Offshore Maine seabed mapping to start
AUGUSTA, Maine (AP) — Scientists from several state agencies, universities and nonprofits will head 15 miles out to sea this week to map the ocean floor off the coast of Maine and to observe sea life in the region.
Sailing on the Ocean Survey Vessel Bold, the 16 scientists and observers hope to map as much as an 800-square-mile area at a depth of up to 300 feet. The 224-foot OSV Bold is the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's only ocean and coastal monitoring vessel.
The five-day research expedition includes scientists from the Maine Department of Conservation and Department of Marine Resources, and the University of Maine.
Its aim is to get scientific information that should aid in managing shipping, fishing, aquaculture and energy development.
