NCEI Water Column Sonar Data

About

NOAA collects and uses active acoustic (or sonar) data for a variety of mapping requirements. Water column sonar data focus on the area from near the surface of the ocean to the seafloor. Primary uses of these specific sonar data include 3-D mapping of fish schools and other mid-water marine organisms; assessing biological abundance; species identification; and habitat characterization. Other uses include mapping underwater gas seeps and remotely monitoring undersea oil spills. NCEI archives water column sonar data collected by NOAA line offices, academia, industry, and international institutions.