Searching for Shipwrecks and Sinkholes

In spring 2019, researchers came together in Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary to seek lost shipwrecks and discover natural features such as sinkholes and fish habitats. Using an autonomous surface vehicle, researchers from the sanctuary, NOAA Great Lakes Environmental Research Lab, Ocean Exploration Trust, and University of New Hampshire’s Center for Coastal and Ocean Mapping used sonar to create high-resolution maps of deep areas within the sanctuary.

Using an autonomous surface vessel, researchers created high-resolution bathymetric maps of the Lake Huron lakebed. Photo: OET/UNH-CCOM

People gather around screens in a control center

Researchers operate the autonomous surface vehicle from afar. Photo: OET/NOAA

A yellow rov extended above water by a crane

The autonomous surface vehicle is lifted over the water. Photo: OET/NOAA