Phaseii-benthic mapping of geological, biogeochemical and biodiversity parameters through an autonomous vehicle and deep learning software workflow

Coastaloceanvision Inc. received a $400,000 Project Grant award from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration through the Small Business Innovation Research Program to develop benthic mapping technologies. The two-year award, issued on February 1, 2021, will support Coastaloceanvision's efforts to advance an autonomous underwater vehicle and deep learning software workflow to map geological, biogeochemical, and biodiversity parameters of benthic environments. The Small Business Innovation Research Program, administered by NOAA under assistance listing 11.021, seeks to stimulate technological innovation in the private sector to meet federal research and development needs and increase commercialization of innovations by small businesses. Coastaloceanvision will leverage the funding to further the technological capabilities for autonomous benthic mapping, providing NOAA and other stakeholders with enhanced tools to study and monitor ocean floor environments.