Seagrass & Submerged Aquatic Vegetation (SAV) Surveys
RK&K leads the way in seagrass and submerged aquatic vegetation (SAV) assessment services. We work closely with our clients to protect resources that are critical to coastal ecosystems and federally recognized as Essential Fish Habitat. Our biologists conduct comprehensive surveys that capture species composition, percent cover, and distribution, giving clients the insight they need to understand and manage these sensitive areas. From the tidal Potomac River to the diverse estuarine environments of North Carolina and Florida, our team has earned a strong reputation for expertise in evaluating SAV and developing effective assessment and mitigation strategies.
We use a suite of advanced technologies to ensure our results are accurate and trusted. Our team employs Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) to capture high resolution and spatially accurate orthoimagery, proprietary GIS analytics to delineate and track SAV polygons, and marine side-imaging sonar to map vegetation across deeper or turbid waters where aerial detection alone is limited. These tools are paired with robust ground-truthing to validate SAV data to the highest level of confidence.
Our expertise goes beyond SAV surveys and mapping. We can utilize our shade modeling tool to predict and minimize project resource impacts, conduct multi-year monitoring to track how SAV responds to infrastructure projects, and relocate SAV from construction areas to suitable habitats for impact reductions. Our team also works directly with regulatory agencies to secure the necessary clearances for project success. By combining technical innovation with proven field expertise, RK&K helps clients minimize impacts to sensitive resources while keeping critical infrastructure projects on track.
