is coarse sand and gravel on the southeastern part of the bank, and it is the source of the sand that is moved westward during large storms from the northeast. Several sidescan lines that were surveyed in April and September 1993 were resurveyed on this cruise. The distribution of storm deposits has not changed since the earlier surveys, and no large northeasters have occurred since December 1992. These observations support the hypothesis that the bank surface is unaffected by tidal currents and minor storms. Large storms and fishing gear (dredges and trawls) apparently are the major causes of habitat disturbance on the bank.

USGS Project Number: 31442?

Contact: Page Valentine (pvalentine@usgs.gov)

InfoBank: uses the identifier F-9-94-ST. Visit this site for more information.