Annie Murphy, PhD
Director of Ecosystem Ecology
Soft Sediment Ecology
We are global experts in conducting benthic habitat assessments supporting offshore wind development, integrated sediment management, ecosystem restoration, aquaculture, and other projects. Relying largely on non-extractive and adaptive sampling approaches, we helped set the standards for benthic assessments for the U.S. offshore wind industry and dredged material management.
Overview
Sediment Profile Imaging (SPI) paired with plan view (PV) imaging provides a comprehensive view of soft sediment ecosystems, allowing us to map and track changes following natural and human disturbances over time and through space. Our unique, interactive visualizations provide stakeholders with a detailed “worm’s eye view” of soft sediment functions within the context of targeted projects and development.
Expertise Description
Understanding the complex dynamics of soft sediment habitats
As the original developers of Sediment Profile Imaging (SPI), our staff has unparalleled expertise in benthic imaging, analysis, and interpretation. Our scientists are well-versed in the use of SPI/PV imagery to assess soft sediment functions such as organic matter processing, biogenic habitat, and food provisioning.
Global Expertise
Flexible deployments and adaptive sampling provides real-time results
We deploy SPI/PV and other equipment worldwide, employing adaptive sampling to ensure effective and efficient campaigns that meet detailed project objectives. Data acquisition is led by our knowledgeable scientists, who provide extensive experience in interpreting imagery onboard to assess spatial patterns in real-time, adjusting sampling as needed to ensure comprehensive assessments.
Meet Our Staff
MEET OUR SOFT SEDIMENT ECOLOGY EXPERTS
Kersey Sturdivant, PhD
VP of Data Acquisition
Marisa Guarinello, MS
Senior Director of Data Science
Related Projects
South Fork Offshore Wind Project
We collected SPI/PV imagery at 161 stations within the proposed South Fork Wind Farm, along the transmission cable route, and at reference stations. A comprehensive report summarizing sediment types, bedforms, and types of biota observed was provided to BOEM as an Appendix to the COP.
Related Projects
Monitoring of the Historic Area Remediation Site (HARS) (2019 – 2024)
Our team conducted an analytical comparison of bathymetric survey data to assess the status of remediation activites at the Historical Area Remediation Site (HARS) in the New York Bight. GIS analysts normalized an appropriately 20-year record of bathymetric data to a 2017 surface and the performed comparisons for 1, 2, 3, 5, and 10-year periods. Depth change models were developed and analyzed to estimate volumetric coverage of managed units within the HARS. These spatial analyses supported site management and monitoring decisions. These anlayses were augmented by an interactive web-visualization with a slider tool that was developed to allow users to compare datasets themselves.
