May 20, 2014 — The following was released by NOAA Fisheries:
Shallow water marine and estuarine habitats have been identified as Essential Fish Habitat for many species important to commercial and recreational fishermen in the greater Atlantic region of the U.S. These habitats are highly productive because of their shallow depth, seasonally warm water temperatures, and proximity to the land and the nutrients that are derived from river runoff. They serve as nursery grounds for juvenile fish which, in turn, provide food for larger fish. Many fish and invertebrate species also mature and reproduce in shallow coastal waters. However since they are close to the coast, shallow-water habitats are also vulnerable to habitat degradation and loss resulting from a variety of human activities.
In an effort to evaluate the importance of various types of shallow-water habitats in the Gulf of Maine, the Habitat Conservation Division of NOAA’s Greater Atlantic Regional Fisheries Office has recently completed a report. The report summarizes what is known about the functional value (for survival, growth to maturity, and reproduction) of eight different types of habitat for sixteen fish and invertebrate species.
The species that were selected included some federally-managed species, some species that are managed by the states, and some non-managed species that are important members of the inshore marine ecosystem. Habitat use was assessed for the various life stages of each species in the following benthic (bottom) habitats: mud, sand, gravel/cobble, boulder, eelgrass, macroalgae, salt marsh channels, and shell beds.
Habitat use scores (1 = present, 2 = common) were assigned to each benthic life stage known to occur in depths less than 10 meters and then summarized for all species in each habitat type. The evaluation was based on a review of approximately 125 publications in scientific journals. In cases where information was lacking, scores were based on best professional judgment. Detailed summaries for each species are presented in an appendix to the report.
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