Project Description: This study will identify relevant information and compile available baseline data on the seafloor morphology, seabed and substrate sedimentary texture, and the diversity and abundance of demersal and benthic organisms which rely on sand habitats, specifically around potential sand resources off the NYB, up to 50 m offshore (generally 3-9 nm). Region specific studies and dataset should be reviewed for relevance and availability, particularly with respect to the potential borrow areas that NY and NJ have identified pursuant to their efforts to characterize sand resources in the NY Bight. The study should review all studies and data collection efforts focused on biological activity and succession in these areas.
Datasets of interest include geophysical surveys (e.g., multibeam or sidescan backscatter) and geological sampling that monitor seafloor morphology and characterize benthic substrate; biological data from grab samples, clam dredges, and trawl surveys; vibracore data of substrate; water column profiles that measured current flow and direction and water chemistry (e.g., temperature, salinity, pH, dissolved oxygen, turbidity, chlorophyll); direct observations from video cameras or remotely operated vehicles; acoustic surveys; and tagging. Once this data is identified (and compiled, when available), the review will provide summaries of ecologically relevant metrics (e.g., community composition, diversity, seasonality). It will also note knowledge gaps and needs to inform potential follow-on field efforts.
Lead Principal Investigator: Thomas Grothues, Rutgers University
Partner Institution: Rutgers University
Federal Agency: Bureau of Ocean Energy Management
Federal Agency Technical Contact: Deena Hansen
Project Type: Research
Project Discipline: Natural Resources
Project Sub-Discipline(s): Biological (Ecology, Fish, Wildlife, Vegetation, T&E), Water (FW & Marine)
Start Year: 2020
End Year: 2021
Initial Funding Amount: $174,064.00
Federal Grant Number: M20AC00003
Location: New York Bight
Products Associated with this Project:
- Grothues TM, Iwicki CM, Taghon GL, Borsetti S, Hunter E. 2021. Literature synthesis of NY Bight fish, fisheries, and sand features; volume 1: literature synthesis and gap analysis. Sterling (VA): US Department of the Interior, Bureau of Ocean Energy Management. OCS Study BOEM 2021-036. 114 p. (Technical Report (Published))
- Grothues TM, Hunter EJ, Iwicki CM, Taghon GL, Borsetti S. 2021. Data synthesis of NY Bight fish, fisheries, and sand features; volume 2: data synthesis and analysis. Sterling (VA): US Department of the Interior, Bureau of Ocean Energy Management. OCS Study BOEM 2021-036. 90 p. (Technical Report (Published))
- Grothues TM, Hunter EJ, Iwicki CM, Taghon GL, Borsetti S. 2021. Data synthesis of NY Bight fish, fisheries, and sand features; volume 0: front matter. Sterling (VA): US Department of the Interior, Bureau of Ocean Energy Management. OCS Study BOEM 2021-036. 6 p. (Technical Report (Published))