Detailed Methodology for the National Estuary Assessment (Step 1)
from the National Fish Habitat Partnership's 2015 Through a Fish's Eye Report
Summary
Assembling Data We used datasets of habitat stressors available at a national scale and measured within estuaries and their associated watersheds. Included datasets represent anthropogenic stressors likely to affect fish habitat within estuaries based on evidence from the published habitat ecology literature. Although many important factors were included, not all data were available at sufficient spatial resolution or geographic breadth for meaningful analysis. Some important datasets that were investigated but determined to be insufficient for inclusion in the current version of the National Estuary Assessment included: historic habitat extent/habitat loss; storm/wastewater discharges; sediment contaminants; biogenic habitat coverage; [...]
Summary
Assembling Data
We used datasets of habitat stressors available at a national scale and measured within estuaries and their associated watersheds. Included datasets represent anthropogenic stressors likely to affect fish habitat within estuaries based on evidence from the published habitat ecology literature. Although many important factors were included, not all data were available at sufficient spatial resolution or geographic breadth for meaningful analysis. Some important datasets that were investigated but determined to be insufficient for inclusion in the current version of the National Estuary Assessment included: historic habitat extent/habitat loss; storm/wastewater discharges; sediment contaminants; biogenic habitat coverage; navigation projects and channel construction; shoreline hardening; and tidal flow restrictions. Work with partners is ongoing to identify new data resources and improve existing data sets for use in future national assessment efforts.
Individual disturbance variables were assembled within four disturbance categories, and summarized in Table 4.
The U.S Geological Survey (USGS) is partnering with the National Fish Habitat Partnership (NFHP) to produce the 2015 report entitled, "Through a Fish's Eye: The Status of Fish Habitats in the United States 2015". The information contained within this item is a product of NFHP. The Bureau is neither responsible nor liable for the accuracy or the use of the scientific content within this item. This content is considered preliminary pending subsequent review and approval.
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Detailed Methodology National Estuary Assessment Table 4
