EPA's Ocean Survey Vessel Bold 2009 Annual Report Monitoring and Assessing the Health of Our Oceans and Coastal Waters ••••••" Si •1 ------- Acknowledgements The Environmental Protection Agency's Oceans and Coastal Protection Division would like to acknowledge Suzanne Schwartz for her years of dedicated support in maintaining EPA's ability to monitor our oceans, coasts, and watersheds. Particularly, OCPD would like to acknowledge Suzanne's efforts in acquiring and maintaining the Ocean Survey Vessel Bold. Bon Voyage! ------- Table of Contents Executive Summary 1 Introduction 3 The Ocean Survey Vessel Bold 4 Green Activities Onboard the OSV Bold 6 No Discharge Practices 6 Lower Sulfur Dioxide Emissions 6 Better Hull Coating 6 Non-toxic Fire-Fighting Foam 7 Ballast Water Management 7 Best Management Practices 7 2009 Scientific Survey Highlights 8 Assessment and Monitoring of Ocean Dredged Material Disposal Sites 9 EPA's Coastal Eutrophication and Toxicity Assessments 11 Ocean Outfall Monitoring 12 Fish Waste Disposal Site Assessment and Monitoring 13 Aquatic Invasive Species Impact Assessment 13 Coral Reef Monitoring and Biocriteria Development 14 Marine Debris Monitoring 15 Support to Federal, State, and Academic Partners 16 Public Education on EPA's Oceans and Coastal Programs 17 Scientific Surveys in 2010 18 Appendix 1: OSV Bold Facilities, Equipment, and Capabilities Appendix 2: Scientific Surveys and Public Education Events in 2008 Cover Photo: The OSV Bold docked in Savannah, GA. Photo by: Chris McArthur, U.S. EPA ------- Executive Summary iSi) \»' • IF"'|jS '- 0 •3- The OSV Bold docked in Baltimore, Maryland. Photo by Eric Vance, U.S. EPA The mission of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA's) Ocean Survey Vessel Bold (OSV Bold) is to monitor and assess the health of our oceans and coastal waters. The information gathered by the OSV Bold supports EPA-regulated activities and allows EPA to more effectively control pollution sources, whether from land or the ocean. Acting as a floating laboratory, the OSV Bold is helping to chart a healthier course for our oceans. ------- Executive Summary This is the fourth OSV Bold Annual Re- port. It highlights the ship's 2009 scientific survey accomplishments, capabilities, and the unique role that this vessel plays in supporting EPA's monitoring and assess- ment programs. In 2009, the OSV Bold supported scientific surveys in a variety of geographic areas, including the Atlantic Coast, the Gulf of Mexico, the Florida Keys, and the Caribbean Sea. The survey mis- sions included monitoring ocean dredged material disposal sites, coastal eutrophica- tion and toxicity assessments, monitoring ocean outfalls, and assessments of critical coral reef habitats. During this period, the OSV Bold completed 28 oceanographic sur- veys, involving hundreds of sampling loca- tions, while spending 238 days at sea. 2009 Survey Highlights: • Conducted monitoring for nine ocean dredged material disposal sites. • Assessed coastal eutrophication and toxicity in the Mid-Atlantic Bight, New York Bight, and New England. • Assessed the impact of an invasive coral species within the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary. • Monitored two ocean discharge outfalls in the Mid-Atlantic Bight and in New England. • Surveyed coral reef environments in the Caribbean Sea and Florida waters. Supported Federal, State, Territorial, and academic partners. Sunset off the bow of the OSV Bold in the Bay of Fundy. In 2009, various survey partners con- tributed to the OSV Bold's successful op- eration, including: U.S. Army Corps of En- gineers; U.S. Geological Survey; National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration; U.S. Navy; Florida Department of Environ- mental Protection; U.S. Virgin Islands De- partment of Planning and Natural Re- sources; Puerto Rico Department of Natural and Environmental Resources; University of Puerto Rico; Connecticut Department of Environmental Protection; New York City Department of Environmental Protection; and, the University of Rhode Island. In addition to supporting a large variety of scientific surveys, the OSV Bold hosted nine public education events in 2009. Dur- ing these events, EPA scientists and OSV Bold crewmembers gave tours and con- ducted presentations for thousands of visi- tors. The OSV Bold hosted these events in Georgia, New York, Connecticut, Rhode Is- land, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. EPA's Ocean Survey Vessel Bold 2009 Annual Report ------- Introduction The oceans and coasts surrounding us are unique resources that support a large diversity of life. We rely on these complex ecosystems to provide us with places to live, play, relax, and work. Our national economy is linked in several ways to the productivity of our oceans and coasts. For instance, in 2007, the coastal economy contributed more than $13.7 trillion to American prosperity, and supported more than 135 million jobs, according to market data from the National Ocean Economics Program. Of no less value are the marine resources that are difficult to measure eco- nomically, such as the beauty of our oceans and coasts, their cultural significance, and the vital ecosystem functions they provide. School of Cae- sar grunts (Haemulon car- bonarium) in U.S. Virgin Is- lands coral habitat. Human actions can adversely affect our oceans and coastal waters. Polluted sedi- ments from industrial and agricultural ac- tivities and operations can significantly al- ter aquatic ecosystems. Wastewater im- properly discharged from shore or from vessels can be a threat to public health and to marine life. Exposure to toxic chemical and patho- genic contamination negatively affects the entire food web. If improperly managed, ocean and coastal resources can be dam- aged by habitat modification, dredging, construction, and other human activities. Harbor seal swimming at the mouth of the Kennebec River in Maine. The future health of our ocean and coastal resources depends on our actions today. To restore and protect these re- sources, EPA undertakes many efforts to identify and control problems threatening the health of our oceans and coastal wa- ters. Collecting information and analyzing data to support management decisions are essential parts of marine resource protec- tion. The OSV Bold supports EPA-regulated activities by surveying oceans and coasts to: monitor and sustain the health of our coastal waters and shores; protect human health; support economic and recreational activities; and influence actions that safe- guard healthy habitats for fish, plants, and wildlife. Monitoring and Assessing the Health of Our Oceans and Coastal Waters ------- The Ocean Survey Vesse The OSV Bold was constructed by the Tacoma Boat Building Company of Tacoma, Washington, and was first commissioned on October 16, 1989, as the United States Naval Ship (USNS) Vigorous, a Tactical Auxiliary General Ocean Survey class ves- sel. The vessel was later renamed the USNS Bold and served on many surveil- lance missions in the Pacific Ocean for the U.S. Navy. The Navy decommissioned the USNS Bold in 2004. EPA acquired the ex- USNS Bold on March 31, 2004, to replace the Peter W. Anderson, EPA's previous ocean survey vessel. EPA began scientific surveys with the OSV Bold on August 8, 2005. OSV Bold Quick Facts Overall Length: 224 feet Width: 43 feet Draft: 15 feet Water Displacement: 2300 tons Operating Speed: 11 knots Ship Operating Crew: 19 Scientific Berths: 20 The OSV Bold underwent dramatic changes in her conversion from a military surveillance vessel to an ocean and coastal water monitoring vessel. EPA improved the deck machinery and added wet and dry laboratories, including a data acquisition laboratory where information is transmitted from the sampling equipment to com- puters. Sampling equipment includes a side scan sonar that provides digital acoustic images of the ocean floor and a Conductiv- ity, Temperature, Depth (CTD) water pro- filer that measures physical water charac- teristics throughout the water column in real-time. For a detailed list of scientific facilities and technical equipment on the The OSV Bold docked in St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands. EPA's Ocean Survey Vessel Bold 2009 Annual Report ------- OSV Bold, see Appendix 1. The OSV Bold is managed by EPA's Oceans and Coastal Protection Division, in the Office of Water. The EPA Vessel Man- ager, Kennard Potts, provides direction to Seaward Services, Inc. Seaward Services provides the sea-going crew; handles the operation and maintenance of the vessel; provides logistic support and contract man- agement; and provides engineers, when needed, specializing in marine, mechanical, electrical, electronic, acoustical, or ocean engineering. The OSV Bold provides EPA and its part- ners a platform to gather the scientific data needed to assess the marine environment and to make informed decisions to protect these resources and human health. In 2009, the OSV Bold supported surveys along the Atlantic Coast, in the Gulf of Mexico, in the Florida Keys, and in the Car- ibbean Sea. EPA's partners in 2009 in- cluded the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers; U.S. Geological Survey; National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration; U.S. Navy; Florida Department of Environmental Protection; U.S. Virgin Islands Department of Planning and Natural Resources; Puerto Rico Department of Natural and Environ- mental Resources; University of Puerto Rico; and the Connecticut Department of Environmental Protection. Scientific surveys conducted onboard the OSV Bold address requirements of Fed- eral statutes such as the Clean Water Act, the Marine Protection, Research, and Sanc- The OSV Bold Ship's Crew. tuaries Act, and the Caribbean Basin Eco- nomic Recovery Act. The surveys provide scientific information and data to support EPA's mission to protect and enhance ocean and coastal waters through a variety of programs, including partnerships and regulatory actions, as well as response to emergencies. Surveys are conducted by scientists from various EPA offices, includ- ing Regional offices, the Office of Water, and the Office of Research and Develop- ment; states and territories; academic in- stitutions; and other partners. All surveys are conducted under the leadership of EPA- certified Chief Scientists, who must com- plete a rigorous certification program be- fore serving in that capacity. 5 Monitoring and Assessing the Health of Our Oceans and Coastal Waters ------- reen Activities Onboard the OSV Boh The OSV Bold supports EPA's mission to protect ocean and coastal environments. Staff and crew are dedicated to operating the vessel in the most environmentally sus- tainable way possible. Best management practices coupled with the latest technolo- gies ensure that the vessel is not degrading the resources that we seek to protect. New technologies and best management practices are utilized to reduce the impact of sewage, oil, and hull coatings that are part of the normal operation of the vessel. The OSV Bold is in compliance with all domestic and international requirements for discharges resulting from normal opera- tions, including the 2008 Vessel General Permit (VGP), issued under EPA's National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES). The VGP regulates discharges incidental to the normal operation of ves- sels operating as a means of transporta- tion. The VGP includes general effluent lim- its applicable to all discharges; general ef- fluent limits applicable to 26 specific dis- charge streams; narrative water-quality based effluent limits; inspection, monitor- ing, recordkeeping, and reporting require- ments; and additional requirements appli- cable to certain vessel types. EPA is dedi- cated to maintaining compliance with all discharges under the scope of the permit, and will work with individual states to en- sure that the OSV Bold meets requirements established for State waters. No Discharge Practices The discharge of untreated or partially- treated human waste from vessels can con- tribute to high bacteria counts and subse- quent increased human health risks. These problems can be particularly harmful in lakes, slow-moving rivers, marinas, and other bodies of water with low flushing rates. Blackwater (sewage) and graywater (wastewater from showers, sinks, laun- dries, and kitchens) are kept in holding tanks on the OSV Bold. The waste in the holding tanks is usually pumped to an on- shore facility at the end of a mission. If a holding tank fills on a voyage, a marine sanitation device treats and disinfects the waste. After treatment, waste (containing blackwater and graywater) is disposed of only beyond three nautical miles from the shoreline. In addition, all shipboard-generated gar- bage, cooking oils, and greases are col- lected and disposed of at onshore facilities. Any liquid collected in the bilge (compartment holding water at the bottom of a ship) is disposed of onshore in special reception facilities. Strict rules apply to dis- posal of all chemicals used in ship laborato- ries. Lower Sulfur Dioxide Emissions Sulfur dioxide is an air pollutant that ships generate from burning fuel and that can travel over long distances. It contrib- EPA's Ocean Survey Vessel Bold 2009 Annual Report ------- utes to respiratory illness and to the forma- tion of acid precipitation. Whenever avail- able, the OSV Bold uses an ultra low-sulfur fuel that significantly reduces harmful air emissions. Better Hull Coating Hull coatings prevent corrosion and bio- logical growth. These coatings reduce drag and increase fuel efficiency of a vessel. The hull coating on the OSV Bold does not con- tain organotin (toxic chemical painted on ship's hull) pesticides, and is certified as compliant with the International Maritime Organization's International Convention on the Control of Harmful Anti-fouling Systems on Ships. Information collected by EPA and the Department of Defense (DoD) indicates that the hull coating used on the OSV Bold has the lowest copper leach rate of hull coatings approved for use on DoD vessels. A lower leach rate means a lower impact to surrounding waters. Non-toxic Fire-Fighting Foam EPA uses fire-fighting foam that can handle any fires on the ship; the foam is also environmentally safe. This protein- based foam ensures efficient fire control. Ballast Water Management Ballast water tanks temporarily hold wa- ter to provide draft (immersion depth of a vessel) and stability. Ballast water trans- ported and discharged by vessels may carry organisms from one waterbody to another. This is a main pathway for intro- ducing and spreading aquatic invasive spe- cies (non-native species that can cause harm to human health, the environment, or the economy). As standard operating pro- cedure, any exchange of ballast water (emptying and refilling ballast tanks) is re- corded and done by the OSV Bold at sea, to limit potential transfer of invasive spe- cies between different waterbodies. Best Management Practices Best management practices are em- ployed in daily operations of the OSV Bold. Oil is carefully collected, and fueling of en- gines on rigid-hull inflatable boats is done with the utmost care to avoid spills. Special absorbent products and materials are used to collect drips of oil, grease, or fuel. In addition, EPA supports shipyards that employ creativity and innovation to make their operations more environmentally sus- tainable. EPA scientists deploy a water profile instrument to measure physical charac- teristics of water within the Long Island Sound. Monitoring and Assessing the Health of Our Oceans and Coastal Waters ------- 2009 Scientific Survey Highlights Figure 1: Scope of OSV Bold Monitoring and Assessments in 2009. Legend | EPA Region 1 EPA Region 2 | EPA Region 3 | EPA Region 4 I EPA Region 6 Pen ob scot Bay NH\|^ Massachusetts Bay ipe Cod Bay 'Rhode Island Sound Central Long Island Sound :ern Long Island Sound Bethany Beach, DE 'Ocean City, MD Florida Keys PR La Parguera St. Thomas, USVI Jobos Bay In 2009 the OSV Bold conducted scientific surveys in the At- lantic Ocean, the Gulf of Mexico, the Caribbean Sea, and the Florida Keys (see Figure 1). While spending 238 days at sea, the OSV Bold completed a total of 28 oceanographic surveys, involving hundreds of sampling locations. In addition, the OSV Bold held educational events in Georgia, Maryland, Pennsyl- vania, Rhode Island, Connecticut, New York, U.S. Virgin Is- lands, and Puerto Rico. ------- Assessment and Monitoring of Ocean Dredged Material Dis- posal Sites The nation's ports, harbors, and naviga- ble waterways are vital to the U.S. econ- omy and national security. Dredging (the removal of sediments to maintain access to those important areas) has become in- creasingly significant as ships increase in size. Dredged material disposal must be conducted in a safe and environmentally acceptable manner under requirements of the Marine Protection, Research, and Sanc- tuaries Act (MPRSA), and the Clean Water Act. Under the MPRSA, EPA is responsible for designating ocean dredged material dis- posal sites, and for evaluating and concur- ring on dredged material ocean disposal permits issued by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Additionally, the MPRSA re- quires that a site monitoring and manage- ment plan be prepared for each site before it may be used for dredged material dis- posal. A crucial part of site monitoring and management plans is the characterization of baseline conditions prior to any disposal activity being conducted at the site, so that changes in benthic (bottom of water) habi- tat resulting from disposal activities can be identified during future surveys. One of the primary missions of the OSV Bold is to perform the required periodic monitoring of existing designated ocean disposal sites, and to collect environmental data that can be used to designate new disposal sites. EPA scientists used the OSV Bold to assess and monitor conditions at several ocean dredged material disposal sites (ODMDS). Under the MPRSA, ODMDS trend assessment surveys are required to The OSV Bold docked in the Port of Davisville in North Kingston, Rhode Island. 9 Monitoring and Assessing the Health of Our Oceans and Coastal Waters ------- assess the extent and trends of environ- mental impacts of dredged material dis- posal. Along the coasts of Jacksonville, Florida, and Dam Neck, Virginia, EPA scien- tists used the OSV Bold to perform ODMDS trend assessments. EPA scientists collected samples of bottom sediment from various locations in and around the Jacksonville and Dam Neck sites to determine chemical and physical sediment characteristics. The scientists also collected biological speci- mens to detect any changes in species composition, presence, and abundance. The results of these surveys will be used to evaluate whether dredged material placed at the site has caused adverse impacts, as compared to areas left undisturbed. EPA scientists used the OSV Bold to con- firm that dredged material is disposed properly at ocean disposal sites, that the dumping does not unreasonably degrade or endanger human health or the marine en- vironment, and that the sites are function- ing as expected. Conditions at disposal sites located offshore of Savannah, Geor- gia, and Norfolk, Virginia, were assessed by EPA scientists to determine if the monitor- ing and management of the sites is effec- tive, and to ensure that dredged material disposal is not adversely affecting the sites. In both locations, the OSV Bold used side scan sonar to map the seafloor geological features and sediment types within the ODMDS. The seafloor mapping results will serve as a baseline for future monitoring efforts to determine if disposed material is migrating from the disposal site. In 2009, EPA scientists used the OSV Bold to characterize bottom habitat and water conditions at the Tampa ODMDS in the Gulf of Mexico. Viability of Tampa Bay as a commercial marine transportation hub depends upon routine maintenance dredg- ing of all shipping channels. Since options for beneficial use or upland disposal of dredged material are limited in this area, there is a growing need to use more of the Tampa ODMDS. While the Tampa site is quite large and deep, its ability to receive more dredged material is impeded by the existence of a "Briar Patch" habitat. The "Briar Patch" is a disposal mound of dredged material which now serves a habi- tat for fish populations and sessile (not free-moving) communities. Throughout the survey, scientists also identified and char- acterized the species that occupy the "Briar Patch" to determine the potential effects of increased dredged material disposal. This ongoing effort in Tampa will supply essen- tial data required for managing disposal within the ODMDS in the most environmen- tally-protective manner. EPA scientists also used the OSV Bold to collect data from Western Long Island Sound (WLIS), Central Long Island Sound (CLIS), and Cape Cod Bay ODMDS. This data will supplement data collected from Eastern Long Island Sound (ELIS) ODMDS in 2007, as well as support dredged mate- rial management efforts, by providing the first complete digital side scan sonar data set for all LIS active disposal sites. This survey was designed to map spatial distri- EPA's Ocean Survey Vessel Bold 2009 Annual Report 10 ------- bution of the dredged material at the dis- posal sites, provide information to evaluate the current management of the sites, and to further characterize the sites. Addition- ally, as a component of this survey, Sedi- ment Profile Imaging (SPI) equipment was used for the first time to characterize chemical, physical, and biological seafloor processes. Selecting appropriate sites to receive suitable dredged material, as well as sub- sequent monitoring of designated ODMDS, protects the marine environment. The OSV Bold helps to locate and evaluate new ar- eas to receive dredged material. Prior to designating a site for dredged material dis- posal, EPA scientists are required to ensure that activities at the proposed site do not affect areas of natural, scientific, historical, or cultural significance. The Mobile ODMDS and the Jacksonville ODMDS both require expansion to support future disposal of dredged materials. Areas for expanding the Mobile ODMDS have been proposed and determined to be suit- able locations; locations surrounding the Jacksonville ODMDS are still being exam- ined for potential expansion, or even desig- nation of a new site. Future surveys will continue to identify and characterize suit- able areas near the existing Jacksonville ODMDS. EPA's Coastal Eutrophication and Toxicity Assessments In 2009, the OSV Bold supported four EPA scientist collects sediment samples from the Jacksonville, Florida ODMDS. surveys examining eutrophication within coastal waters. Eutrophication is caused by an excess of chemical nutrients such as nitrogen and phosphorus. Significant coastal eutrophication can lead to hypoxia, an environmental condition where dis- solved oxygen (DO) is so low that the sys- tem no longer supports aquatic organisms. Coastal eutrophication can also lead to al- terations in the plankton community, such as the condition known as "red tide" (an increase in toxic, naturally occurring micro- scopic algae). Along the Mid-Atlantic Bight, the OSV Bold supported an established coastal trend monitoring plan assessing eutrophication. Water quality samples were collected from North Carolina to New Jersey to determine if coastal eutrophication is increasing or declining (long-term nutrient trends), and 11 Monitoring and Assessing the Health of Our Oceans and Coastal Waters ------- what management actions should be con- sidered to improve water quality. In coastal New England, the OSV Bold supported the expansion of coastal nutrient criteria development surveys conducted in 2004 and 2005, by adding additional sam- pling stations. Over 200 water samples were collected off Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and Maine, with special focus on Penobscot Bay in Maine. There, EPA sampling will complement a major estua- rine nutrient criteria study conducted by the Maine Department of Environmental Protection During August 2009, EPA scientists on the OSV Bold conducted a continuous sur- vey throughout Western Long Island Sound (WLIS) to perform DO and nutrient assess- ments. This survey was the first time con- tinuous sampling occurred in this area. Per- forming this repeated sampling will provide information on the short-term variability in water column DO and nutrient concentra- tions, the area and volume of hypoxia over tidal and diel (a daily 24-hour period) cy- cles, and the vertical mixing of nutrients. It will also assist the National Estuary Pro- gram's Long Island Sound Study (LISS) assess future monitoring needs, design programs to estimate hypoxic areas, and improve the models of nutrient mixing in water quality studies of the LIS. In coastal waters of New York and New Jersey, low levels of DO have been re- ported as a result of excessive coastal eu- trophication. These conditions have led to hypoxic areas, particularly during the sum- mer months, when high sea surface tem- peratures create a highly-stratified water column with oxygen-depleted bottom wa- ters. As a result, these hypoxic conditions can result in severe impacts to local ben- thic populations offish and invertebrates. In the summer of 2009, the OSV Bold monitored coastal waters in the New York Bight from Nantucket, Massachusetts, to Cape May, New Jersey, to provide data on nutrient and DO concentrations, and to as- sess hypoxic or potential hypoxic condi- tions. EPA scientists used a water profiler to measure conductivity, temperature, depth, DO, and additional physical proper- ties. The data collected will be used to alert New York-New Jersey Harbor stakeholders of potential or actual low oxygen condi- tions; to assist in the development of nutri- ent Total Maximum Daily Loads (TMDLs) (maximum amounts of nutrients that a wa- ter body can receive and still safely meet water quality standards); and, to ensure that nutrient conditions are adequately rep- resented in the model used by EPA to de- scribe and predict eutrophication through- out the NY-NJ Harbor. Ocean Outfall Monitoring In 2009, the OSV Bold supported two surveys on the impacts of ocean outfall dis- charges on coastal waters. Along the Mid-Atlantic Bight, EPA scien- tists collected water samples to investigate water quality near three ocean outfalls in Delaware, Maryland, and Virginia. Levels of EPA's Ocean Survey Vessel Bold 2009 Annual Report 12 ------- bacterial contamination due to Enterococci (bacteria used as an indicator organism to assess human pollution within marine and estuary waters) were assessed. The objec- tive was to monitor the impact of the dis- posal of pollutants in accordance with the requirements of Section 403(c) of the Clean Water Act. The second ocean outfall survey was conducted at sewage outfalls in Massachu- setts Bay and in southern Maine. The goal of this survey was to determine the influ- ence of river and outfall discharges on nu- trient concentrations. Fish Waste Disposal Site As- sessment and Monitoring The OSV Bold supported the annual sur- vey of a fish waste disposal site off the Vir- ginia Capes. The survey evaluated the ef- fect of this disposal on the marine environ- ment, and included collecting data to de- termine if any recreational fish are in the area, as well as monitoring the presence of living shellfish species. The survey also ex- amined the site to determine if it was being degraded by the placement offish waste. Aquatic Invasive Species Im- pact Assessment Aquatic invasive species have affected all coastal waters of the U.S., including the Florida Keys, Caribbean, and the Gulf of Mexico. The most common sources of aquatic invasive species include escapes from aquaculture sources, ballast water discharges, and accidental or deliberate introductions. Invasive species can affect aquatic ecosystems both directly or indi- rectly; they can reduce native populations and alter run-off dynamics. Consequently, many commercial and recreational activi- ties can be influenced. In 2009, EPA scientists performed a sur- vey in the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary to characterize the existing EPA scientists deploy bongo nets off the coast of New England. 13 Monitoring and Assessing the Health of Our Oceans and Coastal Waters ------- populations of Tubastraea coccinea (T. coc- c/'nea), and to assess the impacts of this non-native coral species. T. coccinea has the potential to adversely impact native coral reef communities by several factors, including: (1) its ability to kill tissues in na- tive corals; (2) its high reproduction rates; (3) its ability to out-compete native coral species for important resources; and (4) the lack of a natural predator in Florida wa- ters. EPA scientists collected tissue samples from the non-native coral and also photo- graphed both invasive and native coral colonies. These data will aid scientists in determining the colony/population growth and recruitment rates (the rate at which EPA scientists collect aquatic species data off the coast of Virginia. free swimming coral larvae settle onto coral reefs) in the non-native species. These data will also help to determine if the presence of T. coccinea results in low levels of biodiversity and low recruitment rates in the native coral species. Coral Reef Monitoring and Biocriteria Development Coral reefs are declining worldwide due to rising sea water temperature, as well as effects from local stresses, such as exces- sive nutrient loading, sedimentation, and direct physical damage to coral popula- tions. Coral reefs are extremely important ecosystems because they provide habitat for numerous fish and invertebrate species. The structure and presence of a strong and diverse coral community supports tourism, fisheries, and research opportunities, as well as guarding shorelines from erosion by waves and currents. Corals also provide important sensitivity measures of water quality and general ecological health. In February and March 2009, a coral condition survey was performed in St. Tho- mas and St. John, U.S. Virgin Islands (U.S.V.I). The primary objective of this survey was to characterize coral composi- tion, size, and health of corals in the wa- ters surrounding St. John and St. Thomas using EPA's Office of Research and Devel- opment's Stony Coral Rapid Bioassessment Protocol. The data collected during this sur- vey, combined with data from two previous surveys of St. Croix, U.S.V.I. corals, will provide a baseline assessment of coral con- EPA's Ocean Survey Vessel Bold 2009 Annual Report 14 ------- EPA scientists collect coral reef data in the U.S. Virgin Islands. ditions in the Virgin Islands, and will help the U.S.V.I. Department of Planning and Natural Resources (DPNR) create an effec- tive long-term monitoring and assessment strategy for the coral reefs in the U.S.V.I. During the survey in the U.S.V.I., EPA scientists used an innovative protocol de- signed to capture the complexity of the three-dimensional structure of coral reefs, and identify metrics, or indicators, of coral conditions. Standards based on these met- rics can be used to create biological criteria (or biocriteria) with which the DPNR can monitor and manage coastal water quality. Biocriteria are powerful management tools, since biological communities are reliable indicators of aquatic health. The recorded measurements will help scientists to calcu- late sensitive indices to describe the condi- tions of the reefs. This survey provided core measurements that can be used to create the first ever coral biocriteria. The OSV Bold also conducted a survey in the DryTortugas National Park (DRTO) in Florida. The survey assessed the ecologi- cal status and trends of coral communities throughout the park, as part of the Coral Reef Evaluation and Monitoring Project. The project will also evaluate the effects and recovery from the 2004 and 2005 hur- ricane seasons on coral communities. Marine Debris Monitoring Marine debris (any persistent solid waste material that is directly or indirectly discharged into or abandoned in the aquatic environment) is a problem in oceans, coasts, and watersheds throughout the world. It can result from human activi- ties anywhere within the watershed, such as an overturned trash can on land, litter left on a street or beach, or trash thrown 15 Monitoring and Assessing the Health of Our Oceans and Coastal Waters ------- overboard from a vessel. To initiate the development of a stan- dardized EPA protocol for marine debris monitoring, EPA and the University of Puerto Rico used various types of gear and sampling methods to survey coastal and open water around Puerto Rico for debris items. All debris collected was counted and categorized, and the various methods of sampling will be evaluated. Additional sur- veys were also conducted along the Mid- Atlantic Bight to collect marine debris data, which will also be integrated into the devel- opment of the protocol. Support to Federal, State, and Academic Partners In 2009, the OSV Bold supported Fed- eral, State, and academic partners in a number of oceanographic surveys. Using the OSV Bold, EPA scientists part- nered with the University of Rhode Island to classify and map fisheries habitats within Rhode Island Sound and Block Island Sound, as well as map areas of historic dredged material disposal. The survey helped to support Rhode Island's Special Area Management Plan studies to deter- mine the best uses of offshore areas, and to facilitate proper environmental manage- ment of these areas. Side scan sonar, wide-swath bathymetry (seafloor bottom topography), and sub-bottom seismic equipment were used to map 25 new areas to calculate the distribution of the critical fisheries habitat in both Sounds. The sur- vey will also determine if there were any long- term impacts of dredged material dis- posal to habitats in Rhode Island Sound. In February and March 2009, the OSV Bold supported surveys to monitor and as- sess coastal conditions in EPA's Caribbean jurisdictions - Puerto Rico and U.S. Virgin Islands (U.S.V.I.). Many partners contrib- uted to the success of the 2009 Caribbean Initiative surveys, including the U.S.V.I. Department of Planning and Natural Re- sources (DPNR), Puerto Rico Department of Natural and Environmental Resources (DNER), University of Puerto Rico (UPR), and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). In Puerto Rico and U.S.V.I., several studies supported various EPA programs, in addition to cooperative efforts with Federal, Commonwealth, and academic partners. At the beginning of the 2009 Caribbean Initiative, the Puerto Rico government re- quested the OSV Bold's assistance in re- sponse to a plane that crashed off Puerto Rico's northwest coast. Performing side scan sonar surveys, the OSV Bold was able to locate airplane debris, assisting the gov- ernment in their search. EPA, NOAA, and DNER conducted a side scan sonar survey on the OSV Bold to pro- vide imaging of benthic outer reef areas south of the Jobos Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve in Puerto Rico. The Jobos Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve encompasses a chain of 15 tear-shaped mangrove islets which create the second largest estuarine area in Puerto Rico. The EPA's Ocean Survey Vessel Bold 2009 Annual Report 16 ------- benthic mapping from the survey will assist DNER to improve biological monitoring strategies. This project will also provide the data to create CIS maps detailing critical information on the extent and condition of essential recreational fisheries habitat types, and will provide for the development of management strategies to protect and monitor critical fish habitats. EPA also supported the Caribbean Time Series Station program, which is main- tained by UPR, by collecting sea water tem- perature, salinity, and dissolved oxygen levels, which are all indicators of water quality. Public Education on EPA's Oceans and Coastal Programs When in port between scientific surveys, the OSV Bold was used for environmental education on challenging issues facing the health of marine waters. In 2009, the OSV Bold hosted open ship visits in Georgia, New York, Connecticut, Rhode Island, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Many of these open ship events were held in urban areas such as New York City, Philadelphia, and Balti- more, helping to increase the public's knowledge of significant water pollution issues which are often greater in urban wa- ters. During the events, scientists and crew members described the OSV Bold's scien- tific facilities, sampling equipment, and dive-operation capabilities to the public. In Savannah, Georgia, the OSV Bold hosted local Girl Scout troops, providing EPA scientist demonstrates sediment survey equip- ment to visitors in Savannah, Georgia. them with hands-on activities about water quality and the coastal environment. These activities also helped to support Girl Scout badge requirements for Water Wonders, Water Fun, and Science Discovery badges. Additionally, EPA partnered with the Skid- way Oceanographic Institute, University of Georgia, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Georgia Department of Natural Resources, and NOAA's Grays Reefs National Marine Sanctuary, giving tours and conducting presentations for the public. In Baltimore, Maryland, the OSV Bold hosted an event in which EPA scientists and OSV Bold crew demonstrated the state-of- the-art technology and scientific methods used for oceanographic surveys aboard the OSV Bold. Attendees included local middle school students; the EPA Assistant Admin- istrator for Water; the EPA Region 3 Acting Administrator; and over 500 members of the public. 17 Monitoring and Assessing the Health of Our Oceans and Coastal Waters ------- Scientific Surveys in EPA scientists pull in a trawl net onboard the OSV Bold. Photo by Ashley Greene, U.S. EPA/ORISE OSV Bold surveys scheduled for 2010 include: Assessment and monitoring of ocean dredged material disposal sites Fish waste disposal site assessment and monitoring Ocean outfall monitoring Marine debris monitoring Coral reef monitoring and biocriteria development Gulf of Mexico hypoxia assessment and monitoring Coastal eutrophication and toxicity assessments ------- Appendix 1: OSV Bold Facilities, Equipment, and Capabilities Scientific Facilities Wet Laboratory: Equipped with sieve station (i.e., sieving table and trays); wash station with hot and cold freshwater and saltwater; ice machine (for sample preservation); refrigerator; electronic navi- gation data ports; and electronic navigation chart display with ship's location and navigation informa- tion. Survey Operations Center: Equipped with refrig- erators; freezers; sub-zero freezers; distilled wa- ter; computers; storage space; microscopes; and 85 linear feet of lab benches. Microbiology Laboratory: Equipped with autoclave and incubator. Data Acquisition Center: Equipped with computer systems to support digital data recorded from side scan sonar operations; water profiler deployment; and underwater video filming. . Side scan sonar equipment onboard the OSV Bold. Sampling Equipment Side Scan Sonar: Produces digital acoustic images of ocean floor. Conductivity, Temperature, and Depth Water Profiler: Measures physical water characteristics in situ in real-time throughout the water column. Rosette Water Sampler: Collects water at specified depths in the water column. Sediment Sampling Equipment: A variety of grabs and corers are used for the collection of sediments. Dredges: Collect oceanic organisms from the sea- floor and sediments. Sampling Nets: Collect oceanic organisms, such as fish and plankton, from various depths in the water column. A-Frame: Assists the deployment and retrieval of the side scan sonar and sediment sampling equip- ment. Diver Operation Capabilities Rigid-Hulled Inflatable Boat (RHIB): At all times, the OSV Bold carries two RHIBs to support dive operations. Dive Locker: Nitrox/Air compressor; 31 SCUBA tanks; diver communication devices (i.e., diver-to- diver, diver-to-surface); diver recall system for emergency situations; dry suits; and full-face masks available for use by certified diving person- nel. EPA scientists onboard a rigid-hulled inflatable boat in the Caribbean Sea. Monitoring and Assessing the Health of Our Oceans and Coastal Waters ------- Appendix 2: Scientific Surveys and Public Education Events in 2009 Survey/Event Assessment and Monitoring of Ocean Dredged Material Disposal Sites Coastal Eutrophication and Toxicity Assess- ments Fish Waste Disposal Site Assessment and Monitoring Aquatic Invasive Species Invasive Coral Impact Assessment Species spe Location Savannah, Georgia Tampa, Florida Jacksonville, Florida Dam Neck, Virginia Norfolk, Virginia Western Long Island Sound Central Long Island Sound Cape Cod Bay Mobile, Alabama Mid-Atlantic Bight (North Carolina to New Jersey) New England (Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and Maine) Month(s) May, June, and November July and August Western Long Island Sound August Ocean Outfall Monitoring August and September July New York Bight (New Jersey to Massachusetts) Mid-Atlantic Bight (North Carolina to New Jersey) New England (Massachusetts, July and August New Hampshire, and Maine) Southern Virginia June Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary, Florida December EPA's Ocean Survey Vessel Bold 2009 Annual Report ------- Survey/Event Location Month(s) Coral Reef Monitoring and Biocriteria Develop- St. Thomas and St. John, U.S. February and March ment Marine Debris Monitoring Support to Federal, State, and Academic Partners Virgin Islands Dry Tortugas National Park, Florida Puerto Rico Mid-Atlantic Bight April and May February June and July Rhode Island Sound and Block August and September Island Sound, Rhode Island Quebradillas, Puerto Rico February Public Education on EPA's Oceans and Coastal Programs Jobos Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve, Puerto Rico San Juan, Puerto Rico Mayaguez, Puerto Rico St. Thomas, U.S.V.I. Savannah, Georgia Philadelphia, Pennsylvania New London, Connecticut Narragansett, Rhode Islan New York, New York Baltimore, Maryland February February February March September September September Monitoring and Assessing the Health of Our Oceans and Coastal Waters ------- ------- EPA's Ocean Survey Vessel Bold 2009 Annual Report Monitoring and Assessing the Health of Our Oceans and Coastal Waters &EPA United States Environmental Protection Agency Coastal Protection Division Office of Wetlands, Oceans, and Watersheds Office of Water EPA West (4504T) 1200 Pennsylvania Avenue, N.W. Washington, DC 20460 www.epa.gov/owow EPA 842-R-10-002 ------- |