NOAA Pacific Islands Fisheries Science Center

Small Boat Mission Report

Mission Number: SB-12-07

Operator-in-Charge: Dr. John Rooney

Chief Scientist: Dr. John Rooney

Small Boat ID/Type: R/V AHI, Small Boat Research Vessel F2505

Mission Title: Nearshore bathymetry mapping and TOAD optical data collection in the vicinity of Kawaihae Harbor, Hawaii

Mission Area: Northwestern coast of Hawaii, between Kiholo Bay and Upolu Point

Mission Dates: June 17− July 5, 2012

1. Mission PlanCruise Objective: 1The NOAA Pacific Islands Fisheries Science Center’s Coral Reef Ecosystem Division Mapping Program conducted 3 weeks of acoustic benthic habitat mapping operations aboard the R/V AHI near Kawaihae Harbor on the island ofHawaii. Survey operations extend to the southwest of Kawaihae Harbor atKiholo Bay (~ 11 nm distance) and north to Upolu Point, the northern tip of the island(~ 16 nm distances, see attached map). In addition to meeting long-term goals for NOAA NOAA Coral Reef Conservation Program (CRCP) funded benthic habitat mapping the area between Pelekane Bay on the southern side of Kawaihae Harbor to Anaehoomalu Bay, approximately 15 km to the south, were identified as high priority sites for focusing coral reef managementreleated research efforts by the and Hawaii Division of Aquatic Resources. Daily survey locations were determined by weather conditions. Operations were based out of Kawaihae Harbor for 18 days, from June 17 to July 5, 2012.

Cruise Operations: The Mapping Team spent 7 days conducting multibeam surveys in water depths of 10-200 meters to fill gaps in existing bathymetry data sets. Approximately 7 days were spent collecting optical data (video and still imagery of the seabed) using the Towed Optical Assessment Device (TOAD). The team conducted 3–5 TOAD dives per day, ranging from 0.5 to 2 km length, with the aim of sampling a range of seabed habitat types in depths of 30–150 meters. These data show the distribution of key benthic fauna, such as hard coral, and provide optical validation data to integrate with acoustic multibeam data for habitat mapping purposes.

2. SchedulePre-Mission Schedule:13 June Personnel delivered R/V AHI and pick-up truck to Young Brothers, Inc. for shipment from Honolulu to Kawaihae.

Mission Schedule:17 June Mapping personnel arrived in Kona, picked up rental car, checked into housing. 18 June Mapping personnel picked up boat and truck from Young Brothers Kawaihae, Big Island. Picked up additional personnel from airport and returned rental car. Team secured all other equipment in the garage at the rental unit and mobilized the boat and equipment. Set up office space.19 June Personnel finalized mobilizing the survey preparations, set up all processing hardware, tested the equipment and submitted an updated floatplan. 1200 Departed Kawaihae Harbor, Hawaii. Conducted multibeam surveys and returned to harbor at 1600. Team secured the data, cleaned the vessel and prepared for the next day, followed by data post processing.20 June – 21 June 0800 Departed Kawaihae Harbor, Hawaii and began acoustic survey activities. 1600 Completed acoustic surveys for the day and returned back to harbor, followed by securing the data, cleaning up and preparing the vessel for the next day and data post processing.22 June The team was involved in trouble shooting mechanical problems and data processing all day.23 June At 0800, the team installed backup generator and submitted the updated floatplan. 1200 Departed Kawaihae Harbor, Hawaii and conducted acoustic survey activities. 1600 Completed surveys for the day and returned back to harbor, followed by securing the data, cleaning up and preparing the vessel for the next day and data post processing.24 June 0800 All field operations for the day were canceled due to weather conditions and forecast. Team worked on data processing and mission planning.25 June 0800 Departed Kawaihae Harbor, Hawaii and began acoustic survey activities. 1600 Completed acoustic surveys for the day and returned back to harbor, followed by securing the data, cleaning up and preparing the vessel for the next day and data post processing.26 June Mobilized for TOAD operations 1200 Departed Kawaihae Harbor, Hawaii and began testing TOAD equipment and conducted test tows. 1600 Completed acoustic test surveys for the day and returned back to harbor, followed by securing the data, cleaning up and preparing the vessel for the next day.27 June 0800 Departed Kawaihae Harbor, Hawaii and began TOAD operations 1600 Completed TOAD surveys for the day and returned back to harbor, followed by securing the data, cleaning up and preparing the vessel for the next day and data post processing.28 June 0800 Departed Kawaihae Harbor, Hawaii and began acoustic survey activities. 1600 Completed all acoustic surveys and returned back to harbor, followed by securing the data, cleaning up and preparing the vessel for the next day and data post processing.29 June – 2 July 0800 Departed Kawaihae Harbor, Hawaii and began TOAD operations 1600 Completed TOAD surveys for the day and returned back to harbor, followed by securing the data, cleaning up and preparing the vessel for the next day and data post processing.2 July 0800 Departed Kawaihae Harbor, Hawaii and began TOAD operations 1300 Completed TOAD surveys for the day and returned back to harbor, followed by securing the data, cleaning up and started demobilizing the equipment.4 July Recovered R/V AHI onto trailer. Demobilized all equipment and picked up rental car. Team delivered boat and truck to Young Bothers, Inc at Kawaihae.5 July Team finalized cleaning up rental units and storage, traveled to airport; returned rental car. Personnel returned to Oahu. Mission completed.

Post-Mission Schedule:9 July The team picked up the R/V AHI and the Truck from Young Brothers, Inc. in Honolulu

3. Field Party

Name Role Dates OrganizationJohn Rooney Chief Scientist/OIC 06/17-06/22 JIMARJeremy Taylor Vessel Operator/2nd OIC 06/18-07/05 JIMARMarie Ferguson Vessel Operator 06/25-07/05 JIMARVivienne Blyth-Skyrme Scientist 06/25-07/05 JIMARFrances Lichowski Vessel Operator 06/18-07/05 JIMARFaith Knighton Vessel Operator 06/17-06/25 NOAA

4. Results

The following data were collected during these surveys:

• Bathymetry data in high-priority Pelekane Bay – Puako - Anaeho’omalu Bay area• Filling in data gaps in previously collected bathymetry data • All bathymetry data were contributed to Main Hawaiian Islands synthesis • Optical data collection of 30 video tows, covering approximately 20 km of seabed in

high-priority Pelekane Bay – Puako - Anaeho’omalu Bay area

5. Attachments

Figure 1.--Optical data collection survey sites

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80m

60m

90m

Figure 2.--Locations of multibeam survey sites

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6. Approvals

___________________________________ _______________________John Rooney, Ph.D. DateChief ScientistPacific Islands Fisheries Science Center

___________________________________ _______________________Samuel G. Pooley, Ph.D. DateScience DirectorPacific Islands Fisheries Science Center

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