In partnership with NPS and Wisconsin state offices, NOAA is organizing a collaborative benthic mapping effort to address significant littoral management issues that have emerged in the Wisconsin waters of Lake Superior, and in lakes Michigan and Huron:
- Increases in coastal erosion
- Sedimentation and degradation of native fish habitat
- Watershed development and water quality changes
- Algal blooms
- Species invasions
This project will result in the collection and processing of multibeam sonar depth and backscatter data for the development of high resolution bathymetry and benthic mapping utilizing the Coastal and Marine Ecological Classification Standard (CMECS) to classify substrate and biotic components.
Mapping activities will address critical gaps in current knowledge and management applications. Subsequent modeling activities could be used to identify and protect shoreline sites vulnerable to lake level changes and coastal erosion. Approximately 820-847 linear survey miles will be completed to fill in data gaps located around the Apostle Islands in near and offshore areas.
Funding:
FY2024: $4,000,000
FY2023: $4,600,000
FY2022: $6,000,000
FY2021: $300,000
FY2020: $400,000
FY2019: $500,000
Contact:
Chiara.Zuccarino-crowe@noaa.gov
Other partners:
Multi-Agency (National Park Service, NOAA GLERL, NOAA NCCOS, NOAA NMS, State of Wisconsin)