Evaluation of the impact of submarine cables on the seafloor environment
Lead Scientist: Charlie Paull

Lead Engineer: Gene Massion

This is a joint project with NOAA scientists. The primary intention is to investigate the environmental impact of the ATOC submarine cable. However, issues that are associated with all  scientific submarine cables, including the MARS cable, will also be considered.

The fieldwork in 2003 will require dives with ROVs Ventana and Tiburon. Data from side-scan sonar surveys along the cable route, conducted from R/V Zephyr in 2002, will be used to select dive ROV sites where the impact of the cable can be investigated.