types and distribution of the nlant communities. 



Although there is some possibility that soectral signature analysis 

 may help in studying these distributions, this approach is limited by 

 the selective and variable soectral absorption and scattering of sea-water; 

 any signatures are modified by the overlving water. Photograohy is 

 limited by the absorption of available light by the water and by contrast 

 and resolution reduction due to turbid light backscatter . Nevertheless, 

 bottom features mav be resolved at considerable depths even in relatively 

 turbid waters. 



Although instrumental analysis of photography and images and multi- 

 snectral photography may be of value, their use is at present limited by 

 the lack of even the most fundamental knowledge of large-scale distributions 

 of the bottom biota. Background information is needed in primary photo- 

 interpretation usinn tone, hue, texture, and pattern recognition before 

 more advanced technologies may be applied to their fullest, although 

 ohotoenhancement techniaues, instrumental analysis and mul t i spectral 

 photography may be invaluable as aids to interpretation. In short, sea- 

 based ohotointernret i ve studies ^re badly needed under diverse conditions 

 to provide a backloo of information on the application of large-scale 

 photography to the study of coastal biological resources. 



We are continuing work in the clear waters off Florida as well as 

 in the very disturbed conditions near New York City. It is hoped that 

 studies in such diverse conditions will prove valuable both to marine 

 ecologists and to those concerned with management and monitoring of the 

 conditions near our coasts. 



13-3 



