OPR-B370-TJ-14Eastern Long Island Sound, NY & CTEastern Long Island Sound, NY & CTNOAA Ship THOMAS JEFFERSONH126791Eastern Plain Pt to Pine PtNew YorkUnited States100002014CAPT James M. Crocker, NOAANavigable Area2014-04-152014-04-302014-10-25Multibeam Echo SounderMultibeam Echo Sounder BackscatterSide Scan SonarmetersUniversal Transverse Mercator (UTM)UTCAtlantic Hydrographic BranchNOAASurvey H12679 was conducted by NOAA Ship Thomas Jefferson in Eastern Long Island Sound in the vicinity of Plum Island and Gardiners Island.41.171488888972.209047222241.10372.076Overview of survey H12679file:///H:/Surveys/OPR-B370-TJ-14/H12679/Data/Separates/Descriptive_Report/Report/DR_Images/area_surveyed.pngThe limits of survey H12679 were extended to include a triangular wedge north of Gardiners Point, as well as strips along the northern and eastern border of the sheet. The wedge was included for efficiency in turns. The border strips were included to provide overlap with contemporary junction surveys.Survey Limits were acquired in accordance with the requirements in the Project Instructions and the HSSD.This project is being conducted in support of NOAA's Office of Coast Survey to provide contemporary hydrographic data in order to update the nautical charting products in response to Hurricane Sandy and reduce the survey backlog within the area. In addition, data from this project will support the Long Island Sound Seafloor Mapping Initiative in New York and Connecticut. Data acquired for this project will be used by partners for species and habitat identification, infrastructure projects, ocean mapping, coastal hazards and geology. The purpose of this project is to provide contemporary surveys to update National Ocean Service (NOS) nautical charting products. The entire survey is adequate to supersede previous data.Data acquired on survey H12679 met complete multibeam coverage requirements, including the 5 soundings per node data density requirements outlined in section 5.2.2.2 of the HSSDM, as specified by Hydrographic Survey Eastern Long Island Sound Instructions, OPR-B370-TJ-14, dated 15th April, 2014. No additional work is needed to complete this survey. Survey Coverage was in accordance with the requirements in the Project Instructions and the HSSD.Survey Coverage was in accordance with the requirements in the Project Instructions and the HSSD, with the exception of the 4m curve in localized areas. The Command declinded to acquire data inshore of dangerous shoals or features. Large Scale view of survey H12679 coverage area.file:///H:/Surveys/OPR-B370-TJ-14/H12679/Data/Separates/Descriptive_Report/Report/DR_Images/coverage.pngNW additional junction coverage.file:///H:/Surveys/OPR-B370-TJ-14/H12679/Data/Separates/Descriptive_Report/Report/DR_Images/NW_overlap.pngNE additional junction coverage.file:///H:/Surveys/OPR-B370-TJ-14/H12679/Data/Separates/Descriptive_Report/Report/DR_Images/NE_overlap.pngSE additional junction coverage.file:///H:/Surveys/OPR-B370-TJ-14/H12679/Data/Separates/Descriptive_Report/Report/DR_Images/SE_overlap.pngSW additional junction coverage.file:///H:/Surveys/OPR-B370-TJ-14/H12679/Data/Separates/Descriptive_Report/Report/DR_Images/SW_additional_cvrg.pngS-2220286.0000009.210HSL 31010778.2000216.7039.60HSL 3102017.40000000001081.6000216.7048.8104.5319000016.702014-04-302014-05-012014-05-022014-05-032014-05-042014-05-052014-05-062014-05-072014-05-082014-05-212014-05-222014-08-062014-08-072014-08-082014-08-092014-08-102014-08-112014-08-122014-08-132014-08-142014-08-222014-08-242014-08-252014-08-262014-08-272014-09-052014-09-062014-09-072014-09-142014-10-122014-10-142014-10-25Refer to the Data Acquisition and Processing Report (DAPR) for a complete description of data acquisition and processing systems, survey vessels, quality control procedures and data processing methods. Additional information to supplement sounding and survey data, and any deviations from the DAPR are discussed in the following sections.S22220815HSL 3101315.2HSL 3102315.2Data were acquired by NOAA Ship Thomas Jefferson, Hydrographic Survey Launch 3101 and Hydrographic Survey Launch 3102. NOAA Ship Thomas Jefferson collected multibeam echosounder soundings, muiltibeam backscatter data, sound velocity profiles, surface sound velocity, position and attitude data, and bottom samples. HSL 3101 acquired multibeam data, multibeam backscatter data, side scan sonar imagery, sound velocity data, surface sound velocity data, position and attitude data, detached positions, and bottom samples. HSL 3102 acquired multibeam data, multibeam backscatter data, surface sound velocity, sound velocity data, position and attitude data, and bottom samples.Reson7125-SV1MBESReson7125-SV2MBESApplanixPOSM/V v4Attitude SystemApplanixPOSM/V v5Attitude SystemTrimbleSPS351 DGPS Beacon ReceiverPositioning SystemSeabirdSeacat 19+Conductivity, Temperature, and Depth SensorBrook Ocean TechnologyMVP 100Sound Speed SystemResonSV-70Sound Speed SystemResonSV-71Sound Speed SystemKlein5000 v1SSSUpdated Dynamic Draft Tables for HSL 3101 & 3102file:///H:/Surveys/OPR-B370-TJ-14/H12679/Data/Separates/Descriptive_Report/Report/DR_Images/Dynamic%20Draft%20Updates.jpgThe following changes were made to vessel configurations, equipment operation, and data acquisition & processing: An error in the dynamic draft tables for HSL 3101 and 3102 was discovered after data acquisition for survey H12679 was completed. The corrected dynamic drafts were entered into each vessel's HVF, backdated to 2-Jan-2014; The CARIS software was updated to 8.1.8 on 9-Aug-2014; The CARIS software was updated to 8.1.10 on 25-Oct-2014; HSL 3102 was re-patch tested on 27-Sept-2014. The system was recalibrated after a 3-month repair period; A new dynamic draft table for HSL 3102 was acquired on 27-Sept. The updated dynamic draft table was entered into the vessel's HVF, dated 27-Sept-2014.The Thomas Jefferson and her survey launches collected 59.64 total linear nautical miles of MBES crosslines. The northern crosslines equated to 4.53% of mainscheme multibeam bathymetry. The southern crosslines equated to 7.88% of mainscheme multibeam bathymetry. Crossline percentage for the SSS area was below the required 8%, due to additional overlap for junction coverage and time constraints. All crosslines were compared to mainscheme, using a difference surface, in CARIS BathyData Base. A 2m CUBE surface was created using strictly mainscheme lines, while a second 2m CUBE surface was created using only crosslines. The two surface were then differenced, with every instance of overlap evaluated. The north mean was -0.01 m and the standard deviation was 0.18 m. The north section of Survey H12679 complies with section 5.2.4.3 of the HSSD (2014 ed). The south mean was -0.05 m and the standard deviation was 0.1 m. The south section of Survey H12679 complies with section 5.2.4.3 of the HSSD (2014 ed). Minor vertical offsets over features were observed during crossline comparison, particularly on 21-May-2014. This offset likely resulted from limited sound speed profiles collected. Survey area was not well mixed due to a strong current. The Sluiceway, the passage between Great Gull Island and Plum Island, has a tidal current velocity of 2.6 knots on the flood, and 3.2 knots on the ebb; flood sets 299°, and ebb 133°. Considerably higher velocities occur at times, and tide rips are very bad in heavy weather. The vertical difference is less than 10cm, and all surfaces remain with IHO Order 1 specifications. For further discussion, refer to Section B.2.6.1 - "Vertical Offsets" of this document.H12679 North XL Comparisonfile:///H:/Surveys/OPR-B370-TJ-14/H12679/Data/Separates/Descriptive_Report/Report/DR_Images/n_xl_comparison.pngH12679 North XL Comparison Statisticsfile:///H:/Surveys/OPR-B370-TJ-14/H12679/Data/Separates/Descriptive_Report/Report/DR_Images/n_xl_comparison_stats.pngH12679 South XL Comparisonfile:///H:/Surveys/OPR-B370-TJ-14/H12679/Data/Separates/Descriptive_Report/Report/DR_Images/s_xl_comparison.pngH12679 South XL Comparison Statisticsfile:///H:/Surveys/OPR-B370-TJ-14/H12679/Data/Separates/Descriptive_Report/Report/DR_Images/s_xl_comparison_stats.pngS-22241.00.23101400.23102400.2Total Propagated Uncertainty values for survey H12679 were derived using a combination of: real time uncertainties for vessel motion; a priori values for equipment and vessel characteristics; assigned values for water level uncertainties; and field assigned values for sound speed uncertainties. The real time uncertainties for vessel motion include roll, pitch, gyro, navigation, and elevation. The uncertainties in these measurements were recorded as part of the POSPac IAPPK 3D positional solution and were applied to the soundings via an SBET RMS file generated by Applanix POSPac. Uncertainties for sonar mounting and vessel speed were assigned using the a priori values found in Appendix 4, table 4.9 of the NOAA Field Procedures Manual (FPM) (ed 2014), and applied to the data via the CARIS HIPS Hydrographic Vessel File. Uncertainties associated with water level measurements and interpolation were automatically calculated as part of the TCARI water levels, and applied to the data during the Merge process. Finally, the uncertainty associated with sound speed measurements were based on the frequency and location of CDT casts, in accordance with the guidance set by Appendix 4 of the FPM (ed 2014) (see Table 6).” Total Propagated Uncertainty was then evaluated to ensure compliance with section 5.1.3 of HSSD (2014 ed). First the maximum allowable uncertainty for each node was calculated. Second the ratio between actual uncertainty and maximum allowed uncertainty was found for each node. Uncertainty values were analyzed by creating a new layer for the finalized surfaces of the survey with a ratio of node uncertainty divided by the IHO Order 1 allowable uncertainty. Specifically, this layer was calculated using the equation: -Uncertainty/((0.5^2+((Depth*0.013)^2))^0.5). The resulting 'IHO_order_1' layer was filtered using a colour map to show any areas where actual uncertainty exceeded the allowed uncertainty. Using this method, any resulting values exceeding -1.0 indicate where the surface failed to meet IHO Order 1 standards. For the north 50cm grid 128,656,244 nodes were evaluated and 99.9% were within IHO order 1a uncertainty. For the 2m grid 3,496,243 nodes were evaluated and 99.9% were within IHO order 1a uncertainty. For the 4m grid 65,297 nodes were evaluated and 99.9% were within IHO order 1a uncertainty. For the south 4m grid 934,351 nodes were evaluated and 99.9% were within IHO order 1a uncertainty. Horizontal disagreement between lines was observed over areas of sandwaves, particularly for data collected on 22-May, 6-8-Aug, 24-27-Aug, 5-7-Sept, 14-Sept, 12-Oct, and 14-Oct-2014. All horizontal differences remain within NOS specifications per section 3.1.3 of the HSSD (2014 ed). Horizontal differences between line 287_000_1412 and 287_000_1414, DN287.file:///H:/Surveys/OPR-B370-TJ-14/H12679/Data/Separates/Descriptive_Report/Report/DR_Images/Horizontal%20Uncertainty%203101%20DN287.pngHorizontal differences between line 219_000_1535 and 287_000_1417, DN219.file:///H:/Surveys/OPR-B370-TJ-14/H12679/Data/Separates/Descriptive_Report/Report/DR_Images/Horizontal%20Uncertainty_1.pngHorizontal differences between line 218_000_1756 and 218_000_1751, DN218file:///H:/Surveys/OPR-B370-TJ-14/H12679/Data/Separates/Descriptive_Report/Report/DR_Images/Horizontal%20Uncertainty_2.pngA total of 3 contemporary surveys junction with survey H12679: H11445 to the northwest; H12299 to the west; and H12250 to the northeast. All junctions were analyzed using statistics computed from a difference surface. Survey H12679 junction boundariesfile:///H:/Surveys/OPR-B370-TJ-14/H12679/Data/Separates/Descriptive_Report/Report/DR_Images/junctions.jpgSurvey H12679 junction differencefile:///H:/Surveys/OPR-B370-TJ-14/H12679/Data/Separates/Descriptive_Report/Report/DR_Images/diff_junction.pngSurvey H12679 junction difference rangefile:///H:/Surveys/OPR-B370-TJ-14/H12679/Data/Separates/Descriptive_Report/Report/DR_Images/junction_range.pngH12299200002011NOAA Ship THOMAS JEFFERSONEThe difference between survey H12679 and H12299 ranged from –4.3 m to 3.9 m. The mean was 0.1 m, and the standard deviation was 0.4 m. Out of 120,980, 117,246 were within 1 meter, equating to 96.9 %. H12299 junction file:///H:/Surveys/OPR-B370-TJ-14/H12679/Data/Separates/Descriptive_Report/Report/DR_Images/H12299_junction.pngH12299 junction statisticsfile:///H:/Surveys/OPR-B370-TJ-14/H12679/Data/Separates/Descriptive_Report/Report/DR_Images/H12299_junction_stats.pngH11445100002008NOAA Ship THOMAS JEFFERSONNWThe difference between survey H12679 and H11445 ranged from –2 m to 46.8 m. The mean was 0.1 m, and the standard deviation was 0.9 m. Out of 24,732, 23,275 were within 1 meter, equating to 94.1 %. Locations of sounding variance > 1m are attributed to poor dynamic draft from the high “Plum Gut” current. This variance was also due to the feature-rich area. H11445 junctionfile:///H:/Surveys/OPR-B370-TJ-14/H12679/Data/Separates/Descriptive_Report/Report/DR_Images/H11445_junction.pngH11445 junction Plum Gutfile:///H:/Surveys/OPR-B370-TJ-14/H12679/Data/Separates/Descriptive_Report/Report/DR_Images/H11445_junction_plum_gut.pngH11445 junction statisticsfile:///H:/Surveys/OPR-B370-TJ-14/H12679/Data/Separates/Descriptive_Report/Report/DR_Images/H11445_junction_stats.pngH11250100002003NOAA Ship THOMAS JEFFERSONNEThe difference between survey H12679 and H11250 ranged from –7.25 m to 16.25 m. The mean was 0.1 m, and the standard deviation was 0.6 m. Out of 42,791, 40,067 were within 1 meter, equating to 93.6 %. The H11250 junction discrepancies, with sounding variance of > 1 meter, are attributed to poor dynamic draft from the high “Sluiceway” current. This variance was also due to the feature-rich areas. H11250 junctionfile:///H:/Surveys/OPR-B370-TJ-14/H12679/Data/Separates/Descriptive_Report/Report/DR_Images/H11250_junction.pngH11250 junction statisticsfile:///H:/Surveys/OPR-B370-TJ-14/H12679/Data/Separates/Descriptive_Report/Report/DR_Images/H11250_junction_stats.pngSonar system quality control checks were conducted as detailed in the quality control section of the DAPR.Sonar system quality control checks were conducted as detailed in the quality control section of the DAPR.S-Shaped Curve in RESON Multibeam DataAn artifact of unconfirmed cause appears in the MB data collected by the Reson 7125-SV2 system aboard HSL 3101. The artifact has an elongated ‘S’ shape across the swath (see figure 27 below). The field unit has encountered the ‘S’ shape when using previous Reson systems, and has historically attributed the artifact to an error in the 7125’s sectoring and beam steering algorithm. The artifact is particularly prevalent in data collected on 9-Aug-2014, where it causes vertical jumps in the CUBE surface. All instances of this error remain within IHO order 1 specification."S" shaped heave artifactfile:///H:/Surveys/OPR-B370-TJ-14/H12679/Data/Separates/Descriptive_Report/Report/DR_Images/S_shaped_bottom.pngVertical Offset A vertical offset exists in the multibeam data collected by Thomas Jefferson S222. The offset is generally 5-10 cm, with the most extreme example approaching 30 cm (see figure 28 below). The offset is evident within each acquisition day, when comparing across different acquisition days, and when comparing to data from HSL 3101 and 3102. The origin of the offset is unknown, but has been tentatively attributed to a combination of poor dynamic draft due to high current, in combination with inaccurate waterline measurements. The offset does not affect a shoal biased sounding set, and remains within IHO order 1 uncertainty specifications.Vertical Offsetfile:///H:/Surveys/OPR-B370-TJ-14/H12679/Data/Separates/Descriptive_Report/Report/DR_Images/vertical%20offset.pngNon-standard Contact SelectionThe southern section of survey H12679 was covered with set line spacing 200% SSS with concurrent MBES data. Per section 6.1.3.2 of HSSD (2014 ed) all SSS contacts with a computed target height of 1m or greater must be selected for development. Due to the rocky nature of the sea floor, the Operations Officer determined that picking all contacts > 1m would be too laborious. Only contacts with acoustical shadows, and contacts that fell between the set MBES lines were noted and developed. The method chosen left some rocks > 1m without the object detection multibeam coverage required by section 5.2.2.1 of the HSSD (2014 ed). In order to ensure the shoalest depths were cover by ODMB, a 400m grid was laid over the set line spacing section of the survey. A designated sounding was placed on the shallowest 1-3 rocks in each grid square, and each designated rock was examined for ODMB coverage. The 400m spacing was based on the 1:40,000 scale of chart 13209, which is the largest scale chart for the southern section of the survey. The 400m grid used to control coverage has been preserved inside fieldsheet H12679_2, and is named CST_400m_QC2. Weather Induced Heave ArtifactA weather induced motion artifact can be seen in the data for HSL 3101 on 22-May-2014 and HSL 3102 23-Sep-2014. The artifact is visible in the Cube surface, but all of the data remains within IHO Order 1a specifications for uncertainty.On survey HSL 3101 and 3102, sound speed data was collected with a CTD approximately every two hours. The ship used a Moving Vessel Profiler with casts occurring approximately every 20 minutes depending on safe deployment or traffic. Sounds speed profiles are analyzed for data quality, concatenated and then applied to the bathymetry using the "nearest in distance within time - 4 hour" mode in Caris HIPS and SIPS. Efforts to minimize sound speed issues included the frequency of casts based on time and location. Surface sound speed was monitured during acquisition, for changes > or < 3m/s, to determine if a new cast was needed. No abnormal sound velocity issues were present in the data.All equipment and survey methods were used as detailed in the DAPR.All equipment and survey methods were used as detailed in the DAPR. Side scan sonar imagery was used to supplement MBES to achieve object detection.Density Requirements for survey H12679Density requirements for H12679 were analyzed using the Compute Statistics function within Caris HIPS & SIPS. The north section finalized surface nodes contained five or more soundings, >95%, in compliance with section 5.2.2.1 of the HSSD (2014 ed). The south section contained three or more soundings, >95%, in compliance with set line spacing density requirements, per ODMB standards. For the north finalized 50cm grid 127,929,328 nodes were evaluated and 99.4% contain five or more soundings. For the 2m grid 3,495,908 nodes were evaluated and 99.9% contain five or more soundings. For the north 4m grid 65,288 nodes were evaluated and 99.9% contain five or more soundings. The north section of Survey H12679 complies with section 5.2.2.2 of the HSSD (2014 ed). For the south finalized 4m grid 933,049 nodes were evaluated and 99.9% contain three or more soundings. The south section of Survey H12679 complies with section 5.2.2.3 of the HSSD (2014 ed).Soundings for survey H12679 were initially reduced to MLLW via ellipsoid heights and a VDatum separation model. However, application of SBETs induced vertical errors in 17% of all MB data. The errors have been ascribed to data lying outside available Smart Base and Single Base solutions, high PDOP, and loss of satellites. All MB soundings for survey H12679 were reduced to MLLW via verified water levels and a finalized TCARI grid. For a full description of VDatum verification and the determination to use TCARI, see 'H12679 VDatum Validation Request Memo.pdf, under Appendix I of this report. All data reduction procedures conform to those detailed in the DAPR.Patch Test2014-09-27HSL 3102 was re-patched after extensive repairs were made to the vessel's engine.Raw Backscatter was logged as a 7k file and has been sent to the Atlantic Hydrographic Branch for processing. One line per vessel, per day was processed aboard the Thomas Jefferson in order to assess and ensure quality.CarisHIPS/SIPS8.1.82014-08-08Acquisition and ProcessingCarisHIPS/SIPS8.1.102014-10-25Acquisition and ProcessingNOAA Profile V_5_3.2H12679_1_MB_50cm_MLLW_FinalCUBE0.50.2622.0NOAA_0.5mObject DetectionH12679_1_MB_2m_MLLW_FinalCUBE2.01840NOAA_2mComplete MBESH12679_1_MB_4m_MLLW_finalCUBE4.036.078.96NOAA_4mComplete MBESH12679_2_MB_4m_MLLW_FinalCUBE4.01.4835.26NOAA_4mMBES TracklineSBES Set Line SpacingH12679_2_SSS_100%SSS Mosaic1.0-3.9544.58NOAA_1m100% SSSH12679_2_SSS_200%SSS Mosaic1.0-9.9159.80NOAA_1m200% SSSThis survey was processed using the Combined Uncertainty and Bathymetry Estimator (CUBE) algorithm. Per section 5.2.2.1 of the NOAA HSSD Manual (ed 2014), all northern MBES data was gridded according to depth: 0.5m resolution for depths ranging from 0 - 22m, 2m resolution for depths ranging from 18 - 40m, and 4m resolution for depths ranging from 36 - 80m. All SSS data was separated into percentages, then mosaicked at 1m resolution.Per section 5.1.2.3 of the FPM, no Horizontal and Vertical Control Report has been generated for Survey H12679. Mean Lower Low WaterTCARINewport, RI845-2660New London, CT846-1490Montauk, NY851-05608452660_verified.tidFinal Approved8461490_verified.tidFinal Approved8510560_verified.tidFinal ApprovedB370TJ2014.tcFinal2014-10-272014-11-05HDCS sounding data were reduced to MLLW using verified water levels and finalized TCARI zoning.North American Datum of 1983 (NAD83)UTM 19 NAcushnet, MA (306 (kHz) Moriches, NY (293 kHz)Chart comparisons for survey H12679 were conducted using a 2m or 4m grid differenced against an interpolated TIN surfaces of ENC soundings. The chart comparison for the northern section of survey H12679 was conducted using a combined 2m grid, while the the southern section used a 4m grid. Survey H12679 soundings generally agree with raster charts 13209, 12358, and 13212, within 3 feet. Differences tend to be deeper than the charted depths, in some cases greater than 10 ft. A colour map file highlights the areas of depth difference in the following figures.13209214940000272014-052014-09-202014-09-20Soundings between Chart 13209 and ENC US5MA22M were found to match. See ENC US5MA22M comparison below.12358221940000212011-072014-10-182014-10-18Soundings between Chart 12358 and ENC US5NY1IM were found to match. See ENC US5NY1IM comparison below.13212214520000392010-062014-09-202014-09-20Soundings between Chart 13212 and ENC US5CN42M were found to match. See ENC US5CN42M comparison below.US5MA22M40000202014-02-202014-06-05falseH12679 coincides with ENC US5MA22M. The depths and contours on the survey match the electronic navigational chart. Survey soundings correlated. There are areas where survey soundings are shoal of chart soundings.Difference surface displaying where the survey is deeper than the charted soundings.file:///H:/Surveys/OPR-B370-TJ-14/H12679/Data/Separates/Descriptive_Report/Report/DR_Images/US5MA22M_pos.pngDifference surface displaying where the survey is shoaler than the charted soundings.file:///H:/Surveys/OPR-B370-TJ-14/H12679/Data/Separates/Descriptive_Report/Report/DR_Images/US5MA22M_neg.pngUS5CN42M2000092014-02-202014-09-30falseH12679 coincides with ENC US5CN42M. The depths and contours on the survey match the electronic navigational chart. Survey soundings correlated. There are areas where survey soundings are shoal of chart soundings.Difference surface displaying where the survey is deeper than the charted soundings.file:///H:/Surveys/OPR-B370-TJ-14/H12679/Data/Separates/Descriptive_Report/Report/DR_Images/US5CN42M_pos.pngDifference surface displaying where the survey is shoaler than the charted soundings.file:///H:/Surveys/OPR-B370-TJ-14/H12679/Data/Separates/Descriptive_Report/Report/DR_Images/US5CN42M_neg.pngUS5NY1IM4000062014-02-202013-11-08falseH12679 coincides with ENC US5NY1IM. The depths and contours on the survey match the electronic navigational chart. Survey soundings correlated. There are areas where survey soundings are shoal of chart soundings.Difference surface displaying where the survey is deeper than the charted soundings.file:///H:/Surveys/OPR-B370-TJ-14/H12679/Data/Separates/Descriptive_Report/Report/DR_Images/US5NY1IM_pos.pngDifference surface displaying where the survey is shoaler than the charted soundings.file:///H:/Surveys/OPR-B370-TJ-14/H12679/Data/Separates/Descriptive_Report/Report/DR_Images/US5NY1IM_neg.pngNo AWOIS items were assigned for this survey.No Maritime Boundary Points were assigned for this survey.A total of 41 charted features were investigated during the course of survey H12679. For a full discussion, see the Final Feature File.No uncharted features exist for this survey.No Danger to Navigation Reports were submitted for this survey.Shoal and Hazardous features were investigated during the course of survey H12679. Several areas were selected for Sea Bed Area designation. For a full discussion, see the Final Feature File.Sea bed selectionsfile:///H:/Surveys/OPR-B370-TJ-14/H12679/Data/Separates/Descriptive_Report/Report/DR_Images/new%20designated%20rocky%20seabed%20areas.pngNo channels exist for this survey. There are no designated anchorages, precautionary areas, safety fairways, traffic separation schemes, pilot boarding areas, or channel and range lines within the survey limits.A total of 19 bottom samples were acquired for survey H12679. For further discussion, see the final feature file. Bottom sample locationsfile:///H:/Surveys/OPR-B370-TJ-14/H12679/Data/Separates/Descriptive_Report/Report/DR_Images/Bottom_Sample_loc.pngShoreline investigation for survey H12679 was completed to the 4m contour. Refer to the Final Feature File for a complete information pertaining to shoreline verification. Results of prior surveys are represented by charted features and soundings as discussed in chart comparisons above.ATONS were investigated during the course of survey H12679. There are 15 aids to navigation within the area of H12679. Private aides on station and operational, serving their intended purpose, included: 03 Plum Gut Harbor dolphins; 02 Plum Gut Harbor beacons with 02 attached lights; and 02 "marine farm" buoys with 02 attached lights. 06 USCG aids to navigation on station and operational, serving their intended purpose, included: "Midway Shoal Buoy", MS, with attached light and fog signal; "Gardiners Island" gong buoy, 1GI, with attached light; "Constellation Rock" buoy 2; and "Gardiners Island Shoal" buoy 1. For a full discussion, see the Final Feature File.No overhead features exist for this survey.No submarine features exist for this survey.There are several ferry routes within the survey area. Ferry routes exist between the U.S. Department of Agriculture research basin, 1 mile southwest of Orient Point Light, Plum Island, and New Haven. Ferries were observed actively following the charted routes.No platforms exist for this survey.No significant features exist for this survey.No present or planned construction or dredging exist within the survey limits.No new surveys or further investigations are recommended for this area.No new insets are recommended for this area.As Chief of Party, Field operations for this hydrographic survey were conducted under my direct supervision, with frequent personal checks of progress and adequacy. I have reviewed the attached survey data and reports.All field sheets, this Descriptive Report, and all accompanying records and data are approved. All records are forwarded for final review and processing to the Processing Branch.The survey data meets or exceeds requirements as set forth in the NOS Hydrographic Surveys and Specifications Deliverables Manual, Field Procedures Manual, Letter Instructions, and all HSD Technical Directives. These data are adequate to supersede charted data in their common areas. This survey is complete and no additional work is required with the exception of deficiencies noted in the Descriptive Report.James M. CrockerCAPT, NOAA2015-01-21Megan GuberskiLT, NOAA2015-01-21Stephen MoultonENS, NOAA2015-01-21