Data Management Plan

Apart from two 100 m test plots, mangrove restoration activities were conducted between 1999 and 2001. Each year, thousands of red mangrove propagules were planted in three large rectangular plots on the western side of Sugar Bay. In addition to those large plots, a fringe planting of propagules was conducted along much of the eastern shore of Sugar Bay. A small zone of black mangroves was also planted in 2001 although less than 1% survived long term. Detailed methods of restoration activities are available in Riley and Kent 1999 and SEA 2004. Restoration mangroves were not visible in the 2000 imagery due to the small size of individual seedlings. These plots were therefore delineated with the aid of GPS waypoints acquired by walking or kayaking around the perimeter of each plot. GPS positions were used as a guide to digitize the boundaries of the restoration areas and the results are presented.

Process Steps:

• 2004-01-01 00:00:00 - Benthic habitat maps were digitized by delineating habitat boundaries from georeferenced imagery loaded into ArcView 3.2 GIS software with the Image Analysis extension and NOAA Coral Reef Habitat Digitizing extensions both activated. On-screen digitizing was conducted with the minimum mapping unit (MMU) set to 100 square meters and the image scale at 1:1500. During the digitizing process, image stretches and manipulation of image contrast, brightness and color balance were performed in the ArcView Image Analysis Extension to enhance features in the processed imagery. Additional collateral information, including previously completed habitat maps, NOS nautical charts, and other descriptive references dealing with benthic and coastal habitats of Salt River National Historic Park and Ecological Preserve was used to assist with image interpretation. A first draft map was completed and features in the imagery where uncertainties existed, due to confusing or difficult to interpret signatures, were identified for future ground validation effort. An ArcView GIS point theme was generated with points positioned on the features of uncertain habitat type or along transects through gradients between habitat types. The GIS points were converted to GPS waypoints, and were visited for on the ground habitat validation. Benthic habitat characterization was conducted at each site by snorkeling, free diving, or via observations from the surface where water depth and clarity permitted. Mangrove habitat characterization was conducted by driving, kayaking or hiking to points and visually identifying mangrove type and cover. GPS data was collected at each location, and site ID, depth, habitat type, and the method used to make the assessment were recorded. The ground validation data was incorporated into the second draft of each map.