NEWSROOM
Web
Site Offers Maps of Underwater Gulf Debris
May
4, 2007
The
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has launched
a new Web site that offers free online maps of marine debris in
the northern Gulf of Mexico. The data is the product of the NOAA
Office of Coast Survey and Office of Response and Restoration’s
ongoing side-scan sonar surveys, which began in September.
Users can access interactive maps of debris-laden waters in Mississippi,
Alabama and Louisiana. They can also view images and download
GPS coordinates of obstructions at http://gulfofmexico.marinedebris.noaa.gov/.
Hurricanes Katrina and Rita inflicted severe damage on the Gulf
Coast. Even though the surface looks calm, underwater debris poses
a hazard to vessel traffic and fishing gear. The site is designed
to help boaters avoid potential dangers and to update recreational
and commercial fishermen on the status of debris removal in fishing
grounds. In addition to assisting mariners, survey information
is being used to facilitate debris removal.
Louisiana Sea Grant and the Mississippi-Alabama Sea Grant Consortium
are working with NOAA to promote the project.
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