Optical validation data were collected using the Tethered
Optical Assessment Device (TOAD), a sled equipped with
underwater video camera, still camera, and lights. These data
are used to provide ground-truth validation that for benthic
habitat maps based on multibeam echosounder surveys. Camera sled
deployments were conducted at night, usually between 1800 and
midnight. The TOAD was deployed from a pot hauler mounted on the
starboard side of the fantail on NOAA Ship Townsend Cromwell. It
was lowered slowly to the bottom by the deck crew with the use
of a capstan. The TOAD operator monitored a live video feed from
the camera and began recording data on two video tape recorders.
When the camera reached bottom the deck crew was notified by
radio to stop lowering. The TOAD was a MiniBat 8820 unit
manufactured by Guideline, and was towed by the ship at 1-2
knots while remotely guided from the ship using adjustable wing
controls to keep the unit close to the underwater substrate.
Equipment Description: The TOAD is