Illinois River Substrate Characterization and Supporting Bathymetric Derivatives

Using high-resolution sonar technologies with geographic information systems (GIS) and object based image analysis, benthic characteristics of the Illinois River have been interpreted to support Asian carp research, monitoring, and control. The study plan consisted of data collection and analysis of the Brandon, Dresden, Starved Rock, Marseilles, Peoria, La Grange, and Alton reaches of the Illinois River. Reaches with larger aquatic areas (Peoria, La Grange and Alton), had areas prioritized for data collection and analysis. Remote sensing technologies, such as high-resolution sonars, can be used to collect detailed information about the benthic characteristics of macrohabitats in the Illinois River. Using a combination of multibeam sonar and side/down scan imaging, the objective is to describe macrohabitat features of benthic and pelagic habitats of the Illinois River that are preferentially used by Asian carp.