Hydropalooza... an Integrated Ocean & Coastal Mapping Effort

Coming to Kachemak Bay in July and August 2008

NOAA ship RAINIER sails in Alaska

This July and August, NOAA and local and regional partners are bringing you Hydropalooza—an ocean and coastal mapping effort in Kachemak Bay, Alaska.  Two NOAA research vessels, the FAIRWEATHER and the RAINIER, and the NOAA Citation aircraft, will collect data that allow scientists, policymakers, and local agencies to better understand the unique features of Kachemak Bay’s coast and sea floor.

Hydropalooza benefits include:

• Making data accessible for a variety of purposes, including emergency planning, resource management, environmental protection, and homeland security.
• Updating and providing nautical charts to the maritime community
• Providing accurate charts that ensure safe and efficient maritime commerce and navigation for Kachemak Bay - which is also a federally-designated Place of Refuge for ships in distress
• Delivering accurate, detailed scientific data of the coast and sea floor that may contribute to local economic opportunities, including port expansion.

Get Involved!

Hydropalooza will bring together students, teachers, and scientists as part of the research being done in Kachemak Bay.

Hydropalooza Open House
Saturday, August 23, 2008. Come aboard one of NOAA’s Research Vessels! The ship’s crew will be on-board to demonstrate its cutting edge hydrographic equipment and explain how the sea-floor data will provide Kachemak Bay with water depth maps and updated nautical charts.

Check back in August 2008 for more Hydropalooza events.

For More Information
For more information, contact Amy Holman or Kris Holderied.