EPA's Ocean Survey Vessel
10 Annual Repor
Monitoring and Assessing the Health
of Our Oceans and Coastal Waters
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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 7
Non-toxic Fire-Fighting Foam 7
Ballast Water Management 7
Best Management Practices 7
2010 Scientific Survey Highlights 8
Assessment and Monitoring of Ocean Dredged Material Disposal Sites 9
EPA's Coastal Eutrophication and Toxicity Assessments 11
Gulf of Mexico Hypoxia Assessment and Monitoring 12
Ocean Outfall Monitoring 14
Fish Waste Disposal Site Assessment and Monitoring 15
Aquatic Invasive Species Impact Assessment 15
Coral Reef Monitoring and Biocriteria Development 16
Marine Debris Monitoring 17
Support to Federal, State, and Academic Partners 17
Public Education on EPA's Oceans and Coastal Programs 19
Scientific Surveys in 2011 20
Appendix 1: OSV Bold Facilities, Equipment, and Capabilities
Appendix 2: Scientific Surveys and Public Education Events in 2010
Cover Photo: The OSV Bold docked in Philadelphia, PA.
Photo by: Alan Brocavich, U.S. EPA
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Executive Summary
Afe
The mission of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's
(EPA's) Ocean Survey Vessel Bold (OSV Bold) is to support
EPA's efforts to monitor and assess the health of our oceans
and coastal waters. The information gathered by the OSV Bold
allows EPA to more effectively identify and 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.
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Executive Summary
This is the fifth OSV Bold Annual Report.
It highlights the ship's 2010 scientific sur-
vey accomplishments, capabilities, and the
unique role that this vessel plays in sup-
porting EPA's monitoring and assessment
programs. In 2010, the OSV Bold sup-
ported 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, assessing critical coral reef
habitats, and monitoring hypoxia in the
Gulf of Mexico. During this period, the OSV
Bold completed 29 oceanographic surveys,
involving hundreds of sampling locations,
while spending 238 days at sea.
2010 Survey Highlights:
• Conducted monitoring for seven poten-
tial or active ocean dredged material
disposal sites to confirm that the dis-
posed dredged material is not endan-
gering human health or the marine en-
vironment.
• Assessed coastal eutrophication and
toxicity in the Mid-Atlantic Bight, New
York Bight, and New England to ensure
any contaminants are below levels
needed to sustain marine life.
• Assessed the impact of an invasive
coral species within the Florida Keys
National Marine Sanctuary to deter-
mine its negative effects on the exist-
ing aquatic ecosystem.
• Gathered data on Gulf of Mexico hy-
poxia to help support Gulf hypoxia
models that will be used to develop Gulf
restoration strategies.
• Monitored two ocean discharge outfalls
in the Mid-Atlantic Bight and in Puerto
Rico to assess levels of human pollution
and any adverse impacts to benthic or-
ganisms.
• Surveyed coral reef environments in
the Caribbean Sea and Florida waters to
gather data used to develop biocriteria
which helps to indicate aquatic health.
• Gathered marine debris data in the Mid-
Atlantic Bight and Caribbean Sea to
help classify the amount of existing de-
bris and the adverse impacts it has on
marine wildlife or humans.
• Supported Federal, State, Territorial,
and academic partners.
In addition to supporting a large vari-
ety of scientific surveys, the OSV Bold
hosted three public education events in
Boston, Massachusetts, New York, New
York, and Ponce, Puerto Rico, in 2010. Dur-
ing the events, EPA scientists and OSV Bold
crewmembers gave tours and conducted
presentations for hundreds of visitors.
EPA's Ocean Survey Vessel Bold 2010 Annual Report
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Introduction
Our oceans and coasts are unique re-
sources that support a wide diversity of
life. We depend on these complex ecosys-
tems 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 pros-
perity, and supported more than 135 mil-
lion jobs, according to market data from
the National Ocean Economics Program. Of
no less value are the marine resources that
are difficult to measure economically, such
as the beauty of our oceans and coasts,
their cultural significance, and the vital
ecosystem functions they provide.
Sunset off the OSV Bold in the Long
Island Sound.
Human actions can adversely affect our
oceans and coastal waters. Polluted sedi-
ments from industrial and agricultural ac-
tivities and operations can significantly af-
fect aquatic ecosystems. Wastewater im-
properly discharged from shore or from
vessels can be a threat to public health and
marine life. Exposure to toxic chemical and
pathogenic contamination can negatively
affect the entire food web. If improperly
managed, ocean and coastal resources can
be damaged by habitat modification,
dredging, construction, and other human
activities.
Coral reef habitat off the coast of
Puerto Rico.
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. Gathering information and analyzing
data to support management decisions are
critical elements 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
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The Ocean Survey Vessel Bold
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.
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
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 docked in Philadelphia, PA.
EPA's Ocean Survey Vessel Bold 2010 Annual Report
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OSV Bold, see Appendix 1.
The OSV Bold is managed by EPA's
Oceans and Coastal Protection Division, in
the Office of Water. In 2010, the EPA Ves-
sel Manager, Kennard Potts, provided di-
rection to Seaward Services, Inc. Seaward
Services provided the sea-going crew; han-
dled the operation and maintenance of the
vessel; provided logistic support and con-
tract management; and provided engi-
neers, when needed, specializing in ma-
rine, 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
2010, 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 2010 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; Puerto Rico Environmental
Quality Board; Puerto Rico Department of
Natural and Environmental Resources; Vir-
ginia Department of Environmental Quality;
Connecticut Department of Environmental
Protection; New Hampshire Department of
Environmental Services; New Hampshire
Fish and Game; and the Massachusetts Of-
fice of Coastal Zone Management.
Scientific surveys conducted onboard
The OSV Bold Ship's Crew.
the OSV Bold address requirements of Fed-
eral statutes such as the Clean Water Act,
the Marine Protection, Research, and Sanc-
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 being able to serve in that capacity.
5 Monitoring and Assessing the Health of Our Oceans and Coastal Waters
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Green Activities Onboard the OSV Bold
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, as well as
general effluent limits applicable to 26 spe-
cific discharge streams; narrative water-
quality based effluent limits; inspection,
monitoring, recordkeeping, and reporting
requirements; and additional requirements
applicable to certain vessel types. EPA is
dedicated to maintaining compliance with
all discharges under the scope of the per-
mit, and will work with individual states to
ensure that the OSV Bold meets all re-
quirements 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 exchange
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 during a survey cruise, a
marine sanitation device treats and disin-
fects the waste. After treatment, waste
(containing blackwater and graywater) is
disposed of only beyond three nautical
miles from the shoreline, in accordance
with Federal law.
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
Whenever available, the OSV Bold uses
an ultra low-sulfur fuel that significantly
EPA's Ocean Survey Vessel Bold 2010 Annual Report
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reduces harmful sulfur dioxide air emis-
sions. Sulfur dioxide, an air pollutant that
ships generate from burning fuel, can
travel over long distances. It contributes to
respiratory illness and to the formation of
acid precipitation.
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 (which is a toxic chemical),
or pesticides, and is certified as compliant
with the International Maritime Organiza-
tion's International Convention on the Con-
trol 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
In the event of a fire onboard the OSV
Bold, EPA uses an environmentally protec-
tive fire-fighting foam. This protein-based
foam ensures efficient fire control and can
handle any fire on the ship.
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.
Monitoring and Assessing the Health of Our Oceans and Coastal Waters
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2010 Scientific Survey Highlights
Figure 1: Scope of OSV Bold Monitoring and Assessments in 2010.
Legend
| EPA Region 1
EPA Region 2
| EPA Region 3
| EPA Region 4
• EPA Region 6
Penobscot Bay
Isles of Shoals
Cape Cod Bay
1 Boston, MA
Massachusetts Bay
Eastern Long Island Sound
H York, NY
New York Bight
Bethany Beach, DE
'Ocean City, MD
• Mid-Atlantic Bight
Norfolk, VA
Imington, NC
Florida Keys National
Marine Sanctuary
Ponce Mosquito Bay
In 2010 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 29 oceanographic surveys,
involving hundreds of sampling locations. In addition, the OSV
Bold held three educational events in Boston, Massachusetts,
New York, New York, and Ponce, Puerto Rico.
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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 (CWA). Under the MPRSA, EPA is re-
sponsible for designating ocean dredged
material disposal sites (ODMDS) and for
evaluating and concurring on dredged ma-
terial ocean disposal permits issued by the
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Additionally,
the MPRSA requires that a site monitoring
and management plan be prepared for
each site before it may be used for dredged
material disposal. An essential component
of site monitoring and management plans
is a characterization of baseline conditions
before any disposal activity is conducted at
the site so that changes in benthic (ocean
seafloor) habitat 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 to confirm that dredged ma-
terial is disposed of properly at the sites,
that the dumping does not unreasonably
degrade or endanger human health or the
marine environment, and that the sites are
functioning as expected. Under the MPRSA,
ODMDS trend assessment surveys are re-
quired to assess the extent and trends of
EPA scientists deploy sediment sampling equipment at the Miami, Florida ODMDS.
9 Monitoring and Assessing the Health of Our Oceans and Coastal Waters
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environmental impacts of dredged material
disposal. EPA scientists used the OSV Bold
to assess and monitor conditions at several
ODMDS. Along the coasts of Norfolk, Vir-
ginia, and Wilmington, North Carolina, EPA
scientists used the OSV Bold to perform
ODMDS trend assessments. EPA scientists
collected samples of bottom sediment from
various locations in and around the Wil-
mington and Norfolk sites to determine
chemical and physical sediment character-
istics. The scientists also collected biologi-
cal specimens to detect any changes in
species composition, presence, and abun-
dance. The results of these surveys will be
used to evaluate whether dredged material
placed at the site has caused adverse im-
pacts, as compared to areas left undis-
turbed.
At the Miami ODMDS, EPA scientists
used the OSV So/c/to map polychlorinated
EPA and MA Division of Fisheries scientists col-
lect sediment samples from Cape Cod Bay.
biphenyls (PCBs) and copper concentra-
tions in the sediment and organisms living
within the disposal site. This survey was
performed as a result of a prior Miami
ODMDS trend assessment survey where
the concentrations were found to be ele-
vated. The results of the survey will be
used to determine the persistence and ex-
tent of the contaminants' impacts and any
potential means of mitigation.
Conditions near the San Juan Harbor,
Puerto Rico, and Massachusetts Bay
ODMDS were assessed by EPA scientists to
determine if dredged material is being dis-
posed of outside of the boundaries of the
designated disposal site. In both locations,
the OSV Bold used side scan sonar to map
evidence of dredged material discharges
found outside site boundaries.
The Historic Area Remediation Site
(HARS) off the coast of New Jersey is an
ODMDS that is managed to receive
dredged material that is suitable for reme-
diating historic contamination. Onboard the
OSV Bold, scientists conducted a side scan
sonar survey to map the seafloor bottom
throughout the site. Additionally, a Sedi-
ment Profile Imaging (SPI) survey was per-
formed to assess benthic sediment and bio-
logical conditions in areas fully remediated.
In 2010, EPA scientists also used the
OSV Bold to collect chemical, physical, and
biological seafloor process data from East-
ern Long Island Sound (ELIS) which will
supplement data gathered at ELIS in 2007
and 2003, as well as data collected from
Western Long Island Sound (WLIS) and
Central Long Island Sound (CLIS) ODMDS
EPA's Ocean Survey Vessel Bold 2010 Annual Report
10
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in 2009. The data will support dredged ma-
terial management efforts by providing a
complete digital side scan sonar data set
for all LIS dredged material disposal sites.
This survey was designed to further char-
acterize the sites and to provide informa-
tion to evaluate the current management
of the sites.
Another important mission of the OSV
Bold is to locate and evaluate new areas to
receive dredged material and to support
the potential designation of new disposal
sites. Prior to designating a disposal site,
EPA scientists are required to ensure that
activities at the proposed site will not affect
areas of natural, scientific, historical, or
cultural significance.
Along the coasts of Jacksonville, Florida,
and Portsmouth, New Hampshire, EPA sci-
entists used the OSV Bold to characterize
areas for potential disposal of dredged ma-
terial. The Jacksonville ODMDS requires
expansion to support future disposal of
dredged materials, and as a result of sev-
eral OSV Bold reconnaissance surveys, two
locations surrounding the Jacksonville
ODMDS have been identified as potential
areas for site expansion or new site desig-
nation. These two areas were characterized
during two seasonal surveys in 2010. The
survey results will be presented as an EPA
Environmental Impact Statement and used
to select the most environmentally appro-
priate location. Near the Isles of Shoals,
New Hampshire, two areas were mapped
using side scan sonar to determine if they
were geologically suitable for dredged ma-
terial disposal; one of the investigated ar-
EPA scientists retrieve a trawl net off the
coast of Jacksonville, Florida.
eas was found to be suitable for future dis-
posal activities.
EPA's Coastal Eutrophication
and Toxicity Assessments
The OSV Bold supported three surveys
examining eutrophication and toxicity in
coastal waters in 2010. Eutrophication is
caused by an excess of chemical nutrients,
such as nitrogen and phosphorus. Signifi-
cant coastal eutrophication can lead to hy-
poxia, an environmental condition where
dissolved oxygen (DO) is less than two mil-
ligrams per liter, which is a level that can
no longer sustain most marine life. Coastal
eutrophication can also lead to alterations
in the plankton community, such as the
condition known as "red tide" (an increase
in toxic, naturally-occurring microscopic
algae).
Along the Mid-Atlantic Bight, the OSV
Bold supported an established coastal
11 Monitoring and Assessing the Health of Our Oceans and Coastal Waters
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monitoring plan assessing eutrophication.
Water quality samples measuring nitrogen,
phosphorus, and Chlorophyll->4 were col-
lected from North Carolina to New Jersey to
determine if coastal eutrophication is in-
creasing or declining (long-term nutrient
trends), and what management actions
should be considered to improve water
quality.
In coastal New England, the OSV Bold
continued coastal nutrient criteria develop-
ment surveys which were conducted in
2004, 2005, and 2009. Along with sam-
pling new stations, the majority of stations
from the previous years' surveys were also
sampled again, resulting in a total of 65
locations being sampled for phosphorus,
nitrogen, and Chlorophyll-^ concentrations,
as well as various water column properties
(e.g., temperature, conductivity, and DO).
In all, nearly 220 water samples were col-
lected off Massachusetts, New Hampshire,
and Maine, with special focus on Saco Bay,
Wells Bay, and sewage outfalls in Massa-
chusetts Bay and southern Maine.
In New York and New Jersey coastal wa-
ters, low levels of DO have been docu-
mented 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 lead to severe negative impacts on lo-
cal benthic populations offish and inverte-
brates. In the Summer of 2010, the OSV
Bold monitored coastal waters in the New
York Bight from New York Harbor to Cape
May, New Jersey, to provide data on nutri-
ent and DO concentrations and to assess
hypoxic or potential hypoxic conditions.
EPA scientists used the vessel's water pro-
filer 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
represented in the model used by EPA to
describe and predict eutrophication
throughout the New York-New Jersey Har-
bor.
Gulf of Mexico Hypoxia Assess-
ment and Monitoring
Over the past few decades, hypoxic wa-
ters have been investigated on the North-
ern shelf of the Gulf of Mexico along
coastal Louisiana and Texas. In 2010, the
OSV Bold supported an assessment and
monitoring survey within these hypoxic wa-
ters.
The size of the Gulf hypoxic zone varies
each year, depending on natural and hu-
man-influenced factors; however, during
four summers in the past decade it was
measured to be in excess of 20,000 square
kilometers. Current evidence indicates that
the development, extent, and persistence
EPA's Ocean Survey Vessel Bold 2010 Annual Report
12
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of hypoxia in the Gulf of Mexico are primar-
ily caused by excessive nutrient (e.g., ni-
trogen and phosphorus) loading from the
Mississippi-Ohio-Missouri River Basin, from
anthropogenic sources.
Hypoxia monitoring and assessment by
the OSV Bold supports the "Action Plan for
Reducing, Mitigating, and Controlling Hy-
poxia in the Gulf of Mexico." The Hypoxia
Action Plan was released by the Mississippi
River/Gulf of Mexico Watershed Nutrient
Task Force, a Federal and State agency
working group, in 2001, with a revised Ac-
tion Plan released in 2008. The Plan calls
for expanded long-term monitoring pro-
grams, enhanced research and modeling
efforts, and increased stakeholder educa-
tion and national awareness programs.
From 2005 to 2007, the OSV Bold sup-
ported five Gulf Hypoxia monitoring sur-
veys. The primary focus of these surveys
was to measure shelf-wide water column
chemistry and biological processes. During
the surveys, sediment monitoring was per-
formed in only limited areas; however, to
accurately understand the entire shelf,
ocean sediment data needs to be collected
from additional areas.
In 2010, the OSV Bold supported re-
search efforts to characterize the magni-
tude of, and variability in, physical, chemi-
cal, and biological properties, processes,
and deposition rates of ocean sediments
within the hypoxic zone. These monitoring
activities will better define the spatial and
temporal extent and dynamics of the entire
hypoxic zone by combining sediment proc-
ess information with existing water quality
measurements. The data will also further
refine a predictive model for Gulf of Mexico
hypoxia, and should reduce scientific un-
certainty about nitrogen and phosphorus
EPA scientists sort through biological samples collected off the coast of
Jacksonville, Florida.
13 Monitoring and Assessing the Health of Our Oceans and Coastal Waters
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loadings, and the formation, extent, dura-
tion, and severity of the hypoxic zone.
Ocean Outfall Monitoring
In 2010, the OSV Bold supported two
surveys assessing impacts of ocean outfall
discharges on coastal waters.
Along the Mid-Atlantic Bight, EPA scien-
tists collected samples to investigate water
quality near three ocean outfalls in Dela-
ware, Maryland, and Virginia. Additionally,
water samples were collected near a pro-
posed new outfall in Delaware to establish
baseline conditions. At all outfall sites, lev-
els of bacterial contamination due to En-
terococci (bacteria used as an indicator or-
ganism to assess human pollution within
marine and estuarine waters) were as-
sessed. The objective was to determine the
EPA scientist collects water quality data off the
coast of Virginia.
impact of the disposal of pollutants, in ac-
cordance with the requirements of Section
403(c) of the Clean Water Act.
The second ocean outfall study took
place in the Caribbean Sea, off the north-
ern Puerto Rico coast. EPA scientists sur-
veyed an ocean outfall where the Bayamon
and Puerto Nuevo Regional Wastewater
Treatment Plants (RWWTP) and the Bacardi
Corporation Distillery Wastewater Treat-
ment Plant are authorized to discharge
wastewater. Recent monitoring near the
outfall has shown the presence of pesti-
cides and heavy metals in sediments within
the vicinity of the outfall. Such pollutants
may adversely impact benthic organisms.
During the survey, EPA used bioassays to
assess the toxicity of sediments at the
boundary of the mixing zone near the out-
fall. Using SPI and side scan sonar equip-
ment to provide benthic mapping of sedi-
ment types, EPA will evaluate if sediment
conditions near the outfall (i.e., at the
boundary of the mixing zone) are different
from areas further away from the outfall.
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 to determine what type of or-
ganisms are present at the dump site and
to evaluate the effect of this disposal on
the marine environment. During the sur-
vey, scientists collected data to ensure no
recreational or commercially viable species
were in the area. The survey results con-
EPA's Ocean Survey Vessel Bold 2010 Annual Report
14
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EPA scientist collects coral reef data in Puerto Rico.
eluded there were no recreational or com-
mercial species within the site and that it is
being used appropriately.
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 by reducing native populations and
altering run-off dynamics. Consequently,
many commercial and recreational activi-
ties can be influenced.
In 2010, EPA scientists performed sur-
veys in both the Florida Keys National Ma-
rine Sanctuary and the Flower Garden
Banks National Marine Sanctuary to char-
acterize existing populations of orange cup
coral, known scientifically as Tubastraea
coccinea (T. coccinea}, and to assess the
impacts of this non-native coral species. T.
coccinea has the potential to adversely im-
pact native coral reef communities by sev-
eral factors, including: (1) its ability to kill
tissues in native corals; (2) its high repro-
duction rates; (3) its ability to out-compete
native coral species for important re-
sources; and (4) the lack of a natural
predator in Florida waters.
In both locations, EPA scientists col-
lected tissue samples from the non-native
coral and photographed both invasive and
native coral colonies. These data will aid
scientists in determining the colony popula-
tion growth and recruitment rates (the rate
at which 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
15 Monitoring and Assessing the Health of Our Oceans and Coastal Waters
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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 and sediment overloading,
contaminants from land-based sources,
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 measures of water quality and
general ecological health.
In November and December 2010, a
coral condition survey was performed off
the southern Puerto Rico coast. The pri-
mary objective of this survey was to char-
acterize composition, size, and health of
corals in the waters along the southern
coast of Puerto Rico, particularly the Gua-
nica Bay, Ponce, and Jobos Bay water-
sheds, and to determine what coral reef
measurements are responsive to human
disturbances. During the survey, sampling
locations were chosen based on specific
areas of disturbance, such as pour points
(the outlet of a watershed) or other point
sources of pollution. The data collected will
provide a baseline assessment of coral con-
Aquatic invasive species, Tubastraea coccinea
(orange cup coral).
ditions around Puerto Rico, and will help
the Puerto Rico Environmental Quality
Board (EQB) and Puerto Rico Department
of Natural Resources (DPNR) create an ef-
fective long-term monitoring and assess-
ment strategy for the coral reefs in Puerto
Rico. The recorded measurements will also
help scientists to calculate sensitive indices
to describe the conditions of the reefs.
These indices will then become metrics, or
indicators, for detecting impairment of the
water body. Standards based on these
metrics can be used to create biological
criteria (or biocriteria) which can aid in
monitoring and managing coastal water
quality. Moreover, biocriteria are powerful
management tools, since biological com-
munities are reliable indicators of aquatic
health.
In 2010, the OSV Bold also conducted a
survey in the Flower Garden Banks Na-
tional Marine Sanctuary (FGBNMS) in the
Gulf of Mexico. The survey assessed fish,
stony corals, octocorals, sponges, large in-
vertebrates, and measured cover and
rugosity (indicator of the amount of avail-
able habitat available for colonization) on
coral banks in the northwestern Gulf of
EPA's Ocean Survey Vessel Bold 2010 Annual Report
16
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Mexico. The data collected will be used to
assess current reef conditions and deter-
mine anthropogenic causes of reef decline.
Additionally, since FGBNMS is mostly un-
disturbed, the data will be used to repre-
sent the natural reference condition for
coral reefs in the Caribbean and western
Atlantic, which will assist in developing
coral reef biocriteria.
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
overboard from a vessel.
In support of developing a standardized
protocol for marine debris collection on-
board the OSV Bold, EPA scientists per-
formed marine debris surveys in waters
around Puerto Rico and the Mid-Atlantic
Bight to determine the amount and type of
marine debris present in the areas. During
the surveys, only very small pieces of de-
bris were found suggesting future surveys
should focus on predetermined strategic
areas of potential debris accumulation (i.e.,
areas near currents, gyres, and ocean out-
falls). All debris collected was counted and
categorized, and will be further analyzed in
a laboratory. The data collected will be
used to determine potential sources of the
marine debris present and help to deter-
mine the appropriate marine debris pre-
vention efforts.
Support to Federal, State, and
Academic Partners
In 2010, 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 Connecticut Department of
Environmental Protection (DEP) to charac-
terize seafloor features in two areas of
Eastern Long Island Sound (ELIS) Atlantic
Sturgeon have previously been observed.
Utilizing side scan sonar the survey showed
that Atlantic Sturgeon habitat varies
among the two sites. In addition, with a
combination of side scan, video, and grab
sampling performed during the survey,
USGS scientists will be able to create im-
proved seafloor texture maps (based on
existing high resolution bathymetric maps
from NOAA) for use in evaluation of benthic
habitats for research and monitoring pur-
poses.
In August 2010, the OSV Bold was used
by the Virginia Department of Environ-
mental Quality (VADEQ) to collect water
and sediment samples along the Virginia
coastline in conjunction with the National
Coastal Condition Assessment. During the
survey, 50 stations were sampled for both
water and sediment quality. Continuous
profiles were measured for nitrogen, phos-
phorus, chlorophyll, bacteria (Enterococci),
total suspended solids, pH, conductivity,
17 Monitoring and Assessing the Health of Our Oceans and Coastal Waters
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salinity, dissolved oxygen, temperature,
and water clarity. Surface water samples
were also collected and tested for dissolved
and total trace metals (e.g., calcium, mag-
nesium, and iron) and polycyclic aromatic
hydrocarbons (PAHs). Sediment samples
were analyzed for metals, total organic car-
bon, grain size, and benthic population and
distribution. This information will be used
to create a baseline for nutrients, metals,
PAH, and a benthic index along the Virginia
coast.
The new National Ocean Policy and
Framework for Coastal and Marine Spatial
Planning directs the federal government to
develop regional coastal and marine spatial
plans within five years in cooperation with
states and Indian tribes, in consultation
with fishery management councils, and
with input from other stakeholders. In
2010, EPA supported this directive by part-
nering with the Massachusetts Office of
Coastal Zone Management (CZM) and the
Massachusetts Division of Marine Fisheries
to validate sediment maps of various ma-
rine habitats in Massachusetts waters, one
of the priority objectives of the 2009 Mas-
sachusetts Ocean Management Plan. Using
the OSV Bold, maps were validated by col-
lecting samples of sediment, seafloor or-
ganisms, and by photographing bottom
materials.
Mosquito Bay, located on the island of
Vieques, is the most pristine of Puerto
Rico's three bioluminescent bays due to the
stable and abundant populations of the
dinoflagellate, Pyrodinium bahamense. This
biological property makes Mosquito Bay a
very unique ecosystem that is of great es-
thetic, historic, and economic value. There
is concern, however, that excessive loading
of nutrients and sedimentation are nega-
tively impacting the ability of Mosquito Bay
to maintain its bioluminescent nature. Con-
sequently, EPA has launched an initiative to
assist local authorities in preserving the
bioluminescent nature of Mosquito Bay, as
well as other Puerto Rico bioluminescent
bays. During the survey, EPA collected
baseline data from six stations throughout
Mosquito Bay to help the Puerto Rico Envi-
ronmental Quality Board (EQB) initiate the
Ambient Water Quality Monitoring Program
for Mosquito Bay. The data obtained during
the survey will be reviewed by EQB to iden-
tify if conditions violate the EPA Ambient
Aquatic Life Water Quality Criteria for dis-
EPA scientists extract tissue samples from
Spiny Crabs collected at the Miami, FL ODMDS
in the OSV Bold wet laboratory.
EPA's Ocean Survey Vessel Bold 2010 Annual Report
18
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solved oxygen under the Clean Water Act.
The data will also be used by EQB to assess
Mosquito Bay for the antidegradation re-
quirements of its CWA designation (Class
SA), and to assist EQB in establishing fu-
ture monitoring stations.
As marine aquaculture continues to be-
come more economically feasible, an in-
creased number of facilities will need to be
permitted. In order to properly set dis-
charge limits for these facilities, a monitor-
ing protocol must be developed to assess
the impacts of the discharges (e.g., organic
matter and nutrient loading). In November
2010, EPA scientists began developing a
monitoring protocol to assess these im-
pacts on the coastal Caribbean environ-
ment. During the survey, baseline condi-
tions in the area surrounding a permitted
aquaculture facility off Culebra, Puerto Rico
were documented. This will allow EPA to
establish stations and baseline water condi-
tions to detect any changes in the marine
environment that may result from the facil-
ity going into commercial production.
Public Education on EPA's
Oceans and Coastal Programs
When in port between scientific surveys,
the OSV Bold is used for environmental
education on challenging issues facing the
health of marine waters. In 2010, the OSV
Bold hosted over 1,000 people at three
educational events in Boston, Massachu-
setts; New York, New York; and Ponce,
Puerto Rico. During the events, scientists
and crew members described the OSV
EPA scientists sort epifauna samples collected off the
coast of Jacksonville, Florida.
Bold's scientific facilities, sampling equip-
ment, and dive operation capabilities to the
public. Scientists and OSV Bold crew also
demonstrated state-of-the-art technology
and scientific methods used for oceano-
graphic surveys. Additionally, the Boston
event was supported by various partners,
including the Massachusetts Coastal Zone
Management Program, Massachusetts Bays
Program, New England Aquarium, Univer-
sity of Massachusetts- Boston, and Urban
Harbors Institute.
In addition to the open house events
held on the OSV Bold, educational outreach
is also done through the OSV Bold website
(http://water.epa.go v/type/oceb/
assessmonitor/osvbold_index.cfm) and the
OSV Bold Kids website (http://
www.epa.gov/boldkids/). On both web-
sites, people can learn about the OSV Bold,
its mission, capabilities and equipment,
surveys performed onboard, and survey
results.
19 Monitoring and Assessing the Health of Our Oceans and Coastal Waters
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Scientific Surveys in 2011
Mexico.
ts collect coral samples under an oil platform off the coast of Texas and
in the Gulf
OSV Bold surveys anticipated for 2011 include:
Assessment and monitoring
of ocean dredged material
disposal sites
Fish waste disposal site
assessment and monitoring
Ocean outfall monitoring
Coral reef monitoring and
biocriteria development
Coastal eutrophication and
toxicity assessments
Marine debris monitoring
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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.
CTD water profiler instrument used on-
board 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 marine debris items and
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.
Nitrox used onboard the OSV Bold during diving
operations.
Monitoring and Assessing the Health of Our Oceans and Coastal Waters
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Appendix 2: Scientific Surveys and
Public Education Events in 2010
Survey/Event
Assessment and Monitoring of Ocean
Dredged Material Disposal Sites
Location
Jacksonville, Florida
Miami, Florida
Wilmington, North Carolina
Eastern Long Island Sound
Massachusetts Bay
Isles of Shoals, New Hamp-
shire
HARS, New Jersey
Norfolk, Virginia
San Juan, Puerto Rico
Month(s)
March, April, & September
April
May
May & June
Coastal Eutrophication and Toxicity Assess-
ments
August
August
November
June & July
Ocean Outfall Monitoring
New England (Massachusetts,
New Hampshire, and Maine)
New York Bight (New Jersey to July & August
Massachusetts)
Mid-Atlantic Bight (North Caro- August
lina to New Jersey)
Mid-Atlantic Bight (North Caro- August
lina to New Jersey)
Northern Puerto Rico November
Fish Waste Disposal Site Assessment and
Monitoring
Southern Virginia
August
Aquatic Invasive Species Impact Assessment Florida Keys National Marine April
Sanctuary, Florida
Flower Garden Banks National
Marine Sanctuary, Gulf of
Mexico
October
EPA's Ocean Survey Vessel Bold 2010 Annual Report
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Survey/Event
Location
Month(s)
Coral Reef Monitoring and Biocriteria
Development
Flower Garden Banks National February & March
Marine Sanctuary, Gulf of
Mexico
Puerto Rico November & December
September and October
Gulf of Mexico Hypoxia Assessment and
Monitoring
Marine Debris Monitoring
Support to Federal, State, and Academic
Partners
Mid-Atlantic Bight
Puerto Rico
Eastern Long Island Sound
Massachusetts
August
November
May
Virginia
Mosquito Bay, Puerto Rico
Public Education on EPA's Oceans and Coastal Boston, Massachusetts
Programs
New York, New York
Ponce, Puerto Rico
June
August
November
Monitoring and Assessing the Health of Our Oceans and Coastal Waters
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EPA's Ocean Survey Vessel Bold
2010 Annual Report
Monitoring and Assessing the Health
of Our Oceans and Coastal Waters
United States
Environmental Protection
Agency
Oceans and 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
EPA842-R-11-001
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