Aquatic Habitat Inventory, Mapping, and Monitoring

We design and perform a wide array of biological resource characterization and habitat mapping investigations within the aquatic environment. These establish baseline information in support of regulatory documents and the foundation for recognized monitoring programs. We provide sub meter bathymetric and habitat mapping throughout the west coast of North America and the Pacific in both fresh water and marine systems, and perform inventories of associated aquatic communities including fish, invertebrates, algae and amphibians.

We helped pioneer the implementation of single beam sonar techniques for the high resolution mapping of underwater habitat and vegetation for in-water projects, including the impact analysis of pipelines and cables in marine subtidal communities to achieve site specific permit requirements.

Tierra Data is an organizational member of the American Academy of Underwater Sciences and maintains an accredited scientific diving program, various research vessels, sonars, and mapping equipment that facilitate a broad range of technical applications.

We developed the initial GIS database and mapping for Essential Fish Habitat in the Pacific under contract to the Pacific-Southwest Region of NOAA Fisheries and established both subtidal and intertidal long term monitoring programs for the US Navy. We have authored multiple sections of programmatic EIS's assessing aquatic resources including sea turtles, fish, seabirds, and marine biology as well as developed EFH assessments for Navy projects in California. Tierra Data integrates a team approach that draws on specialized expertise from collaborative partnerships and its 25 years of experience with state and federal regulators.

• Watershed assessments

• Estuary and pond surveys

• Anadromous fish population surveys

• Wetland and submerged aquatic vegetation surveys

• Design and implement restoration strategies

• Microtopographic watershed documentation