Identification_Information:
Citation:
Citation_Information:
Originator: Pacific Islands Benthic Habitat Mapping Center (PIBHMC), Coral Reef Ecosystem Division (CRED), Pacific Islands Fisheries Science Center (PIFSC), National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)
Publication_Date: 20090930
Title: CRED Fish Biomass Estimates at Tutuila Island, 2004
Other_Citation_Details: Format - Video imagery, track line navigation files, and log sheets
Online_Linkage: http://www.soest.hawaii.edu/pibhmc/pibhmc_amsamoa_tutuila_optical.htm
Description:
Abstract: Fish biomass data were collected using a Towed Optical Assessment Device (TOAD), an underwater sled
equipped with an underwater digital video camera and lights. Data were collected at American Samoa,
Tutuila Island to support Benthic Habitat Mapping efforts.
Purpose: These data will provide optical observations that will be correlated with bathymetry and acoustic backscatter imagery
to create a fish biomass map of Tutuila Island. Refer to supplemental information for description of
instrument and survey.
Supplemental_Information: Tutuila is the largest of seven islands inwell as by the National Park of American Samoa, which covers the
north-central part of the island and approximately 5 sq. km of coastline.
Mobile fauna data were collected using the Tethered Optical Assessment Device (TOAD), a sled equipped with underwater video camera and lights. These data are used to provide fish count and biomass maps where benthic habitat classification has been completed. Camera sled deployments were conducted at night, usually between 1800 and midnight. The duration of each tow varied but averaged about 40 minutes of bottom time at a given location. The
camera sled was deployed from the port J-frame mounted amidships on the NOAA Ship Oscar Elton Sette. At each station
the ship was positioned with the wind on the port side and drifted downwind; occasional light turns were