News from the Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control

20 Feb 2004
Results of Delaware Bay Bottom Mapping Project To Be Presented

A presentation on the results of a pilot project to map the bottom of
Delaware Bay's near-shore will be held at 10 a.m. Thursday, Feb. 26 in the
Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control auditorium, 89
Kings Highway, Dover. The public is invited.

The benthic mapping project is a cooperative effort of the Department of
Natural Resources and Environmental Control's Delaware Coastal Programs
and the University of Delaware's Department of Geology.

"Given the vital role of the near-shore zone to issues such as
biodiversity, fisheries management and beach replenishment, it is critical
that we continue to learn as much as we can about one of Delaware’s most
important resources," said Robert Scarborough, research coordinator for
the Delaware National Estuarine Research Reserve. "The data collected
during acoustic mapping and sediment sampling project will be used to
develop detailed maps of the benthic sediment types and sub-benthic
sediment layers."

The sediment distribution data will be used to generate maps that identify
potential critical habitats and show optimal locations of borrow sites for
dredging for beach replenishment.

The goal of the benthic mapping project is to provide science-based
information that will help decision-makers and stakeholders better manage
and conserve Delaware’s coastal areas.

For additional information please contact Bob Scarborough at 302-739-3436
or David Carter at 302-739-3451.

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