Benthic mapping data can be integrated to assist with dredged material management, including the disposal site designation process. This is an example of a tiered approach that emphasizes the use of sediment profile imaging (SPI) in combination with acoustic techniques like bathymetry and side-scan sonar. Management decisions are contained within shaded boxes (from Rhoads and Germano 1990). The Benthic Resources Assessment Technique (BRAT) is a routine part of disposal site selection studies. This technique involves simultaneous collection of benthic community and fisheries data to estimate the value of a particular seafloor location as a foraging area for bottom-feeding fish.
Courtesy: Science Applications International Corporation

Reference

Rhoads, D.C., and J.D. Germano. 1990. "The Use of REMOTS® Imaging Technology for Disposal Site Selection and Monitoring." Geotechnical Engineering of Ocean Waste Disposal. ASTM Symposium Volume. January 1989. Orlando, Florida. Pages 50 to 64.