KISAP: A new In situ seafloor velocity measurement tool

The KISAP (Korea Institute of Geoscience and Mineral Resources Seafloor Acoustic Probe) was developed to obtain in situ compressional wave velocity and attenuation profiles for seafloor sediments. The instrument comprises recording channel receivers, and an acoustic source, and can be attached to a corer or a probe. Here, we report experiments comparing KISAP in situ velocity to laboratory velocity of colocated piston cores. KISAP data matched laboratory data (corrected for temperature and pressure) reasonably. KISAP can be used to collect in situ acoustic data and can be effectively used to calibrate previous laboratory data to in situ data.     

Investigation of the relationship between seafloor echo strength and sediment type—a case study in Jiaozgou Bay,China

In recent years, increasing attention is being given to investigating the relationships between seafloor echo strength and sediment type. This aspect was assessed in a course of a marine survey conducted in Jiaozhou Bay near the city of Qingdao, China, where various sediment types are known to exist. Multi-beam echo data and sediment samples were acquired, processed and analyzed. The findings demonstrate that multi-beam echo strengths are strongly related to seabed types such as rock, sand and clay. Thus, echo strength increases progressively with the increase in sand content in gravely, sandy, and clayey sediments. However, echo strength is more sensitive to changes in sand content in fine-grained sediment and less sensitive in coarse-grained sediment. Also, high shell content of sediments greatly enhances the acoustic reflection. These findings help to predict seafloor sediment types by analyzing echo strength.     

Hydrothermal plume mapping as a prospecting tool for seafloor sulfide deposits: a case study at the Zouyu-1 and Zouyu-2 hydrothermal fields in the southern Mid-Atlantic Ridge

Seafloor hydrothermal polymetallic sulfide deposits are a new type of resource, with great potential economic value and good prospect development. This paper discusses turbidity, oxidation–reduction potential, and temperature anomalies of hydrothermal plumes from the Zouyu-1 and Zouyu-2 hydrothermal fields on the southern Mid-Atlantic Ridge. We use the known location of these vent fields and plume data collected in multiple years (2009, 2011, 2013) to demonstrate how real-time plume exploration can be used to locate active vent fields, and thus associated sulfide deposits. Turbidity anomalies can be detected 10 s of km from an active source, but the location precision is no better than a few kilometers because fine-grained particles are quasi-conservative over periods of many days. Temperature and oxidation–reduction potential anomalies provide location precision of a few hundred meters. Temperature anomalies are generally weak and difficult to reliably detect, except by chance encounters of a buoyant plume. Oxidation–reduction potential is highly sensitive (nmol concentrations of reduced hydrothermal chemicals) to discharges of all temperatures and responds immediately to a plume encounter. Real-time surveys using continuous tows of turbidity and oxidation–reduction potential sensors offer the most efficient and precise surface ship exploration presently possible.     

一种程控增益低噪声水声接收机的设计

本文介绍了一种数字测深仪的接收机的具体设计，其特点是低噪声、增益程序控制，可以输出高质量的回波信号。稍加调整，即可用作其它声纳的接收机。     

Shallow-water imaging multibeam sonars: A new tool for investigating seafloor processes in the coastal zone and on the continental shelf

Hydrographic quality bathymetry and quantitative acoustic backscatter data are now being acquired in shallow water on a routine basis using high frequency multibeam sonars. The data provided by these systems produce hitherto unobtainable information about geomorphology and seafloor geologic processes in the coastal zone and on the continental shelf.Before one can use the multibeam data for hydrography or quantitative acoustic backscatter studies, however, it is essential to be able to correct for systematic errors in the data. For bathymetric data, artifacts common to deep-water systems (roll, refraction, positioning) need to be corrected. In addition, the potentially far greater effects of tides, heave, vessel lift/squat, antenna motion and internal time delays become of increasing importance in shallower water. Such artifacts now cause greater errors in hydrographic data quality than bottom detection. Many of these artifacts are a result of imperfect motion sensing, however, new methods such as differential GPS hold great potential for resolving such limitations. For backscatter data, while the system response is well characterised, significant post processing is required to remove residual effects of imaging geometry, gain adjustments and water column effects. With the removal of these system artifacts and the establishment of a calibrated test site in intertidal regions (where the seabed may be intimately examined by eye) one can build up a sediment classification scheme for routine regional seafloor identification.When properly processed, high frequency multibeam sonar data can provide a view of seafloor geology and geomorphology at resolutions of as little as a few decimetres. Specific applications include quantitative estimation of sediment transport rates in large-scale sediment waves, volume effects of iceberg scouring, extent and style of seafloor mass-wasting and delineation of structural trends in bedrock. In addition, the imagery potentially provides a means of quantitative classification of seafloor lithology, allowing sedimentologists the ability to examine spatial distributions of seabed sediment type without resorting to subjective estimation or prohibitively expensive bottom-sampling programs. Using Simrad EM100 and EM1000 sonars as an example, this paper illustrates the nature and scale of possible artifacts, the necessary post-processing steps and shows specific applications of these sonars.     

Review of shark legislation in Canada as a conservation tool

Sharks are threatened from overfishing due to their life cycle biology, and unsustainably high catch rates to supply fins for shark fin soup. Canada, a leader in shark conservation uses numerous legislative tools to help conserve sharks. These tools include international treaty obligations under the Northeastern Atlantic Fisheries Organization [NAFO] and the International Commission for the Conservation of Atlantic Tuna [ICCAT], as well as national and provincial legislation including the Fisheries Act, Pacific and Atlantic Fisheries Regulations, and Coastal Fisheries Protection Act. Through the use of these legislative tools Canada has successfully banned shark finning in its waters, and implemented closed seasons, gear restrictions, and species restrictions to help manage shark populations. However, Canada still allows the sale of shark fin products locally, and allows the exportation of shark fins internationally. In order for Canada to maintain its leadership status Canada must increase legislative protection of sharks by following international best practices, and ban the sale and exportation of shark fin products. This would ensure that Canada does not play a role in global supply or demand of shark fins. Doing so would strengthen Canada's position as a leader in shark conservation, and improve the legislation currently used as a conservation tool.     

Walrus foraging marks on the seafloor in Bristol Bay, Alaska: a reconnaissance survey

A reconnaissance sidescan sonar survey in Bristol Bay, Alaska revealed extensive areas of seafloor with features related to walrus foraging. They are similar to those seen in areas such as the outer Bering Sea and Chukchi Sea. Two types of feature were observed: (a) small (≪1 m diameter) shallow pits, often in clusters ranging in density from 5 pits per hectare to 35 pits per hectare; and, (b) more abundant, narrow, sinuous furrows, typically 5 to 10 m long with some reaching 20 m or more. Most foraging marks were in less than 60 m water depth in areas of sandy seafloor that were smooth, hummocky or characterized by degraded bedforms; the absence of foraging marks in other areas may be related, in part, to their more dynamic nature. The distribution of foraging marks was consistent in a general way with walrus locations from satellite telemetry studies.     

光合色素标记法测定不同类群浮游植物的光合速率和生长速率

尝试利用放射性同位素14C示踪方法测定浮游植物不同类群的光合速率和生长速率,并通过实验室和现场海域的培养实验来初步评估该技术的可行性.通过高效液相色谱法分离光合色素,手动收集并测定各对应光合色素峰的放射性活度,依据Redalje-Laws法并结合类胡萝卜素标记法计算出各大类群浮游植物的光合速率和生长速率.实验结果表明,在实验室纯种培养的4株藻光合速率范围为347.73~678.98 mg/（dm3.d）,最高的为绿藻的小球藻,最低的为定鞭金藻的球石藻.其生长速率范围为0.12~0.24 d-1,最高的为球石藻,最低的为小球藻.在现场海域各类群的光合速率相对较低,变化范围为0.63~68.78 mg/（dm3.d）,生长速率在0.07~1.68 d-1之间.本研究首次在我国海域通过现场原位测定得到不同类群浮游植物的光合速率和生长速率.但在测定过程中存在的样品含量和放射活度较低等问题还有待于进一步解决.     

Side-scan sonar as a tool for mapping spatial variations in sediment type

Studies with increasing sample densities over a common area demonstrate that the distribution of estuarine sediment types varies on several scales. The variations and accompanying steep gradients in the characteristics of the sediments may lead to different interpretations of the dynamics of estuarine depositional processes depending on the scale examined. Field work in parts of Chesapeake-Bay and the York River Estuary, Virginia indicates that the spatially continuous data on the nature of the bottom surface available with side-scan sonography offers a means of assessing the continuity of sediment type.     

Side-scan sonar as a tool for mapping spatial variations in sediment type

Studies with increasing sample densities over a common area demonstrate that the distribution of estuarine sediment types varies on several scales. The variations and accompanying steep gradients in the characteristics of the sediments may lead to different interpretations of the dynamics of estuarine depositional processes depending on the scale examined. Field work in parts of Chesapeake-Bay and the York River Estuary, Virginia indicates that the spatially continuous data on the nature of the bottom surface available with side-scan sonography offers a means of assessing the continuity of sediment type.     

Array technology as a tool to monitor exposure of fish to xenoestrogens

A variety of anthropogenic chemicals are capable of binding to the estrogen receptor of vertebrate species. Binding of these compounds can interfere with homeostasis by disrupting normal gene expression patterns. The purpose of this study was to investigate the feasibility of applying array technology as a monitoring tool for detecting the presence and distribution of estrogenic compounds in coastal habitats using sheepshead minnows as our model. cDNA clones that were isolated from differential display, including vitellogenin alpha and beta, vitelline envelope protein (ZP2), and transferrin, among others, were spotted on the macroarray. The results of these experiments demonstrate a characteristic expression pattern of estrogen responsive genes in sheepshead minnows exposed to 17 beta-estradiol (E2).     

Fluid-Filled Passive Sonar Calibration Spheres: Design, Modeling, and Measurement

Hollow spheres have long been used as simple underwater targets for testing acoustic projector systems. While spheres offer a mathematically simple shape with a resolvable scattering strength, their usage as a passive target has been less successful due to the complicated manner in which a hollow sphere scatters energy from its exterior and interior as a function of frequency and temperature. Furthermore, a sphere's aspect independent scattering requires a surface area that is physically much greater than a wavelength which in turn requires mechanical support systems that are also large, often with target strengths that rival that of the test target itself. This paper discusses the development of several thin-walled spheres, ranging in diameters from 0.1524 to 0.4953 m, filled with a high-density fluid, to be used collectively as calibrated underwater sonar targets in the 5–50-kHz frequency range and an additional 0.4953-m diameter sphere tested over the range of 5–120 kHz. The combination of the spherical shape and focusing effects of the fluid enhances the acoustic scattering strength of the sphere and produces a significantly greater backscattered response than a rigid sphere. A simple theoretical model is presented to compare several fill fluid possibilities and is then used to compare the chosen fluid, fluorolube, against measured data for each sphere.      

Licence Banks as a tool to mitigate corporate control of fisheries: A British Columbia groundfish example

This paper provides an example of how one group of fishermen, operating in an ITQ fishery in British Columbia, Canada, used a licence bank to attempt to mitigate the negative consequences of ITQs. After ten years in operation, the licence bank is self-sustaining and has realized modest and limited success. The authors identify a number of lessons learned from the experience, as well as highlight the opportunities that licence banks offer as an alternative mechanism to redress the negative consequences of ITQs.     

Dependence of seafloor boundary layer thickness on the overlying flow direction: a large eddy simulation study

Using large eddy simulation (LES) incorporating the effect of the horizontal component of the earth’s rotation vector, we studied the seafloor turbulent boundary layer to investigate the dependence of the boundary layer thickness on the overlying geostrophic flow orientation. The thickest boundary layer appears for the westward geostrophic flow: it is almost twice that of the eastward flow. The turbulent disturbances in the boundary layer are elongated slightly leftward relative to the geostrophic flow. Linear stability analysis for the Ekman’s spiral flow showed that the growth rate is maximum for the westward geostrophic flow and the unstable roll-like mode appears, which points slightly leftward relative to the geostrophic flow. These properties correspond to the feature near the bottom of the developed turbulent layer.     

Social multi-criteria evaluation as a decision support tool for integrated coastal zone management

Traditional top-down and technocratic approaches seem to be insufficient to tackle the many conflicts related to the sustainable use of natural resources. At the same time, reductionist and mono-disciplinary approaches lack the capacity to capture the complex interactions within evolving socio-ecological systems. Coastal zone management is an area that provides a clear example of such difficulties. In this paper we explore the scope of a participatory integrated assessment process, known as Social Multi-Criteria Evaluation (SMCE), in the context of Integrated Coastal Zone Management (ICZM). Through a two-year collaborative research process, between an interdisciplinary group of researchers and a diverse group of stakeholders in the Urdaibai Estuary (a Biosphere Reserve in the Basque Country, Northern Spain), we show that improving the integration of diverse expertise and values can lead, through a mutual learning process, to the definition of relevant policy options and sound decisions in the face of complexity, value conflict and unavoidable uncertainty.     

Evolution of the South China Sea: Revised ages for breakup and seafloor spreading

The continental breakup which gave way to the formation of the oceanic South China Sea (SCS) basin began in the latest Cretaceous in the northeastern SCS and propagated in southern and western direction over a long period of time, possibly more than 40 m.y. The seafloor spreading history of the South China Sea has been interpreted in different ways in the past and the debate over the correct timing of the major tectonic events continues. We review the different models that have been published and present a revised interpretation of seafloor spreading anomalies based on three datasets with documented high quality which cover all of the SCS but the northernmost and southernmost parts. We can precisely date the onset of seafloor spreading in the central part of the SCS at 32 Ma. After a ridge jump at 25 Ma spreading also began in the southwestern sub-basin and spreading ended at 20.5 Ma in the entire basin, followed by a phase of magmatic seamount formation mainly along the abandoned spreading ridge. Spreading rates vary from 56 mm/yr in the early stages to 72 mm/yr after the ridge jump to 80 mm/yr in the southwestern sub-basin. We find indications for a stepwise propagation of the seafloor spreading from northeast to southwest in segments bounded by major fracture zones. Seafloor spreading ended abruptly probably because the subduction zone along the eastern and southern boundary of the SCS (of which today the Manila Trench remains) was blocked by collision with a continental fragment, possibly the northern part of Palawan or a part of the Dangerous Grounds.     

High-resolution seabed imagery as a tool for biodiversity conservation planning on continental margins

Submarine canyons increase seascape diversity on continental margins and harbour diverse and abundant biota vulnerable to fishing. Because many canyons are fished, there is an increasing emphasis on including them in conservation areas on continental margins. Here we report on sponge diversity and bottom cover in three canyons of South-eastern Australia, test the performance of biological and abiotic surrogates, and evaluate how biological data from detailed seabed surveys can be used in conservation planning in these habitats. The biological data on sponge assemblage structure and species richness were obtained from 576 seafloor images taken between 148 and 472 m depth, yielding 65 morphospecies. Seafloor characteristics were similar within and between canyons, being almost exclusively composed of sediments with very few rocky substrates of higher relief. This environmental homogeneity did not, however, translate into biological uniformity of the megabenthos, and environmental factors were consequently poor predictors of biological features. By contrast, total bottom cover of sponges was highly correlated with species richness and served as a good proxy for species-level data in this situation. Design strategies that employ information on cover or richness of sponges provided a large dividend in conservation effort by dramatically reducing the number of spatial units required to achieve a specified conservation target of 50–90% of species to be included in reserves. This demonstrates that image-derived data are useful for the design of reserves in the deep sea, particularly where extractive sampling is not warranted. Using biological data on the sponge megabenthos to identify conservation units can also minimise socio-economic costs to fisheries because of a smaller geographic and bathymetric ambit of conservation areas.