AUGUSTA, Maine (NEWS CENTER) -- Prior to this month, it had been more than 20 years since researchers mapped ocean water off the coast of Maine.

After using a highly specialized federal boat to collect data, scientists say they have found valuable information about parts of the ocean floor that have never been studied before.  A team of scientists and researchers used the Environmental Protection Agency's Ocean Survey Vessel to map a nearly 100 square mile area off the Maine coast.

The researchers made many new discoveries, including uncharted holes in the ocean floor, and several different species of birds and whales.

"We will be able to connect all the dots from the different sciences that were out there to put this into a better perspective for marine spatial planning or ocean work in the future," Marine Geologist Stephen Dickson said.

Researchers are continuing to analyze the data.  A final report is expected to be released at the end of August.

NEWS CENTER