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Geologic mapping of the Massachusetts inner continental shelf is a cooperative effort by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), the Massachusetts Office of Coastal Zone Management (CZM), and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). USGS and CZM have provided funding on an approximately equal cost-sharing basis; NOAA has provided mapping data originally collected for navigation charts. The study area generally lies inside the 3-mile limit of Massachusetts' state waters and currently extends along the coast from the MA/NH border to western Cape Cod Bay. Water depths range from about 5 m (16 ft) along the coast to 90 m (295 ft) in offshore areas. The Commonwealth has identified high-priority management needs in these areas, including fisheries and energy projects (pipelines, wind farms, and LNG terminals), and the USGS is providing technological and scientific expertise.
Maps depicting the distribution of bottom types and water depths support new ecosystem-based approaches to managing ocean resources. These fundamental parameters largely determine the species of flora and fauna that inhabit a particular area. Accurate depictions of surficial geology and associated biota on the seafloor are important for protecting essential fish habitat, delineating marine reserves, and assessing changes in habitat due to natural or human impacts. The products and knowledge developed by this project have broad applicability and address other important issues such as coastal erosion, storm impacts, sea-level change, and water resources.
From 2003-2006, this project has mapped 897 km2 (346 mi2) of seafloor, with an additional 300 km2 (116 mi2) planned in 2007. It has produced mapping products, data, and scientific interpretations that are widely used by collaborators and stakeholders. For example, the Massachusetts Division of Marine Fisheries (DMF) extensively uses the maps and data layers to monitor the recovery of marine habitats disturbed by construction of a submarine pipeline across western Massachusetts Bay. The comprehensive mapping from this study is also guiding the development of an information database for intertidal/subtidal habitats in the Commonwealth. The ultimate goal is to produce a singular and flexible habitat-classification framework that is widely applicable to the different coastal and ocean environments that exist in Massachusetts.
Fact Sheet 2006-3042
For more information about Massachusetts Office of Coastal Zone Management:
http://www.state.ma.us/czm/CZM.htm
For more information about Gulf of Maine Mapping (GOMMI) Initiative:
http://www.gulfofmaine.org
http://www.gulfofmaine.org/gommi/
http://sh.nefsc.noaa.gov/gommi
For more information about CZM's seafloor mapping initiative:
Tony Wilbur
Massachusetts Office of Coastal Zone Management
Executive Office of Environmental Affairs
251 Causeway St. Suite 800
Boston, MA 02114
tony.wilbur@state.ma.us
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