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Abstract
Lake Allure in Quarryville, Pennsylvania provided unique opportunities to improve mapping methodology of inland lakes and contribute to our understanding of the development of artificial reefs in freshwater environments. During the Spring and Summer of 2021, a survey of Lake Allure was completed to determine the bathymetry of the lake and identify areas that would be most conducive to SCUBA training, using a variety of instruments including a Remote Operated Vehicle (ROV), Sound Navigation and Ranging (SONAR), and Global Positioning Satellites (GPS). Depth soundings were taken every twenty feet along lines of longitude and latitude and were entered into a database to create a contour map using Ocean Data View®. The map influenced decisions on where to sink two boats in Spring 2021. One boat was sunk in 9 meters of water and the other boat was sunk in 21 meters of water. In addition to providing attractions for SCUBA divers, the boats were recognized immediately for their important potential as artificial reefs. On a monthly basis from November 2021 to October 2022, the boats were photographed, and 4 settling plates were removed from each boat and placed into 30 ml scintillation vials. In the laboratory, a subset of three slides were made from each settling plate to identify and document the organisms growing on the reefs. There are 60 taxa representing 19 phyla in Lake Allure. This research successfully demonstrates the use of multiple technologies for creating detailed bathymetric maps of small inland lakes and serves as a model for mapping other potential SCUBA dive training facilities. In addition, this research also provided invaluable experience working with numerous community partners to research, implement, and manage natural resources while providing recreational opportunities to SCUBA divers.