gov.noaa.ncei:RL1507_EK60 eng; USA utf8 series Water Column Sonar Series-Level Metadata NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information ncei.info@noaa.gov https://www.ncei.noaa.gov/contact NCEI Contact Information Information for contacts at NCEI. information pointOfContact 2026-03-10 ISO 19115-2 Geographic Information - Metadata - Part 2: Extensions for Imagery and Gridded Data ISO 19115-2:2009(E) curve 13076 World Geodetic System 1984 WGS 84 2007-08-27 revision https://epsg.org/crs_4326/WGS-84.html WGS 84 GML of World Geodetic System 1984 coordinate reference system. information resourceProvider European Petroleum Survey Group https://epsg.org/home.html European Petroleum Survey Group Geodetic Parameter Registry Registry that accesses the EPSG Geodetic Parameter Dataset, which is a structured dataset of Coordinate Reference Systems and Coordinate Transformations. search publisher urn:ogc:def:crs:EPSG::4326 Vertical Datum: Unknown Vertical Datum: Unknown EK60 Water Column Sonar Data Collected During RL1507 2015-07-09 creation 2026-03-10 publication NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information RL1507_EK60 International DOI Foundation (IDF) doi:10.25921/t4a0-s747 NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information NCEI Metadata ID:RL1507_EK60 NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information custodian NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information publisher NOAA National Marine Fisheries Service Southwest Fisheries Science Center 858-546-7000 8901 La Jolla Shores Dr. La Jolla CA 92037 USA author The principal study area includes the U.S. and Canadian West Coasts – Alaska, Washington, Oregon, and California coastal waters between 0.5-10nm offshore. Small boat operations are necessary for mark-capture (photography), biopsy, and collecting fecal samples. Known information about gray whale locations (real-time data combined with previous sighting information) will be used to determine best locations for gray whale operations to take place. A team of two observers will stand watch throughout the day for gray whales and other cetaceans when the small boat is not deployed. When the small boat is deployed, a minimum of two observers will remain aboard NOAA Ship Reuben Lasker to observe the small boat in relation to where animals are located. The observers will use big eye (25x) and handheld binoculars (7x) to direct the small boat and large vessel to the animals. Observers will rotate every two hours. Simrad EK60 scientific echo sounder with 38, 70, 120, 200, and 333 kHz transducers plus PC with EK60 data logging software and input cables. EK60 and ME70 acoustic data will be collected whenever possible while underway and on-stations, including when at anchor. Acoustic backscatter data will be collected with EK60 operating at 18, 38, 70, 120, and 200 kHz. The .raw files will be telemetered continuously, as collected, to the SWFSC via a Matlab script, secure ftp, and the ship’s VSAT. The protocol for data transfers meets NOAA IT security requirements. Weather permitting, CTD stations will be occupied each night the ship is in water deeper than 1000m: a pre-dawn cast (if the ship moved more than 10 nm after the end of effort the previous day) and an evening cast after the end of effort. The ship will provide and maintain a thermosalinograph (TSG), which is calibrated and in working order, for continuous measurement of surface water temperature and salinity. Sonobuoys will be deployed from either the ship or small boat on an opportunistic basis at the discretion of the Cruise Leader during Leg 2 of the survey. Line-transect survey methods will be used to collect cetacean abundance data in two BOEM study areas. A daily watch for cetaceans will be maintained on the flying bridge during daylight hours (approximately 0600 to 1900) by six (6) mammal observers. Each observer will work in 2-hour rotations, manning each of the following three stations on the flying bridge for 40 minutes: a port side 25x150 binocular station, a center-line data recorder position, and a starboard 25x150 binocular station. Visual surveys of seabirds will be conducted from the flying bridge at part of the BOEM survey. Seabird observers will use handheld and 25x150 binoculars This dataset is being conducted by the Marine Mammal and Turtle Division, Southwest Fisheries Science Center, (NMFS, NOAA Fisheries). The survey is planned to be a mark-recapture of gray whales, via photo-identification and biopsy, and will cover inshore areas as close to shore as possible. The primary objectives of this survey are: (1) Mark-recapture estimate (from photo-id) of abundance over the entire southern summer feeding area(s); (2) Examine population structure, including maturity (from hormones) and sex (from genetics) composition and assessment of internal and external recruitment. This survey took place between the dates of July 9th, 2015 through November 9th, 2015. Leg 1: 9 July - 1 August, 25 DAS, San Diego, CA to Kodiak, AK Leg 2: 6 August – 27 August, 22 DAS, Kodiak, AK to Kodiak, AK Leg 3: 1 September – 23 September, 23 DAS, Kodiak, AK to Ketchikan, AK Leg 4: 28 September – 22 October, 25 DAS, Ketchikan, AK to Port Angeles, WA Leg 5: 26 October – 9 November, 15 DAS, Port Angeles, WA to San Diego, CA completed NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information ncei.info@noaa.gov https://www.ncei.noaa.gov/contact NCEI Contact Information Information for contacts at NCEI. information pointOfContact NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information Water Column Sonar Data Manager (303) 497-4742 325 Broadway, Mail Code E/NE42 Boulder CO 80305-3328 USA wcd.info@noaa.gov pointOfContact notPlanned Earth Science > Oceans > Ocean Acoustics > Acoustic Scattering Earth Science > Oceans > Aquatic Sciences > Fisheries Earth Science > Oceans > Ocean Acoustics Earth Science > Biosphere > Ecosystems > Marine Ecosystems > Pelagic Earth Science > Biosphere > Ecosystems > Marine Ecosystems Earth Science > Biosphere > Ecosystems > Marine Ecosystems > Benthic Earth Science > Biosphere > Ecosystems > Aquatic Ecosystems Earth Science > Oceans > Bathymetry/Seafloor Topography > Bathymetry Earth Science > Oceans > Bathymetry/Seafloor Topography > Seafloor Topography theme Global Change Master Directory (GCMD) Science Keywords 2025 revision 22 Earth Science Data and Information System, Earth Science Projects Division, Goddard Space Flight Center (GSFC), National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) https://forum.earthdata.nasa.gov/app.php/tag/GCMD%2BKeywords GCMD Keyword Forum Page Global Change Master Directory (GCMD). 2025. GCMD Keywords, Version 22. Greenbelt, MD: Earth Science Data and Information System, Earth Science Projects Division, Goddard Space Flight Center (GSFC), National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). URL (GCMD Keyword Forum Page): https://forum.earthdata.nasa.gov/app.php/tag/GCMD+Keywords information custodian North Pacific Ocean place International Hydrographic Organization (IHO) Sea Area ("Limits of Oceans and Seas" publication S-23) 2010-08-24 revision International Hydrographic Organization (IHO) Sea Area ("Limits of Oceans and Seas" publication S-23) https://iho.int/ International Hydrographic Organization (IHO) Sea Area ("Limits of Oceans and Seas" publication S-23) Publication of Sea Areas is maintained by IHO. information resourceProvider DOC/NOAA/NESDIS/NCEI > National Centers for Environmental Information, NESDIS, NOAA, U.S. Department of Commerce DOC/NOAA/NESDIS/NGDC > National Geophysical Data Center, NESDIS, NOAA, U.S. Department of Commerce dataCentre Global Change Master Directory (GCMD) Data Center Keywords 2025 revision 22 Earth Science Data and Information System, Earth Science Projects Division, Goddard Space Flight Center (GSFC), National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) https://forum.earthdata.nasa.gov/app.php/tag/GCMD%2BKeywords GCMD Keyword Forum Page Global Change Master Directory (GCMD). 2025. GCMD Keywords, Version 22. Greenbelt, MD: Earth Science Data and Information System, Earth Science Projects Division, Goddard Space Flight Center (GSFC), National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). URL (GCMD Keyword Forum Page): https://forum.earthdata.nasa.gov/app.php/tag/GCMD+Keywords information custodian Vertical Location > Water Column place Global Change Master Directory (GCMD) Location Keywords 2025 revision 22 Earth Science Data and Information System, Earth Science Projects Division, Goddard Space Flight Center (GSFC), National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) https://forum.earthdata.nasa.gov/app.php/tag/GCMD%2BKeywords GCMD Keyword Forum Page Global Change Master Directory (GCMD). 2025. GCMD Keywords, Version 22. Greenbelt, MD: Earth Science Data and Information System, Earth Science Projects Division, Goddard Space Flight Center (GSFC), National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). URL (GCMD Keyword Forum Page): https://forum.earthdata.nasa.gov/app.php/tag/GCMD+Keywords information custodian In Situ/Laboratory Instruments > Profilers/Sounders > Acoustic Sounders > WCMS > Water Column Mapping System instrument Global Change Master Directory (GCMD) Instrument Keywords 2025 revision 22 Earth Science Data and Information System, Earth Science Projects Division, Goddard Space Flight Center (GSFC), National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) https://forum.earthdata.nasa.gov/app.php/tag/GCMD%2BKeywords GCMD Keyword Forum Page Global Change Master Directory (GCMD). 2025. GCMD Keywords, Version 22. Greenbelt, MD: Earth Science Data and Information System, Earth Science Projects Division, Goddard Space Flight Center (GSFC), National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). URL (GCMD Keyword Forum Page): https://forum.earthdata.nasa.gov/app.php/tag/GCMD+Keywords information custodian otherRestrictions Cite as: NOAA Southwest Fisheries Science Center. 2026. EK60 Water Column Sonar Data Collected During RL1507. NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information. https://doi.org/10.25921/t4a0-s747 [access date] otherRestrictions Distribution liability: NOAA and NCEI make no warranty, expressed or implied, regarding these data, nor does the fact of distribution constitute such a warranty. NOAA and NCEI cannot assume liability for any damages caused by any errors or omissions in these data. If appropriate, NCEI can only certify that the data it distributes are an authentic copy of the records that were accepted for inclusion in the NCEI archives. otherRestrictions Use liability: NOAA and NCEI cannot provide any warranty as to the accuracy, reliability, or completeness of furnished data. Users assume responsibility to determine the usability of these data. The user is responsible for the results of any application of this data for other than its intended purpose These data are considered raw and have not been subjected to the NOAA's quality control or quality assurance procedures. They are released for limited public use as preliminary data to be used only with appropriate caution. NOAA cannot assume liability for any damages caused by any errors or omissions in the data, nor as a result of the failure of the data to function on a particular system. NOAA makes no warranty, expressed or implied, nor does the fact of distribution constitute such a warranty. Not subject to copyright protection within the United States. otherRestrictions Resource may not be available for up to one year after initial collection. RL1507 largerWorkCitation operation Southern Feeding Ground Survey for Eastern North Pacific Gray Whales largerWorkCitation program eng; USA oceans geoscientificInformation -155.39477 -0.01667 0.0 60.29228 2015-07-09T00:00:00 2015-11-09T11:59:59 Trackline physicalMeasurement NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information ncei.info@noaa.gov https://www.ncei.noaa.gov/contact NCEI Contact Information Information for contacts at NCEI. information distributor Free Contact the NCEI Water Column Sonar Data Manager to order data. EK60 1 Simrad EK60 raw files. See the Simrad EK60 interface specification manual for additional information. https://www.ncei.noaa.gov/maps/water-column-sonar/index.html?surveys=RL1507&instruments=EK60 HTTPS Water Column Sonar Data Map Viewer Interactive map viewer to allow discovery and access to water column sonar data search https://registry.opendata.aws/ncei-wcsd-archive/ HTTPS AWS Cloud Storage Bucket AWS Cloud Storage to provide additional public access to water column sonar data through the NOAA Open Data Dissemination project (NODD) download https://www.ngdc.noaa.gov/mgg/wcd/ HTTPS Water Column Sonar Data Archive Homepage Web page containing information on the water column sonar data archive. information collectionHardware 09-Jul-2015 Instrument calibration information Calibrated w/o calibration data series Horizontal Positional Accuracy Positional accuracy dependent on navigation GPS, ship motion correction, and sound velocity profile accuracy. true Vertical Positional Accuracy Vertical accuracy is dependent on navigation GPS and ship motion corrections. true Raw unprocessed data files 2015-07-09T00:00:00 Simrad EK60 Echosounder EK60 Simrad - Kongsberg Maritime AS +47 3303 4000 (Norway) +47 3304 2987 (Norway) P.O. Box 111 Strandpromenaden 50 Horten 3191 Norway contact@simrad.com resourceProvider Simrad EK60 singlebeam The Simrad EK60 Scientific Sounder system is a new generation fishery researchtool, based on experience from the EK500. The new electronic hardware is combined with up to date PC processing and Windows operation. The EK60 provides facilities for accurate echo sounding, data storage, data analysis and reporting results. The system communication is through Ethernet, which gives flexibility in the location of the EK60 system units and allows easy access to data from other instruments or stations on a vessel network. A post processing software, BI60, is also included in the EK60 system. RL1507_EK60 completed NOAA Ship Reuben Lasker (R228) Reuben Lasker (RL) Funded under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act and built by Marinette Marine Corporation in Wisconsin, the ship¿s primary objective is to support fish, marine mammal, and turtle surveys off the U.S. West Coast and in the eastern tropical Pacific Ocean. The ship has a low sound signature to reduce reactions of fish to the presence of the ship and provides for a low signal-to-noise ratio for acoustic sensors. This allows scientists to study fish populations and collect oceanographic data with fewer effects on fish and marine mammal behavior. The multi-frequency scientific sonars provide the ability to conduct acoustic surveys that can distinguish fish types, estimate biomass, determine fish school shapes, and provide data on sea floor topography. Reuben Lasker is also equipped with oceanographic sampling and measurement systems, instrumented trawls, longlines, and plankton nets for direct sampling. The ship has a dynamic positioning system to steer along a pre-determined trackline and to accurately hold the ship in a fixed position. The ship is also equipped with meteorological data collection systems and has extensive wet and dry labs to provide maximum utilization of every hour at sea. These technologies will dramatically improve the ability to conduct diverse data collection operations as required by its mission. The ship is named after Dr. Reuben Lasker (1929-1988), who served as the Director of SWFSC's Coastal Fisheries Division and as adjunct professor at Scripps Institution of Oceanography, U.C. San Diego. Dr. Lasker built a renowned research group that focused on the recruitment of young fish to the adult population - a topic with implications for fisheries management throughout the world. Office of Marine and Aviation Operations 206-553-2246 NOAA/OMAO/MOC-P 1801 Fairview Avenue East Seattle WA 98102-3767 USA CO.MOC.Pacific@noaa.gov pointOfContact NOAA National Marine Fisheries Service Southwest Fisheries Science Center 858-546-7000 8901 La Jolla Shores Dr. La Jolla CA 92037 USA pointOfContact Simrad ME70 Echosounder ME70 Simrad - Kongsberg Maritime AS +47 3303 4000 (Norway) +47 3304 2987 (Norway) P.O. Box 111 Strandpromenaden 50 Horten 3191 Norway contact@simrad.com http://www.simrad.com/www/01/nokbg0240.nsf/AllWeb/96CD4279D3997892C125719A003A3862?OpenDocument ME70 documentation Information on the Simrad ME70 inculding file format information information resourceProvider Simrad ME70 multibeam The Simrad ME70 is a high resolution scientific multibeam echo sounder with very low sidelobe levels. It is dedicated for collection of data in the water column. The multibeam echo sounder combines the large and flexible sampling volume of the multibeam swath with the accuracy of the quantitative scientific echo sounder. A bathymetric option is also available to provide a high resolution seabed mapping capability, and the possibility to study the fish habitat. Simrad EK60 Echosounder EK60 Simrad - Kongsberg Maritime AS +47 3303 4000 (Norway) +47 3304 2987 (Norway) P.O. Box 111 Strandpromenaden 50 Horten 3191 Norway contact@simrad.com http://www.simrad.com/www/01/nokbg0240.nsf/AllWeb/A25148D8E9F00D0DC12570DE0050A7CB?OpenDocument Simrad EK60 Scientific echo sounder Information on the Simrad EK60 including file format documentation. information resourceProvider Simrad EK60 singlebeam The Simrad EK60 Scientific Sounder system is a new generation fishery researchtool, based on experience from the EK500. The new electronic hardware is combined with up to date PC processing and Windows operation. The EK60 provides facilities for accurate echo sounding, data storage, data analysis and reporting results. The system communication is through Ethernet, which gives flexibility in the location of the EK60 system units and allows easy access to data from other instruments or stations on a vessel network. A post processing software, BI60, is also included in the EK60 system.