OPR-L397-FA-21 Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuary California NOAA Ship Fairweather (S220) H13552 2 5NM Northwest of San Miguel Island California United States 20000 2022 CAPT John Lomnicky Navigable Area 2021-09-15 2021-10-03 2021-10-07 Multibeam Echo Sounder Multibeam Echo Sounder Backscatter meters UTC Pacific Hydrographic Branch Any 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 10N, MLLW. All references to other horizontal or vertical datums in this report are applicable to the processed hydrographic data provided by the field unit. CC0-1.0 (NOAA Field Units) CC0-1.0 https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/zero/1.0/ https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/zero/1.0/legalcode These data were produced by NOAA and are in the public domain within the United States. NOAA waives any potential copyright and related rights in these data worldwide through the Creative Commons Zero 1.0 Universal Public Domain Dedication (CC0). NOAA The survey area is located 5NM Northwest of San Miguel Island, California. 34.177156 120.59173 33.999821000000004 120.35868099999999 H13552 sheet limits (in blue) overlaid onto Chart 18720. SupportFiles\H134552_Survey Limits.jpg Data were acquired to the survey limits in accordance with the requirements in the Project Instructions and the 2021 NOS Hydrographic Surveys Specifications and Deliverables (HSSD). Coverage acquired in H13552 is shown in Figure 1. In the area near Richardson Rock, neither the 3.5 meter depth contour nor the sheet limits were met. In this area, the Navigable Area Limit Line (NALL) was defined as the inshore limit of bathymetry due to the risks of maneuvering the survey vessel in close proximity to Richardson Rock. This area is shown in Figure 2. Area where NALL was defined inshore limit of safe navigation near Richardson Rock SupportFiles\H134552_NALL defined by Richardson Rock.jpg This year the Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuary work focused on the remaining survey area (prior projects 2017-2019) offshore of the Channel Islands (about 151 sq. mi.), located about 30 miles offshore of the California mainland city of Santa Barbara. The H13552 survey focused on 35 sq. mi. of this total assigned survey area. The waters surrounding CINMS are highly productive and are home to recreational and commercial fishing efforts, and regularly host kayakers, surfers, sightseers, whale watchers, researchers, and Channel Islands National Park concessionaires, who all access the sanctuary via boats. Correspondingly, the abundance of sea life and aquatic habitats drives a thriving industry of recreational and commercial fishing that brings varied vessel traffic through the waters of CINMS. Additionally, major mainland port traffic transiting to and from Los Angeles and Long Beach, California routes large cargo and tanker vessels close to CINMS boundaries. The Ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach are top 10 ports in the United States for containers and tonnage. This poses a serious risk to life, property, and the delicate ecosystem of the area. This survey will continue modern mapping efforts to identify any similar threats that may exist in these waters. The CINMS hydrographic survey will be as unique as the region itself. In addition to providing data for crucial nautical chart updates, this survey will also generate backscatter data, which will be used in habitat mapping and substrate analysis. Both multibeam echo sounder and backscatter data will not only serve to enhance marine navigational safety, but will also be used by sanctuary managers, planners, and researchers, aiding them in the conservation of this most precious resource. Survey data from this project is intended to supersede all prior survey data in the common area. The entire survey is adequate to supersede previous data. Data acquired in H13552 meet multibeam echo sounder (MBES) coverage requirements for complete coverage, as required by the HSSD. This includes crosslines (see Section B.2.1), NOAA allowable uncertainty (see Section B.2.10), and density requirements (see Section B.2.11). All waters in survey area Complete Coverage (Refer to HSSD Section 5.2.2.3) The entirety of H13552 was acquired with Complete Coverage, meeting the requirements listed above and in the HSSD. See Figure 3 for an overview of coverage. H13552 survey coverage overlaid onto Charts 18720 SupportFiles\H13552_Coverage Overview.jpg 2805 0.0 62.95 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 2807 0.0 50.24 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 10.77 0.0 2808 0.0 50.79 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 S220 0.0 123.05 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 3.69 0.0 0.0 287.04 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 14.47 0.0 5.04 0 0 0 0 37.76 2021-10-03 2021-10-04 2021-10-05 2021-10-06 2021-10-07 Refer to the OPR-L397-FA-21 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. 2805 8.6 1.1 2807 8.6 1.1 2808 8.6 1.1 S220 70.4 4.8 Positioning System Applanix POS MV 320 v5 Sound Speed System Teledyne RESON SVP 71 Sound Speed System Teledyne RESON SVP 70 Conductivity, Temperature, and Depth Sensor AML Oceanographic MVP200 Conductivity, Temperature, and Depth Sensor Sea-Bird Scientific SBE 19plus V2 MBES Kongsberg Maritime EM 710 MBES Kongsberg Maritime EM 2040 The equipment was installed on the survey platform as follows: S220 utilizes the Kongsberg EM 710 MBES, a POS M/V v5 system for position and attitude, SVP 70 surface sound speed sensors, and AML Oceanographic MVP 200 for conductivity, temperature, and depth (CTD) casts. All launches utilize the Kongsberg EM 2040 MBES, a POS M/V v5 system for position and attitude, SVP 71 surface sound speed sensors, and Sea-Bird SBE 19plus v2 CTDs for conductivity, temperature, and depth casts. Crosslines were collected, processed and compared in accordance with Section 5.2.4.2 of the HSSD. To evaluate crosslines, a surface generated via data strictly from mainscheme lines and a surface generated via data strictly from crosslines were created. From these two surfaces, a difference surface (mainscheme - crosslines = difference surface) was generated (Figure 4). Statistics show the mean difference between the depths derived from mainscheme data and crossline data was 0.01 meters (with mainscheme being deeper) and 95% of nodes falling within 0.48 meters (Figure 5). For the respective depths, the difference surface was compared to the allowable NOAA uncertainty standards. In total, over 99.5% of the depth differences between H13552 mainscheme and crossline data were within allowable NOAA uncertainties. Overview of H13552 crosslines SupportFiles\H134552_Crosslines.jpg H13552 crossline and mainscheme difference statistics SupportFiles\H13552 Crossline Difference_depth_delta.png ERS via VDATUM 0.0805 S220 N/A 1 N/A 0.5 280x (all launches) 2 N/A N/A 0.5 In addition to the usual a priori estimates of uncertainty via device models for vessel motion and VDATUM, real-time and post-processed uncertainty sources were also incorporated into the depth estimates of survey H13552. Real-time uncertainties were provided via EM 2040 MBES data and Applanix Delayed Heave RMS. Following post-processing of the real-time vessel motion, recomputed uncertainties of vessel roll, pitch, gyro and navigation were applied in CARIS HIPS and SIPS via a Smoothed Best Estimate of Trajectory (SBET) RMS file generated in Applanix POSPac. H13552 junctions with 2 adjacent surveys from this project, H13553 and H13554 and 2 survey from prior projects, H13082 and H13083 as shown in Figure 6. Data overlap between H13552 and each adjacent survey was achieved. These areas of overlap between surveys were reviewed in CARIS HIPS and SIPS by surface differencing (at equal resolutions) to assess surface agreement. The multibeam data were also examined in CARIS Subset Editor for consistency and agreement. The junctions with H13552 are within the NOAA allowable uncertainty in their areas of overlap. For all junctions with H13552, a negative difference indicates H13552 was shoaler and a positive difference indicates H13552 was deeper. Overview of H13552 junction surveys SupportFiles\H13552_Junction Overview.jpg H13082 20000 2017 NOAA Ship Rainier SE Surface differencing in CARIS HIPS and SIPS was used to assess junction agreement between the surface from H13552 and the surface from H13082 (Figure 7). The statistical analysis of the difference surface shows a mean of 0.08 meters with 95% of the nodes having a maximum deviation of +/- 0.66 meters, as seen in Figure 8. It was found that 98% of nodes are within NOAA allowable uncertainty. Difference surface between H13552 (gray) and junctioning survey H13082 (pink) SupportFiles\H13552_H13082 Junction.jpg Difference surface statistics between H13552 and H13082 (VR surface) SupportFiles\H13552 - H13082 Junction_VR_MLLW_depth_delta.png H13083 20000 2017 NOAA Ship Rainier SE Surface differencing in CARIS HIPS and SIPS was used to assess junction agreement between the surface from H13552 and the surface from H13083 (Figure 9). The statistical analysis of the difference surface shows a mean of 0.09 meters with 95% of the nodes having a maximum deviation of +/- 0.85 meters, as seen in Figure 10. It was found that 97% of nodes are within NOAA allowable uncertainty. Difference surface between H13552 (gray) and junctioning survey H13083 (tan) SupportFiles\H13552_H13083 Junction.jpg Difference surface statistics between H13552 and H13083 (VR surface) SupportFiles\H13552 - H13083 Junction_VR_MLLW_depth_delta.png H13553 10000 2021 NOAA Ship Fairweather SE Surface differencing in CARIS HIPS and SIPS was used to assess junction agreement between the surface from H13552 and the surface from H13553 (Figure 11). The statistical analysis of the difference surface shows a mean of -0.01 meters with 95% of the nodes having a maximum deviation of +/- 0.54 meters, as seen in Figure 12. It was found that 99% of nodes are within NOAA allowable uncertainty. Difference surface between H13552 (gray) and junctioning survey H13553 (green) SupportFiles\H13552_H13553 Junction.jpg Difference surface statistics between H13552 and H13553 (VR surface) SupportFiles\H13552 - H13553_Junction_VR_MLLW_depth_delta.png H13554 10000 2021 NOAA Ship Fairweather SE Surface differencing in CARIS HIPS and SIPS was used to assess junction agreement between the surface from H13552 and the surface from H13554 (Figure 13). The statistical analysis of the difference surface shows a mean of -0.03 meters with 95% of the nodes having a maximum deviation of +/- 0.96 meters, as seen in Figure 14. It was found that 97% of nodes are within NOAA allowable uncertainty. Difference surface between H13552 (gray) and junctioning survey H13554 (purple) SupportFiles\H13552_H13554 Junction.jpg Difference surface statistics between H13552 and H13554 (VR surface) SupportFiles\H13552 - H13554 Junction_VR_MLLW_depth_delta.png Sonar system quality control checks were conducted as detailed in the quality control section of the DAPR. None Exist There were no conditions or deficiencies that affected equipment operational effectiveness. None Exist There were no other factors that affected corrections to soundings. Casts were conducted at a minimum of one every four hours during launch acquisition. Casts were conducted more frequently in areas where the influx of freshwater had an effect on the speed of sound in the water column and when there was a change in surface sound speed greater than two meters per second. MVP casts on S220 were conducted at an average interval of 49 minutes, guided by observation of the surface sound speed and targeted to deeper areas. All sound speed methods were used as detailed in the DAPR. All equipment and survey methods were used as detailed in the DAPR. Holidays H13552 data were reviewed in CARIS HIPS and SIPS for holidays in accordance with Section 5.2.2.3 of the HSSD. 1 holiday was identified via HydrOffice QC Tools Holiday Finder tool. However, upon visual inspection of the surface, it was determined that the area did not meet the definition of a holiday as described in the HSSD for complete coverage. NOAA Allowable Uncertainty The surface was analyzed using the HydrOffice QC Tools Grid QA feature to determine compliance with specifications. Overall, 99% of nodes within the surface meet NOAA Allowable Uncertainty specifications for H13552 (Figure 15). H13552 allowable uncertainty statistics SupportFiles\H13552_Allowable Uncertainty.png Density The surface was analyzed using the HydrOffice QC Tools Grid QA feature to determine compliance with specifications. Density requirements for H13552 were achieved with at least 99% of surface nodes containing five or more soundings as required by HSSD Section 5.2.2.3 (Figure 16). H13552 data density statistics SupportFiles\H13552_Data Density.png All data reduction procedures conform to those detailed in the DAPR. All sounding systems were calibrated as detailed in the DAPR. Raw backscatter data were stored in the .all file for Kongsberg systems. All backscatter were processed to GSF files and a floating point mosaic was created by the field unit via Fledermaus FMGT 7.9.0. See Figure 17 for a greyscale representation of the complete mosaic. A relative backscatter calibration was performed by the field unit via a backscatter calibration site in order to bring the survey systems on each of the launches into alignment. See Figure 18 for a table of the calibration values entered into the Processing Settings within FMGT. Approximate inter-calibration corrections for offsets between sonar systems were applied to the mosaic. Backscatter mosaic for H13552 SupportFiles\H13552_Backscatter.jpg Backscatter Calibration Values SupportFiles\H13552_Backscatter_Calibration Values.JPG CARIS HIPS and SIPS 11.3 QPS Fledermaus 7.9.0 NOAA Profile Version 2021 H13552_MB_VR_MLLW.csar CARIS VR Surface (CUBE) Variable Resolution 13.8 341.0 NOAA_VR Complete MBES H13552_MB_VR_MLLW_Finalized.csar CARIS VR Surface (CUBE) Variable Resolution 13.8 341.0 NOAA_VR Complete MBES The NOAA CUBE parameters defined in the HSSD were used for the creation of all CUBE surfaces for H13552. The surfaces have been reviewed where noisy data, or "fliers" are incorporated into the gridded solutions causing the surface to be shoaler or deeper than the true sea floor. Where these spurious soundings cause the gridded surface to vary from the reliably measured seabed by greater than the maximum allowable Total Vertical Uncertainty at that depth, the noisy data have been rejected by the hydrographer and the surface recomputed. Flier Finder, part of the QC Tools package within HydrOffice, was used to assist the search for spurious soundings following gross cleaning. Flier Finder was run iteratively until all remaining flagged fliers were deemed to be valid aspects of the surface. The surface name listed above did not meet the 2021 HSSD naming standard for final surfaces. The finalized surface was renamed in review to H13552_MB_VR_MLLW_Final. Per Section 5.2.2.1.3 of the 2020 Field Procedures Manual no Horizontal and Vertical Control Report has been generated for H13552. Mean Lower Low Water ERS via VDATUM OPR-L397-FA-21_100m_NAD83_2011-MLLW_geoid18.csar ERS methods were used as the final means of reducing H13552 to MLLW for submission. North American Datum 1983 Projected UTM 10 RTX Vessel kinematic data were post-processed using Applanix POSPac processing software and RTX positioning methods described in the DAPR. Smoothed Best Estimate of Trajectory (SBET) and associated error (RMS) data were applied to all MBES data in CARIS HIPS and SIPS. During real-time acquisition, all platforms received correctors from the Wide Area Augmentation System (WAAS) for increased accuracies similar to USCG DGPS stations. WAAS and SBETs were the sole methods of positioning for H13552 as no DGPS stations were available for real-time horizontal control. US5CA64M 40000 14 2022-01-18 2022-01-18 US4CA68M 100000 13 2022-04-07 2022-04-07 US3CA69M 232188 25 2022-01-18 2022-04-08 No additional shoals or potentially hazardous features exist for this survey. Richardson Rock is as charted. All assigned charted features are attributed in the Final Feature File. It is recommended that all features should be retained as charted. No uncharted features exist for this survey. 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. No Aids to navigation (ATONs) exist for this survey. The charted islet of Richardson Rock was visually observed in its charted location. However, a height was not determined nor was full MBES coverage around the islet obtained due to the risks of maneuvering the survey vessel in close proximity to Richardson Rock. No bottom samples were required for this survey. No overhead features exist for this survey. No submarine features exist for this survey. No platforms exist for this survey. No ferry routes or terminals exist for this survey. No abnormal seafloor or environmental conditions 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 ENC scales 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 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. CAPT John Lomnicky Chief of Party 2022-04-19 ENS Carly Robbins Operations Officer 2022-04-19 ENS Jessica Spruill Sheet Manager 2022-04-19