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Benthic Habitat Mapping
US Pacific Territories
Introduction
CCMA's Biogeography team is leading an investigation to consistently and comprehensively map the distribution of coral reefs and other benthic habitats throughout US States and Territories. Remotely sensed imagery will be used to create a digital map of the marine resources in the region including coral reefs, seagrass beds, mangrove forests, and other important areas for fisheries, tourism, and other aspects of the coastal economy. The primary product of this effort will be benthic habitat maps (in a Geographic Information System, GIS) although a habitat classification manual and a georeferenced mosaic of the raw imagery will also be produced. The specific methods used to produce the habitat map will be documented in the classification manual and provided to the local research and management communities to build their ability to conduct similar habitat assessments in the future. The georeferenced imagery, the classification manual, and GIS coverages of the benthic habitat maps will be provided on compact disc, via FTP, or downloadable from the Biogeography Team's Website.