Marine Benthic Habitat Mapping of the San Juan Island National Historical Park

Project ID: J8W07100016

Federal Agency: National Park Service

Partner Institution: University of Washington

Fiscal Year: 2010

Initial Funding: $51,876

Total Funding: $51,876

Project Type: Technical Assistance

Project Disciplines: Physical

National Park: San Juan Island National Historic Park

Principal Investigator: Greene, H. Gary

Agreement Technical Representative: DiDonato, Eva

Abstract: In response to the U.S. National Park Service’s (NPS) interest to map the submerged lands within park boundaries and to understand the aquatic processes that play a role in the formation, distribution and disturbance of coastal and submarine resources in and around park boundaries, research scientists at the University of Washington (UW) Friday Harbor Laboratories (FHL) will collaborate with NPS to construct a series of thematic maps that can be used by San Juan Island National Historical Park (SAJH) personnel to evaluate and manage nearshore and offshore resources. To accomplish these objectives, we will: (1) compile all available seafloor mapping data in and around SAJH including multibeam echosounder (MBES) bathymetry and backscatter data, terrestrial LiDAR and photographic data, and sediment sample information; (2) analyze and interpret new data being collected by the Canadian Hydrographic Service in spring, summer, or fall 2010; and (3) construct site specific benthic habitat and geologic maps. We will also produce a worksheet and flow-chart (guide), based on our approach and methods, for the implementation of benthic habitat mapping at NPS’s shoreline parks that border marine and estuarine coastlines.