Habitat Classification and Ocean Mapping Subcommittee’s Seafloor Mapping Prioritization

The Habitat Classification and Ocean Mapping (HCOM) Subcommittee coordinates to determine and update seafloor mapping needs in the region with the intent to acquire high-quality, regional seafloor mapping products for ongoing and emerging management challenges. A webinar was recently held to provide an update on previously identified seafloor mapping priorities and introduce NROC partners to a revised process for expanding outreach and regularly updating regional seafloor mapping priorities using a Survey123 tool (demoed during the NROC 2025 Fall Meeting).
 
We encourage NROC Members to identify seafloor mapping needs via the new Survey123 tool. Please coordinate across your organization on priorities, rather than submitting individual preferences. Overall, the goal is to create a more consistent seafloor mapping prioritization map for New England, informed by additional participants and updated as mapping occurs within the region.
 
Please submit your organization’s mapping priorities by July 24. If you would prefer a direct meeting to discuss in more detail and have NROC staff demo the survey tool, reach out to Amy Trice, atrice@northeastoceancouncil.org

Directions to use the Survey123 Mapping Prioritization Tool

1. Coordinate across your organization on mapping priorities

2. Access the link on either your desktop or phone

3. Watch the video below for a step-by-step guide, if needed

4. Fill out the information relevant to your entity – there are options in the survey tool for multiple submissions and the ability to contribute your data in three ways:

• Draw your plans
• Provide a service URL
• Upload geospatial files

Associated metadata and contact information will be required for submission

Step-by-step demo of the Survey123 tool from the May 2026 HCOM webinar