Benthic Resource Assessments

Our benthic ecologists are experts in acquiring and interpreting seafloor imagery and other benthic data types, with a focus on assessing and monitoring ecological function and mapping benthic habitats. Our holistic visual approach employs high resolution imagery for enhanced interpretation of seafloor health and functioning to inform project designs, permitting conditions, and regulatory decisions.

Our scientists are leaders in producing comprehensive technical reports and peer reviewed literature that are used to guide permitting, environmental impact analysis, regulatory decisions, and targeted studies such as nature based design and beneficial-use evaluations.

Historically, marine scientists relied on sediment grab samples and cores to understand seafloor ecology. However, removed from context, these data can misinform monitoring programs and underrepresent complex seafloor dynamics. Employing SPI/PV, we read benthic processes in situ, deriving qualitative and quantitative observations, for faster, better information at a lower cost.

Our scientists have more collective experience than anyone in acquiring and interpreting benthic imagery. We provide rapid expert analysis, produce clear and comprehensive technical reports, papers, and permitting documents, and provide compelling presentation of results using our interactive, agency-preferred Popup data visualization tool, facilitating stakeholder understanding and driving informed decision-making.

Related Projects

Block Island Wind Farm

We developed a protocol to document outreach activities between Orsted personnel and fisheries-related stakeholders.
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Ocean Wind Offshore Wind Project

Benthic resource characterization survey conducted as part of the baseline assessment for permitting. SAV monitoring was conducted for ECCs approaching landfall.
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SouthCoast Offshore Wind Project

SouthCoast retained INSPIRE Environmental to analyze previously data to develop benthic habitat mapping to support Essential Fish Habitat (EFH) consultation.
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Skipjack Offshore Wind Project

Benthic resource characterization survey conducted as part of the baseline assessment for permitting. SAV monitoring was conducted for ECCs approaching landfall.
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South Fork Offshore Wind Project

INSPIRE has been providing environmental assessment, regulatory, and public engagement support services essential to the siting, permitting, and construction of the South Fork Wind Farm and South Fork Export Cable since 2017.

Measuring Seafloor Health

Our staff have more collective experience than anyone in acquiring and interpreting benthic images.

Innovative Data Collection Technology
SPI/PV and other survey technologies integrated into GIS and paired with high-resolution acoustic data, tells detailed stories of seafloor habitats.
Quality Control and Interpretation
From survey design to our state-of-the-art image analysis process, our statistical analyses and quality control protocols ensure data integrity, reproducibility, and transparency.
Supporting Habitat Mapping
Benthic assessment provides crucial groundtruth data for accurate habitat mapping efforts required for Essential Fish Habitat consultation.
Supporting Essential Fish Habitat Consultation
Benthic assessment identifies and evaluates habitats for fish to spawn, breed, feed, or grow to maturity, crucial for effective fisheries management and conservation.
Technical Reports for Permitting, Environmental Impact Assessment and BOEM COPs
High-quality technical reports provide detailed, accurate information necessary to make informed decisions on environmental, safety, and design matters.
Foundation for Mitigation and Monitoring
Benthic assessment supports benthic monitoring plan development.
We provide trusted expert support with a proven track record of success

Interested in Benthic Resource Assessments?

Contact INSPIRE Environmental today for additional information about our services.