VMI# avIilable under NASA sponsorship.In the interest of early and wide dis-semination of Earth Resources SurveyProgram information and without liabilityfor any use made-thereof."

INVESTIGATION USING DATA FROM ERTS TO DEVELOP AND IMPLEMENTUTILIZATION OF LIVING MARINE RESOURCES

William H. Stevenson and Edward J. Pastula, Jr.National Oceanic and Atmospheric AdministrationNational Marine Fisheries ServiceFisheries Engineering LaboratoryMississippi Test FacilityBay Saint Louis, Mississippi 39520

June 1973Interim Report for Period July 1, 1972 to March 10, 1973Combined Type I and Type II

Principal Investigator: William H. StevensonProject Number: 240GSFC I.D. Number: CO 321

Prepared forGODDARD SPACE FLIGHT CENTERGreenbelt, Maryland 20771

E73-10624) INVESTIGATION USING DATA FROMERTS TO DEVELOP AND IMPLEMENT UTILIZATIONOF LIVING MARINE RESOURCES InterimReport, 1 Jul. (National Marine Fisheries'Service, Bay) 19 p HC $3.00 CSCL 08A

N73-2438

UnclasG3/13 00624

/

E 7.3 1 0 6.2.4.it . 130;t33

I

6.0 SIGNIFICANT RESULTS

Significant results derived under the terms of this project are bestnoted in the paper by A. J. Kemmerer and J. A. Benigno (Section 5.0,Item 5). However, for purposes of this report the abstract and thetentative conclusions of the authors are presented.

ABSTRACT

A feasibility study to demonstrate the potential of satellites forproviding fisheries significant information was conducted in theMississippi Sound and adjacent offshore waters. Attempts were made to

relate satellite acquired imagery to selected oceanographic parametersand then to relate these parameters to aircraft remotely senseddistribution patterns of resident surface schooling fishes. Initial

results suggest that this approach is valid and that the satelliteacquired imagery may have important fisheries resource assessmentimplications.

TENTATIVE CONCLUSIONS

1. The distribution of photographically detected adult menhaden

in the Mississippi Sound was significantly correlated with secchidisc visibility, surface salinity, water color, and water depth.

2. ERTS-1, 7 August, channel 5 imagery appeared to containfishery significant information; all detected menhaden schools werelocated in areas of lowest image density.

3. Image density patterns could be explained statistically withgood precision based on water depth and secchi disc visibilitymeasurements, parameters which correlated significantly with thedistribution of menhaden.

7.0 DATA BANK AND PROCESSING OPERATIONS

All of the field data, with the exception of the aircraft and satelliteimagery, has been entered in our computer banks. The system has beendebugged and is operating and responding to queries and manipulationssatisfactoriy.. New routines have been formulated and these areavailable in addition to those stated in the project plan. The ENVIRInformation Management System of the Gulf Universities ResearchConsortium has been successfully integrated into our own data managementsystem.

Twenty-nine processing and software development requests have beencompleted through the Slidell Computer Facility. Turn-around timehas been satisfactory to date. However, we anticipate that the increasedload to the Slidell Facility, due to Skylab requests from other sources,will increase future turn-around time per our requests.

/

TECHNICAL REPORT STANDARD TITLE PAGE1. Report No. 1 2 ..Government Accession No. 3. Recipient's Catalog No.

4. Title and Subtitle . 5. Report Date

INVESTIGATION USING DATA FROM ERTS TO June 1973DEVELOP AND IMPLEMENT UTILIZATION OF LIVING 6. Performing Organization CodeMARINE RESOURCES

7. Author(s) 8. Performing Organization Report No.William H. Stevenson & Edward J. Pastula, Jr.

9. Performing Organization Name and Address 10. Work Unit No.

NOAA, National Marine Fisheries Service11. Contract or Grant No.

Fisheries Engineering Laboratory, MTFBay Saint Louis, Mississippi 39520

13. Type of Report and Period Covered

12. Sponsoring Agency Name and Address Interim Report.

NASA Goddard Space Flight Center '7/1/72 - 3/10/73Greenbelt, Maryland 20771 4. Sponsoring Agency Code

Technical Monitor: Mr. G. Richard Stonesifer15. Supplementary Notes

This report is a combination Type II/Type I effort-requirementfor the period under Item 13. It has been retitled as an "InterimReport".

16. Abstract The primary objective of this experiment is to demonstratethe feasibility of using satellite imagery to determine the availabilityand distribution of adult Gulf menhaden B. patronus within theMississippi Sound and adjacent waters. Secondary objectives are:1) determine the effectiveness and reliability of ERTS and aircraftremote sensing data to provide fisheries-significant coastal oceano-graphic information, and 2) ascertain the usefulness of these and otherresource data for improving resource harvesting and management. Selectedoceanographic, meteorological, and biological parameters are being usedas indirect indicators of the resource. Synoptic sea-truth, fisherysampling and weather data, as well as photo and thermal IR imagery,have been acquired as data inputs, and a computer program has beendeveloped to manipulate these data according to user requirements. The-experiment is producing correlations between satellite, aircraft,fisheries, and' environmental sea-truth data. The resulting informationis being used to minimize the effort needed for resource distributionstudies, and also provide new areas of investigation for remotesensing.

17. Key Words (5, lected by Author(s)) [18. Distribution Statement

ERTS-1, Remote Sensing, Fisheries,Menhaden, Mississippi Sound,Imagery Analysis, Aerial PhotographyLow-light-level Image Intensifier.

19. Security Clssif. (of this report) 20. Security Classif. (of this page) 21. No. of Pages 22. Price'

UNCLASSIFIED UNCLASSIFIED

"For sale by the Clearinghouse for Federal Scienrific and Technical Information, Springfield, Virginia 22151.

Figure 2. Technical Report Standard Title Page

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Preface

The primary objective of this experiment is to demonstratethe feasibility of using satellite imagery to determine theavailability and distribution of adult Gulf menhadenB. patronus within the Mississippi Sound and adjacent waters.Secondary objectives are: 1) determine the effectivenessand reliability of ERTS and aircraft remote sensing data toprovide fisheries-significant coastal oceanographic informa-tion, and 2) ascertain the usefulness of these and otherresource data for improving resource harvesting and management.Selected oceanographic, meteorological, and biologicalparameters are being used as indirect indicators of theresource. Synoptic sea-truth, fishery sampling and weatherdata, as well as photo and thermal IR imagery, have beenacquired as data inputs, and a computer program has beendeveloped to manipulate these data according to userrequirements. The experiment is producing correlationsbetween satellite, aircraft, fisheries, and environmentalsea-truth data. The resulting information is being usedto facilitate development of minimum levels of effortrequired to obtain data for resource distribution studies,and is providing insight into areas of investigationapplicable to remote sensing as a tool for resource assess-ment and monitoring.

iv

Table of Contents

Page

1.0 Introduction 1

2.0 Project Participants 1

2.1 Principal and Co-Investigative 1

2.2 Associated Groups and Agencies 2

3.0 Test Site 2

4.0 Data Acquisition Operations 3

4.1 Mini-Missions 44.2 Primary Missions 44.3 Secondary Missions 44.4 Mission Efforts 4

5.0 Reports Generated 8

6.0 Significant Results 9

7.0 Data Bank and Processing Operations 9

8.0 Imagery Data Cataloging System 10

9.0 ERTS-1 Product Status 10

10.0 Meetings 11

11.0 Future Activities 12

12.0 Conclusions 13

13.0. Recommendations 13

/

v

List of Illustrations

Figure Title Page

1 Project 240 Test Site 3

2' Typical Mission Schedule 6

List of Tables

Number Title Page

1 Field Data Acquisition Operations 5from July 6 to November 4, 1972

2 Summary of Mission Efforts 7from July 6 to November 4, 1972

3 ERTS-1 Product Status 10

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'

vi

List of Abbreviations and Symbols

B&WCANCCEDCOMPE-18EARTHSATERLE-PASSFELGSFCIDINIRJSCKMLLLIIMINIMMMSSMTFNCBNFMOANSUrPP3APASCP-COMPPIPRIMARYRSSADSCHEDSECONDARYSPOTSVFSVOTA+TRANSP

Black and WhiteCancelledCoincident ERTS Pass on Ops DateCompletedAircraft, Beechcraft, ERL/MTFEarth Satellite CorporationEarth Resources Laboratory (NASA)ERTS Pass over Test SiteFisheries Engineering Laboratory (NMFS)Goddard Space Flight CenterIdentificationInchInfraredJohnson Space CenterKilometerLow-light-level Image IntensifierShakedown MissionMillimeterMultispectral ScannerMississippi Test FacilityAircraft, NC130B, NASA/JSCNational Fish Meal and Oil AssociationNot ScheduledOperationsAircraft, NP3A, NASA/JSCPascagoula (NMFS)Partially CompletedPrincipal InvestigatorPrimary MissionRemote SensingScheduled Aircraft DownScheduleSecondary MissionSpotter Aircraft, FishingSurface Vessel, FishingSurface Vessel, OceanographicTerminated Activity.Positive Transparency

l

1.0 INTRODUCTION

This progress report is the third in a series under NASA/ERTS-1Project No. 240, GSFC IoD. CO 321. This accounting is to beconsidered as an Interim Report, combining information normallyascribed within the required Type I and Type II report, coveringthe period July 1, 1972 to March 10, 1973. Type I reports werepreviously submitted on September 20 and November 5, 1972.

The primary objective of this experiment is to demonstrate thefeasibility of using satellite imagery to determine the availabilityand distribution of the adult Gulf menhaden B. patronus within theMississippi Sound and adjacent waters. Secondary objectives are:1) determine the effectiveness and reliability of ERTS and aircraftremote sensing data to provide fisheries-significant coastal oceanographicinformation, and 2) ascertain the usefulness of these and other resourcedata for improving resource harvesting and management. Selectedoceanographic meteorological, and biological parameters are beingused as indirect indicators of the resource.

The study is being conducted through implementation of four sub-experiments categorized as Utilization, Living Marine Resources,Oceanographic, and Aerospace. Synoptic sea-truth, fishery samplingand weather data, as well as photo and thermal IR imagery, have beenacquired as data inputs, and a computer program has been developed tomanipulate these data according to user requirements.

Participants of this cooperative venture include various Federal, stateand local givernment agencies, universities, and commercial groups. Theexperiment is producing correlations between satellite, aircraft,fisheries, and environmental sea-truth data. The resulting informationis being used to facilitate development of minimum levels of effortrequired to obtain data for resource distribution studies, and providinginsight into areas of investigation applicable to remote sensing as atool for resource assessment and monitoring.

2.0 PROJECT PARTICIPANTS

2.1 Principal and Co-Investigative

This project is a cooperative venture whose participants originatefrom various federal, state, and local government agencies, universitiesand commerical enterprises. Parent agencies and/or groups and theirrespective main-line components and/or contractors who are PrincipalInvestigative and Co-Investigative are as follows:

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS)

Fisheries Engineering Laboratory (FEL)Pascagoula Laboratory

/

National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)Earth Resources Laboratory (ERL-MTF)

'National Fish Meal and Oil Association '(NFMOA)Earth Satellite Corporation (EARTHSAT)

2.2 Associated Groups and Agencies

Various groups and agencies who have and are providing assistance in one

form or another to the Principal and Co-Investigative elements within

the project are as follows:

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS)

Miami LaboratoryBeaufort Laboratory

National Environmental Satellite Service (NESS)Atlantic Oceanographic and Meteorological Laboratory (AOML)

National Weather Service (NWS)

National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)Johnson Space Center (JSC)Goddard Space Flight Center (GSFC)Marshall Space Flight Center (MTF)

Contractor Support

Alabama Department of ConservationGulf Coast Research Laboratory (GCRL)Gulf Universities Research Consortium (GURC)U.S. Corps of Engineers (Alabama)Mississippi State University (MSU)

3.0 TEST SITE

The test site selected is the Mississippi Sound and environs (Fig. 1)bounded by coordinates 300 27'N/890 30'W, 30° 27'N/870 45'W,30° 00'N/870 45'W, and 300 00'N/890 30'Wo The linear dimensions are

length: 170 km, width: 51 km, encompassing a total area of 8685 sq. km.

OA

C

TEST SITE COORDINATESTEST SITE DIMENSIONS

LATITUDE LONGITUDE SCALE 1:875,000 LENGTH: 170 KM.

A) 30o27'N 89°30'WB) 300 27'N 890 30'W N.MI.I I I I I WIDTH: 51 KM.B) 300 27'N 870 45'WC) 30°00'N &70 45'W 10 20D) 30000'N 89030'W KI IAREA: 8685 SQ.KM.

M. 10 20 30 4010 20 30 40

Figure 1 - Project 240 Test Site

The Sound is an estuarine complex located in the northeastern part

of.- the Gulf of. Mexico. and interfaces witb the oceanic waters of theGulf proper through a chain of barrier islands situated almost parallel

to the Sound. The Sound itself is approximately 17 km. wide by about

110 km. in length with an average depth of about four meters. Majorbrackish water embayments influencing the Sound's water characteristics

are Mobile Bay to the east, Biloxi Bay just west of center to the north,and St. Louis Bay to the northwest. The Pearl and Pascagoula River

systems provide an influx of fresh water to the Sound. The western

part of the Sound is further influenced by the mixing of water fromLake Pontchartrain located to the northwest of the test area and

interconnected via a body of shallow water referred to as Lake Borgne(unnamed in the figure) situated immediately east of Cat Island. The

area immediately south of the barrier islands is characterized by

near oceanic water which provides a contrast to the Sound proper.

4.0 DATA ACQUISITION OPERATIONS

Major data acquisition platforms were the ERTS-1 satellite, aircraft(both medium and low altitude) and surface vessels (both oceanographic

and fishing/oceanographic). Field data acquisition operations were

conducted from July--6 through November 4, 1972. Termination of theseactivities were due to:

a. Non-availability of schooling menhadenb. Non-availability of fishing/oceanographic vessels as

fishing data acquisition platforms based on (a)c. The successive build-up and projected adverse weather

conditions over the test site for the remainder of the year.

/

D

Table 1 identifies the schedule, status and associated information ofeach primary and secondary mission during the project's field dataacquisition phase.

4.1 Mini-Missions

A dry-run primary mission effort was tentatively scheduled for lateJune or early July prior to the ERTS-1 launch in order to "shake-down"our entire field data acquisition system. After numerous delays dueto weather, the mission was successfully completed on July 6 with allsystems operating satisfactorily. This dress rehearsal provided theexperience and operational knowledge necessary for effective acquisitionof data during the satellite overpass phases as well as the non-satellitedates of data acquisition. Figure 2 depicts a typical mission scheduleof activities which were carried out during the course of a primaryand/or secondary mission operation.

4.2 Primary Missions

Primary missions are defined as those field operations during whichall data acquisition platforms were to be available for scheduled use.Primary mission dates were intentionally selected to coincide withat least one of the two ERTS-1 passes over our test site. Table 1identifies the schedule, status and associated information of eachprimary mission during the field data acquisition phase. Of the fourprimary missions attempted, one was completed, two were partiallycompleted and one was cancelled due to inclement weather conditions.The term "P-COMP" (Partially Complete) in reference-to mission statusindicates a major malfunction and/or sporadic functioning of any fieldcomponent (platform, sensor, etc.) scheduled for operation on theactual mission date. In the same sense, the term "COMP" (Complete)indicates all field components were functioning to specification.

4.3 Secondary Missions

Secondary missions are defined as those field operations during whicha minimum number of data acquisition platforms are available forscheduled use. Secondary mission dates were intentionally selected tofall on Tuesday of each consecutive week during the entire fieldoperations phase in order to provide a continuun of data for analysisbetween the ERTS-1 passes and primary mission dates. Table 1 identifiesthe schedule, status, and associated information of each secondarymission during the reporting period. Seventeen secondary missionswere scheduled and one was not. Of these, fourteen were attempted,five were completed, six were partially completed, seven cancelled andseven were recycled.

4.4 Mission Efforts

A summary of mission efforts during the field data acquisition phaseappears as Table 2. The term "RECYCLED" refers to postponement oradvancement of a scheduled mission. For example, a scheduled Sept. 5secondary mission (Table 1) was recycled to Sept. 6. .

/

TABLE 1 -FIELD DATA ACQUISITION OPERATIONS FROM

6 JULY TO 4 NOVEMBER 1972

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/

MISSION STATUS MISSION TYPEAND PLATFORM USAGE Mini Secondary- Primary

Scheduled 1 17 3

Unscheduled 0 1 1

Attempted. 1 14 4

Completed 1 5 1

Partially Completed 0 6 2

Cancelled 0 7 1

Recycled 1 7 2

Coincident ERTS Pass 0 2- 4

NC130B Aircraft Ops. 1 0 0

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E-18 Aircraft Ops. 1 9 3

Pascagoula Aircraft Ops. 1 8 3

FEL/LLLII Aircraft Ops. 1 6 1

Fish-Spotting Aircraft Ops. 1 8 3

l.Oceanographic Vessel Ops. 1 11 3

Fishing Vessel Ops. 1 8 3

'

5.0 REPORTS GENERATED

In addition to the Type I Progress Reports, and this one, as mentionedin Section 1.0 - Introduction, a number of other reports have beengenerated. These reports have been either totally or partiallysupported under terms of Contract No. S-70246-AG. They are, in orderof origination date, as follows:

1. Maughan, P. M. Investigation to Improve MenhadenFishery and Prediction. Oct. 1972. NASAEarth Res. Survo Prog. Wkly. Abs., 93-72-34,Nov. 1972, NASA-CR-128288, 2 p.

2. Stevenson, W. H.: Maughan, P. M. and Atwell, B. H.Application of ERTS-1 for Fishery ResourceAssessment and Harvest. Oct. 1972. Presentedduring the 8th. Internat. Symp. RS Environ. heldat the Willow Run Lab., Mich. also in: NASAEarth Res. Surv. Prog. Wkly. Abs. 93-72-38,Dec. 1972. NASA-CR-128486, 4 p.

3. Maughan, P. M. An Investigation to Improve theMenhaden Fishery Prediction and DetectionModel Through The Application of ERTS-A Data.Dec. 1972. NASA Earth Res. Surv. Prog. Wkly.Abs., 93-73-07, Feb. 1973, NASA-CR7129654, 19 p.

4. Maughan, P. M. Investigation to Improve MenhadenFishery Prediction. Feb. 1973. NASA Earth Res.Surv. Prog. Wkly. Abs., 93-73-13, Mar. 1973,NASA-CR-130374., 39 p.

5. Kemmerer, A. Jo and Benigno, J. A. RelationshipsBetween Remotely Sensed Fisheries DistributionInformation and Selected Oceanographic ParametersIn The Mississippi Sound. March 1973, 11 p.Presented at the ERTS-1 Symposium held during5-9 March 1973, at GSFC, Greenbelt, Md.

6. Maughan, P. M.; Marmelstein, A. D. and Temple, R.Application of the ERTS-1 Imagery to the HarvestModel of the U.S. Menhaden Fishery. March 1973,6 p. Presented at the ERTS-1 Symposium heldduring 5-9 March 1973, at GSFC, Greenbelt, Md.

In our data analysis utilizing the Computer Facility, multiple regressionroutines have been extensively employed to seek relationships betweenvarious environmental parameters, and between certain parameters andfish distribution as well as abundance. Statistical routines havebeen used to group various sets of environmental and fisheries datawhich were then graphically displayed utilizing an SC 4020 plotter.

Land mass plotting routines of the Mississippi Sound area have beendeveloped and utilized to display fish school location data acquiredfrom low-light-level television night aircraft operations, and lowaltitude aerial photographic missions during daylight hours.

We have developed an ordination analysis program which is beingutilized to group discrete data expressing a similarity within a setof multiple parameters.

8.0 IMAGERY DATA CATALOGING SYSTEM

In order to effectively manage and control the in-house and externaluse of the ERTS-1 products received within the confines of our experimentactivities, we have established an open-ended Imagery Data CatalogingSystem (IDCS). The system is based on a modification of the NDPFsupplied imagery coding annotations marriaged with our own codingsystem. Imagery request codes and supplemental data are in a computerdata bank separate from our ERTS Master Data File, and will be integratedat some future date. The IDCS is now completely operational and isbeing utilized by the project participants.

9.0 ERTS-1 PRODUCT STATUS

During October 1972 we updated our request for ERTS-1 products pursuantto our specific needs and submitted a revised ERTS-1 Product Order Formon October 20 to support our requirement. At.present we are makingfull use of the 9.5 inch and 70 mm B&W imagery, especially MSS bands4 and 5.

Our imagery request covers the period from August 6, 1972 throughSeptember 27, 1973. Table 3 lists the 9.5 inch, B&W, MSS positivetransparencies we have received of our test site as of March 10, 1973.

TABLE 3 - 9.5 in. B&W MSS & Transp. Received as of 10 Mar. 73.

Acquisition MSS Acquisition MSSDate 4 5 6 7 Date 4 5 6 7

6 Aug. 72 · · · · 5 Nov. 72 *· · * 7 Aug. 72 o · · · 22 Nov. 72 ·* * *·

24 Aug. 72 · · · · 11 Dec. 72 * *25 Aug. 72 · · · 28 Dec. 72 *· · * 11 Sep. 72 · · ·* 15 Jan. 73 * * * e

12 Sep. 72 · · · · 16 Jan. 73 · * . e

29 Sep. 72 · · . - 2 Feb. 73 *· * · 30 Sep. 72 · · · · 3 Feb. 73 . . . .17 Oct. 72 · ·* * 18 Oct. 72 *· · v

The response to our standing order for imagery from GSFC has beenquite satisfactory. However, in a few instances we have receivedimagery of poor quality and therefore unusable. We feel that some ofthe below par imagery was generated as a direct result of processingerrors. These items are rare, however, and the GSFC response torectify the situation has been quite good.

In other instances we have received imagery not requested. We surmisethat these images were inadvertantly included as part of our regularshipment, and in actuality, should have been forwarded to the P.I,requesting them. In this regard, it is our policy to return all imagerywhich has not been requested and in all cases, this type of actionhas been taken and recorded.

10.0 MEETINGS

Project personnel participated in or attended a number of meetings,conferences, symposiums and workshops related directly or indirectlyto our ERTS-1 research efforts. Brief summations of these activitiesfollow.

July 1972

1. The P.I, participated in an ERTS-1 public affairs newsconference in Washington, D.C. Contributions included impact andanticipated impact of remote sensing on living marine-resource assessment.

2. The FEL hosted an ERTS-1 Project Workshop at MTF for allproject participants. Major topics discussed were finalization of ourdata acquisition matrix, schedule reviews, completion of the user dataformat matrix, and secondary mission aircraft coverage.

September 1972

1. The P.I. presented a talk entitled "Remote Sensing Applicationsto the Fisheries Environment" at the American Society of MechanicalEngineers Aviation and Space Conference held in Anaheim, California.Portions of his presentation dealt with our ERTS-1 project efforts.

2. The P.I. addressed members of the National Fish Meal and OilAssociation (iFMOA), a group concerned with the menhaden fishery, onvarious aspects of our ERTS-1 project. The meeting was held in New Orleans,Louisiana.

3. Project personnel attended an ERTS User Data Meeting held atGSFC, Greenbelt, Maryland, to discuss preliminary findings as a resultof our "quick-look" analysis of ERTS data.

4. The P.I. and other project personnel attended the 8th InternationalSymposium of Remote Sensing of the Environment held at the Willow RunLaboratory, Ann Arbor, Michigan. A technical paper (Sect. 5, Item 2) waspresented to the conferees.

October 1972

1. The P.I. met and conferred with a visiting Soviet ScientificTeam in Miami, Florida. One topic of discussion was our ERTS-1 projectefforts.

January 1973

1. The P.I. presented a program plan for NMFS participation in theSkylab/EREP Program to cognizant NASA personnel in Washington, D.C.A major discussion topic was our ERTS-1 Project efforts and the relation-ship of these activities to the EREP program.

February 1973

1. A co-investigative member on the project participated in anERTS-1 Ocean Color Meeting held at GSFC, Greenbelt, Maryland. Oneof our inputs was recommendations for future satellite sensor systemsand coverage as well as frequency of data acquisition.

2. The FEL hosted a NOAA-wide remote sensing workshop whose themewas "The Application of Aerospace Remote Sensing to Fisheries Problems".The FEL ERTS-i project efforts and results to date were specificallyaddressed. The workshop was held at MTF, Bay St. Louis, Mississippi.

March 1973

1. Project personnel participated in the NASA/GSFC sponsoredERTS-1 symposium held at GSFC, Greenbelt, Maryland. Papers on ERTS-1data analysis (Sect. 5.0, Items 5 and 6) were formally presented toattendees.

11.0 FUTURE ACTIVITIES

Future activities include continued refinement of software developmentfor input, manipulation, and output of data under our Data ManagementInformation System (DMIS). Now that our field operations have ceased,our primary efforts will be in updating our DMIS, and analysis ofacquired data through utilization of the various routines available atthe Slidell Computer Facility.

In addition, we are continuing our analysis along the lines developedby A. J. Kemmerer and J. A. Benigno. We anticipate developing a seriesof prediction models' for menhaden availability in the Mississippi Soundas one possible result of our remote sensing research.

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12.0 CONCLUSIONS

Our ERTS-1 project efforts have been very satisfactory to date.Significant results have been derived and reported. Our projectobjectives, primary as well as secondary, are being achieved. Ourdata acquisition system provided usable data of a high quality eventhough inclement weather and platform/sensor malfunctions tended tohamper field operations. Success of the data acquisition can beattributed, in part, to the results of the "mini-mission" and anintentional data gathering redundancy built into the system. Thepersistent efforts of high quality personnel both in the dataacquisition phase and the current analysis phase contributed highlyto our successful efforts to date.

13.0 RECOMMENDATIONS

No recommendations are provided at this time. However, a series ofrecommendations are being developed and will be an integral part ofour final report.

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