Chief of Party2019-06-07Dean R. MoylesAs 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 Specifications and Deliverables, 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.20192019-05-072018-12-24Multibeam Echo SounderMultibeam Echo Sounder Backscatter2019-02-25UTCAtlantic Hydrographic BranchAny revisions to the Descriptive Report (DR) applied during office processing are shown in red italic text. The DR is maintained as a field unit product, therefore all information and recommendations within this report are considered preliminary unless otherwise noted. The final disposition of survey data is represented in the NOAA nautical chart products. All pertinent records for this survey are archived at the National Centers for Environmental Information (NCEI) and can be retrieved via https://www.ncei.noaa.gov/. Products created during office processing were generated in NAD83 UTM 16N, Mean Lower Low Water. All references to other horizontal or vertical datums in this report are applicable to the processed hydrographic data provided by the field unit.Dean R. MoylesmetersNavigable AreaFugro USA Marine, Inc.Northwest Gulf of MexicoVicinity of Apalachicola, FloridaOPR-J359-KR-18Florida20000H13157Complete coverage multibeam (MBES) with acoustic backscatter; Set line spacing MBES at 200m perpendicular to contours.5United StatesCape San BlasContractorSurvey limits were acquired in accordance with the requirements in the Project Instructions and the HSSD.file:///H:/Survey/H13157_J359_KR_18/AHB_H13157/01_SAR/Reports/Survey/Descriptive_Report/Report/SupportFiles/H13157_Overview.PNGSurvey H13157 location relative to overall sheet limits of OPR-J359-KR-18Survey H13157 (Table 1) is located along the length of Cape San Blas, FL and covers the extents of Cape San Blas Shoal to approximately 9.6 nautical miles south of the Saint Joseph Peninsula (Figure 1). The M/V Pelagos and M/V MacGinitie acquired full coverage multibeam echosounder (MBES) and multibeam echosounder acoustic backscatter within the assigned survey limits from 24 December 2018 to 7 May 2019.29.820385277885.484677166729.501747666785.2947286111file:///H:/Survey/H13157_J359_KR_18/AHB_H13157/01_SAR/Reports/Survey/Descriptive_Report/Report/SupportFiles/H13157_FullCov.PNGSurvey H13157 full coverage MBESfile:///H:/Survey/H13157_J359_KR_18/AHB_H13157/01_SAR/Reports/Survey/Descriptive_Report/Report/SupportFiles/H13157_Set_Lines.PNGSurvey H13157 set line MBESThe entire survey is adequate to supersede previous data.1063.550002018-12-242018-12-252018-12-262018-12-292018-12-302018-12-312019-01-012019-01-022019-01-032019-01-062019-01-072019-01-082019-01-092019-01-102019-01-112019-01-122019-01-132019-01-142019-01-152019-01-162019-01-172019-01-182019-01-192019-01-212019-01-222019-01-252019-01-262019-01-272019-01-282019-01-292019-01-312019-02-012019-02-022019-02-032019-02-042019-02-052019-02-062019-02-072019-02-082019-02-102019-02-112019-02-122019-02-142019-02-152019-02-272019-02-282013-03-012019-03-022019-03-162019-03-172019-03-182019-03-202019-03-222019-03-232019-03-242019-03-252019-03-262019-03-292019-03-302019-03-312019-04-022019-04-032019-04-122019-04-272019-04-282019-04-302019-05-032019-05-07M/V Pelagos00002613.700131.8900M/V MacGinitie0000363.9907.990000002977.6904.69139.8900The Vicinity of Apalachicola project will provide contemporary surveys to update National Ocean Service (NOS) nautical charting products. It is offshore of Apalachicola Bay and Joseph Bay, FL. The survey will provide updated bathymetry and feature data to address concerns of migrating shoals, thus reducing the risk to navigation within the project area. The Apalachicola Surveys delineate the western extent of the Big Bend Mapping project, a Florida Coastal Mapping Program (FCMaP) priority. This multi-year, multi-agency mapping project will fill in an area in which only 2% of the seafloor is mapped to modern standards. Improving the understanding of the bathymetry, geomorphology, bio-diversity and distribution of habitats in this region will support Floridian fisheries, coastal modeling, and resource management. The project will cover approximately 323 square nautical miles of high priority survey area identified in the latest iteration of NOAA HSD's risk based prioritization model. Data from this project will supersede all prior survey data providing modern hydrographic survey data for this area and updating the local charting products.Survey H13157 meets survey coverage requirements as assigned in the project instructions and HSSD (Table 2 and Figures 2-3). The southeastern portion of H13157 was originally designated a section of priority area 1, H13153, however due to the arrival of Hurricane Michael acquisition was not able to be completed. The absorption of the reminder of H13153 into H13157 was agreed upon within the revised project instructions dated 2/25/2019, though new survey limits were not officially designated. Complete coverage MBES with acoustic backscatterAll waters in survey areaSet line spacing MBES at 200m, perpendicular to contours (HSSD 2018 5.2.2.4 A)Inshore limit to 8m water depthERS via VDATUMJ359_Buffer1mi_xyNAD83-MLLW_geoid12b.csarMean Lower Low WaterNorth American Datum 1983Projected UTM 16Additional information discussing the vertical or horizontal control for this survey can be found in the accompanying HVCR.M/V Pelagos342M/V MacGinitie321.5M/V Pelagos and M/V MacGinitie acquired multibeam echosounder, acoustic backscatter, surface sound velocity, sound velocity profiles, attitude and positioning data within the survey limits of H13157. For a detailed listing of equipment used to acquire survey data, refer to the DAPR submitted with this report under Project Reports. Teledyne RESONMBESSeaBat 7125 SV2Teledyne RESONSound Speed SystemSVP 70ApplanixPositioning and Attitude SystemPOS MV 320 v4ApplanixPositioning and Attitude SystemPOS MV 320 v5For a detailed listing of equipment, refer to the DAPR submitted with this report. Refer to the Data Acquisition and Processing Report (DAPR) for a complete description of data acquisition and processing systems (Table 6), survey vessels (Table 5), 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.CMC 1m3.1222.13Complete MBESCARIS Raster Surface (CUBE)H13157_MB_1m_MLLW1CMC 1m3.1220Complete MBESCARIS Raster Surface (CUBE)H13157_MB_1m_MLLW_Final1CMC 2m3.1122.13Complete MBESCARIS Raster Surface (CUBE)H13157_MB_2m_MLLW2CMC 2m1822.13Complete MBESCARIS Raster Surface (CUBE)H13157_MB_2m_MLLW_Final2CMC 4m2.1810.90MBES TracklineSBES Set Line SpacingCARIS Raster Surface (CUBE)H13157_MB_4m_MLLW4CMC_4m2.1810.90MBES TracklineSBES Set Line SpacingCARIS Raster Surface (CUBE)H13157_MB_4m_MLLW_Final4CMC 0.5m3.6112.60Object DetectionCARIS Raster Surface (CUBE)H13157_MB_50cm_MLLW0.5CMC 0.5m3.6112.60Object DetectionCARIS Raster Surface (CUBE)H13157_MB_50cm_MLLW_Final0.5N/A00Complete MBESMB Backscatter Mosaic57_MBAB_1m_400kHz1N/A00Complete MBESMB Backscatter MosaicH13157_MBAB_2m_400kHz2QPSFMGT7.8.7NOAA Extended Attribute Files V5_7Teledyne CARISHIPS & SIPS9.1.9All equipment and survey methods were used as detailed in the DAPR.All data reduction procedures conform to those detailed in the DAPR.All sounding systems were calibrated as detailed in the DAPR.None ExistThere were no conditions or deficiencies that affected equipment operational effectiveness.Sound velocity profiles were acquired every two hours from the M/V Pelagos and M/V MacGintie using an AML Sound Velocity & Pressure (SV&P) sensor (Figure 14).Refer to the DAPR for additional information.file:///H:/Survey/H13157_J359_KR_18/AHB_H13157/01_SAR/Reports/Survey/Descriptive_Report/Report/SupportFiles/H13157_SVP.PNGTemporal and geographic distribution of SVP casts within survey H13157file:///H:/Survey/H13157_J359_KR_18/AHB_H13157/01_SAR/Reports/Survey/Descriptive_Report/Report/SupportFiles/H13157_Junctions.PNGJunction surveys to H13157: H13153 and H13156file:///H:/Survey/H13157_J359_KR_18/AHB_H13157/01_SAR/Reports/Survey/Descriptive_Report/Report/SupportFiles/H13157_junx_H13153.PNGSurvey H13157 differenced to Survey H13153R/V Acadiana2018SW40000H13153Of 2,462,125 nodes differenced between survey H13157 and H13153, the majority agree within 1m. The minimum difference is -2.24m, the maximum difference is 4.04m with a mean of 0.12m and a standard deviation of 0.39m. file:///H:/Survey/H13157_J359_KR_18/AHB_H13157/01_SAR/Reports/Survey/Descriptive_Report/Report/SupportFiles/H13157_junx_H13156_Acadiana.PNGSurvey H13157 differenced to Survey H13156 (R/V Acadiana)R/V Acadiana2018W40000H13156Of 1,642,031 nodes differenced between survey H13157 and H13156 (R/V Acadiana), the majority agree within 1m. The minimum difference is -0.75m, the maximum difference is 2.14m with a mean difference difference of 0.13m and a standard deviation of 0.13m. file:///H:/Survey/H13157_J359_KR_18/AHB_H13157/01_SAR/Reports/Survey/Descriptive_Report/Report/SupportFiles/H13157_junx_H13156_Pelagos.PNGSurvey H13157 differenced to Survey H13156 (M/V Pelagos)M/V Pelagos2018W40000H13156Of 1,308,996 nodes differenced between survey H13157 and H13156 (M/V Pelagos), 100% agree within 1m. The minimum difference is -0.55m, the maximum difference is 0.59m with a mean difference difference of 0.01m and a standard deviation of 0.08m. Data from two contemporary junction surveys to H13157 are available at the time of this report (Figure 10). Both junction surveys, H13153 and H13156, contain data acquired by the R/V Acadiana prior to the arrival of Hurricane Michael (Table 9). Surveyed depths in the area of OPR-J359-KR-18 were effected by the storm, causing some inconstancies when comparing soundings between data sets. Survey data were compared by running a difference surface in CARIS HIPS and SIPS on finalized 1m surfaces for each survey (Figures 11, 12, and 13). file:///H:/Survey/H13157_J359_KR_18/AHB_H13157/01_SAR/Reports/Survey/Descriptive_Report/Report/SupportFiles/H13157_MB_1m_MLLW_Final.QAv5.tvu_qc.pngH13157 1m finalized grid TPU QCfile:///H:/Survey/H13157_J359_KR_18/AHB_H13157/01_SAR/Reports/Survey/Descriptive_Report/Report/SupportFiles/H13157_MB_2m_MLLW_Final.QAv5.tvu_qc.pngH13157 2m finalized grid TPU QCfile:///H:/Survey/H13157_J359_KR_18/AHB_H13157/01_SAR/Reports/Survey/Descriptive_Report/Report/SupportFiles/H13157_MB_4m_MLLW_Final.QAv5.tvu_qc.pngH13157 4m finalized grid TPU QCfile:///H:/Survey/H13157_J359_KR_18/AHB_H13157/01_SAR/Reports/Survey/Descriptive_Report/Report/SupportFiles/H13157_MB_50cm_MLLW_Final.QAv5.tvu_qc.pngH13157 50cm finalized grid TPU QCPelagos0.253.72N/AMacGinitie0.252.95N/A0.101ERS via VDATUM0.1Survey H13157 uncertainty values were evaluated both in CARIS HIPS and SIPS and via Pydro QC tools v2.7.5. Both the 1m (Figure 6), 2m (Figure 7), 4m (Figure 8), and 50cm (Figure 9) finalized grids meet uncertainty standards with 99.5% of nodes or greate rexceeding requirements. None ExistThere were no other factors that affected corrections to soundings.Sonar system quality control checks were conducted as detailed in the quality control section of the DAPR.file:///H:/Survey/H13157_J359_KR_18/AHB_H13157/01_SAR/Reports/Survey/Descriptive_Report/Report/SupportFiles/H13157_XL_dist.PNGH13157 MBES crossline to MBES mainscheme distributionfile:///H:/Survey/H13157_J359_KR_18/AHB_H13157/01_SAR/Reports/Survey/Descriptive_Report/Report/SupportFiles/H13157_XL_stats.PNGH13157 mainscheme MBES differenced to crossline statistical outputCrosslines for survey H13157 (Figure 4) were acquired in accordance with sections 5.2.4.2 of the HSSD 2018. Of the 3,615,021 nodes compared between H13157 mainscheme MBES and MBES crosslines, 100% are within 1m difference. The mean difference is -0.25m, with a standard deviation of 0.11m (Figure 5). Multibeam echosounder data collected by both the M/V MacGinitie and M/V Pelagos in the areas of H13157 greater than 8m were collected for the purpose of full multibeam coverage of the seafloor. Between 3.6m and 8m water depth, set line spacing MBES data were acquired as assigned in the Project Instructions and per HSSD 2018 Section 5.2.2.4 Option A. Set lines were run at regular 200m intervals perpendicular to the contour; these data were gridded to 4m resolution per HSSD 2018 5.2.2.4. Along the southern portion of Cape San Blas Shoals, set line spacing density was increased to 100m to better ensonify the shoal. In areas where investigation of charted soundings were required and charted features were developed for chart updating purposes, data were gridded to 50cm. No new insets are recommended for this area.No Maritime Boundary Points were assigned for this survey.No platforms exist for this survey.Two AtoNs demarcate the eastern and western extents of Cape San Blas Shoals. At the time of data acquisition of Survey H13157, both are on station and serving their intended purpose. No ferry routes or terminals exist for this survey.Cape San Blas Shoal is characterized by both large sandwaves and migrating shoals. An offshore dredge pipe is connected to large steel anchor balls ashore located in the vicinity of 29-42-32.488702N 085-23-39.095293W. A submerged section of pipe is notable in multibeam surface H1315_MB_1m_MLLW_Final. A contract to provide beach renourishment for Cape San Blas was scheduled to begin in early October 2018 but was interrupted by the arrival of Hurricane Michael. This piece of equipment is not meant to be permanent but remained on station through the whole of H13157 acquisition and was submitted (and rejected) as a DtoN. It is often unlit at night, and could potentially pose a hazard. For further discussion, refer to Appendix II submitted with this report. No overhead features exist for this survey.A beach renourishment contract was scheduled to begin along Cape San Blas and the Saint Joseph Peninsula in October 2018. Hurricane Michael prevented the contract from being carried out. For further discussion, refer to Appendix II submitted with this report. A total of 10 bottom samples were acquired within the sheet limits of survey H13157 per appendix H of the HSSD 2018. For a complete description of findings, refer to the final feature file submitted with this report.No new surveys or further investigations are recommended for this area.Cape San Blas Shoals is an area characterized by large, migrating sand waves. Two AtoNs demarcate the eastern and western extents. The areas of significant change, upwards of 4m shoal to depths charted, occur on the southern and eastern sides of the shoal in the general vicinities of 29-35-48.790303N 085-21-05.933710W and 29-39-11.759339N 085-20-23.799037W. Two additional features were noted within the area of Survey H13157 while data acquisition was in progress: The first, is a floating dredge pipe with submerged anchor lines connected to large steel anchor balls ashore located in the vicinity of 29-42-32.488702N 085-23-39.095293W. A contract to provide beach renourishment for Cape San Blas was scheduled to begin in early October 2018 but was interrupted by the arrival of Hurricane Michael. This piece of equipment remained on station through the whole of H13157 acquisition and was submitted (and rejected) as a DtoN. It is often unlit at night, and could potentially pose a hazard. For further discussion, refer to Appendix II submitted with this report. The second uncharted feature noted is the beached wreck of the fishing trawler "Donna Kay". According to local knowledge, this vessel washed inshore of Cape San Blas Shoal prior to Hurricane Michael. The storm then pushed the vessel farther onto the beach, and there it remains in the vicinity of 29-39-57.942000N 085-21-00.21600W. The entire hull is exposed at high tide and the rudder shaft is visible, though mostly buried in the sand. For full details, refer to the final feature file submitted with this report. A total of 8 features were assigned for investigation within Survey H13157: 5 wrecks, 1 obstruction, and 2 Aids to Navigation (AtoNs) denoting the outer limits of Cape San Blas Shoal. For full details, refer to the final feature file submitted with this report. file:///H:/Survey/H13157_J359_KR_18/AHB_H13157/01_SAR/Reports/Survey/Descriptive_Report/Report/SupportFiles/H13157_ENC_comp.PNGQC tools output instances of survey H13157 soundings shoal to charted soundings >1m.file:///H:/Survey/H13157_J359_KR_18/AHB_H13157/01_SAR/Reports/Survey/Descriptive_Report/Report/SupportFiles/H13157_ENC_compB.PNGQC tools output instances of surveyed soundings shoal to charted soundings >1m over survey H13157 area with ENC soundings TIN. A selected sounding set was made from the finalized 1m, 2m, 4m, and 50cm grids with the following characteristics: shoal biased; 1 to 10,000mm at map scale; defined radius of 5. An overall sounding selection was created from charted soundings from ENCs US5FL64M, US5FL63M, US4FL68M, and US4FL60M. The surveyed soundings and charted soundings were then compared with a minimum threshold of 1m survey soundings shoal to charted soundings using the Chart Review feature within Pydro QC tools (Figures 15 and 16). Surveyed soundings deeper than charted soundings were not analyzed. No 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.US5FL63M400002019-05-16352019-05-16US5FL64M400002013-04-24192019-03-12US4FL60M800002019-05-09242019-03-01US4FL68M800002019-05-10162019-03-12