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Short Citation:
Office of Response and Restoration, 2024: Massachusetts and Rhode Island 2016 FISH (Fish Polygons), https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/inport/item/51701.

Item Identification

Title: Massachusetts and Rhode Island 2016 FISH (Fish Polygons)
Short Name: Massachusetts and Rhode Island 2016 FISH (Fish Polygons)
Status: Completed
Publication Date: 2016
Abstract:

This data set contains sensitive biological resource data for finfish in Massachusetts and Rhode Island. Vector polygons in this data set represent include selected marine, estuarine, and diadromous species of commercial, recreational, ecological and/or conservation interest. Species-specific abundance, seasonality, status, life history, and source information are stored in associated data tables (described below) designed to be used in conjunction with this spatial data layer. This data set is a portion of the ESI data for Massachusetts and Rhode Island. As a whole, the ESI data characterize the marine and coastal environments and wildlife by their sensitivity to spilled oil, and include information for three main components: shoreline habitats, sensitive biological resources, and human-use resources.

Purpose:

The ESI data are intended to provide baseline environmental data for oil spill planning and response. The Clean Water Act with amendments by the Oil Pollution Act of 1990 requires response plans for immediate and effective protection of sensitive resources. The ESI data may be appropriate for many other coastal management efforts, though the original intent should be kept in mind.

Notes:

Loaded by FGDC Metadata Uploader, batch 10442, 02-28-2018 15:25

The following FGDC sections are not currently supported in InPort, but were preserved and will be included in the FGDC export:

- Spatial Reference Information (FGDC:spref),

- Spatial Data Organization Information (FGDC:spdoinfo)

Keywords

Theme Keywords

Thesaurus Keyword
Global Change Master Directory (GCMD) Science Keywords
EARTH SCIENCE > HUMAN DIMENSIONS > ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS > OIL SPILLS
ISO 19115 Topic Category
biota
ISO 19115 Topic Category
environment
UNCONTROLLED
None Coastal resources
None Coastal Zone Management
None Environmental Monitoring
None ESI
None Fish
None Oil spill planning
None Sensitivity maps
None Wildlife

Spatial Keywords

Thesaurus Keyword
Global Change Master Directory (GCMD) Location Keywords
CONTINENT > NORTH AMERICA > UNITED STATES OF AMERICA > MASSACHUSETTS
Global Change Master Directory (GCMD) Location Keywords
CONTINENT > NORTH AMERICA > UNITED STATES OF AMERICA > RHODE ISLAND

Physical Location

Organization: Office of Response and Restoration
City: Seattle
State/Province: WA
Country: USA

Data Set Information

Data Set Scope Code: Data Set
Data Set Type: GIS Files
Maintenance Frequency: As Needed
Maintenance Note:

Data content is considered static once published. However, if issues with the Geodatabase linkages or table contents are identified, the Geodatabase and/or the associated Map Document may be updated. Assure most current data is being used by downloading from https://response.restoration.noaa.gov/esi_download and/or comparing modification dates provided at this site.

Data Presentation Form: Map (digital)
Entity Attribute Overview:

The primary attribute tables associated with the ESI biology data are BIOFILE, SOURCES, and BREED_DT. The geographic data layer containing biological resource information (in this case, [BIRDS]) is linked to the BIOFILE using the RARNUM field. There is a many-to-many relationship from the data layer to the BIOFILE, as an RARNUM may be repeated in several geographic features. Likewise, in the BIOFILE, the same RARNUM may appear in multiple records, representing a unique combination of species found in that region. To be represented by the same RARNUM, these species groups must also share the same seasonality, concentration, mapping qualifier, and source information. The items in the BIOFILE are ELEMENT, SUBELEMENT, NAME, GEN_SPEC, S, F, STATE, S_DATE, F_DATE, GRANK, GRANKDATE, MAPPING_QUALIFIER, CONC, JAN, FEB, MAR, APR, MAY, JUN, JUL, AUG, SEP, OCT, NOV, DEC, BREED1, BREED2, BREED3, BREED4, BREED5, RARNUM, G_SOURCE, S_SOURCE, and BREED. The G_SOURCE and S_SOURCE fields provide links to the SOURCES table, where object level source information is available. The BREED field is the link to the BREED_DT table, where searchable breed information is provided. The links to both of these tables are also many-to-many. During the collection of the ESI data, six relational data tables are used to store the attribute data. These are the BIORES, BREED, SEASONAL, SOURCES, SPECIES, and STATUS tables. When we create new ESI data, we populate these tables to maintain the integrity of the data collected. Once completed, all information populating these tables is collapsed into the BIOFILE to ease data queries and general usability of the final product.

Entity Attribute Detail Citation:

NOAA ESI Guidelines

Entity Attribute Detail URL: https://response.restoration.noaa.gov/esi_guidelines
Distribution Liability:

Although these data have been processed and used successfully on a computer system at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), no warranty, expressed or implied, is made by NOAA regarding the utility of the data on any other system, nor shall the act of distribution constitute any such warranty. NOAA warrants the delivery of this product in computer-readable format. If problems are encountered in downloading the ESI data or with file corruption, contact NOAA (see Distributor). These data represent a snapshot in time and temporal changes may have occurred. The data are not intended to include all biological or human-use resources present in an area; they focus on species and resources particularly sensitive to oiling. In the event of a spill, they should be used for a first assessment only. The data providers are the experts with regard to individual resources. They should be contacted to confirm if more current data exist or if in-depth information is needed about a particular resource.

Data Set Credit: This project was supported by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), National Ocean Service (NOS), Office of Response and Restoration (OR&R), Emergency Response Division (ERD), Seattle, Washington.

Support Roles

Data Steward

CC ID: 756301
Date Effective From: 2016
Date Effective To:
Contact (Position): ESI Program Manager
Address: 7600 Sand Point Way NE
Seattle, WA 98115
Email Address: orr.esi@noaa.gov

Distributor

CC ID: 756302
Date Effective From: 2016
Date Effective To:
Contact (Position): ESI Program Manager
Address: 7600 Sand Point Way NE
Seattle, WA 98115
Email Address: orr.esi@noaa.gov

Metadata Contact

CC ID: 756303
Date Effective From: 2016
Date Effective To:
Contact (Position): ESI Program Manager
Address: 7600 Sand Point Way NE
Seattle, WA 98115
Email Address: orr.esi@noaa.gov

Point of Contact

CC ID: 756304
Date Effective From: 2016
Date Effective To:
Contact (Position): ESI Program Manager
Address: 7600 Sand Point Way NE
Seattle, WA 98115
Email Address: orr.esi@noaa.gov

Extents

Currentness Reference: Publication Date

Extent Group 1

Extent Group 1 / Geographic Area 1

CC ID: 734215
W° Bound: -71.8944
E° Bound: -69.6609
N° Bound: 42.8876
S° Bound: 40.9459

Extent Group 1 / Time Frame 1

CC ID: 734214
Time Frame Type: Range
Start: 2014
End: 2016

Spatial Information

Spatial Representation

Representations Used

Vector: Yes
Text / Table: Yes

Vector Representation 1

CC ID: 756300
Topology Level: Geometry Only
Complex Object Present?: Yes
Complex Object Count: 690

Access Information

Security Class: Unclassified
Data Access Procedure:

Data can be accessed by downloading the zipped ArcGIS geodatabase from the Download URL (see Distribution Information). Questions can be directed to the ESI Program Manager (Point Of Contact).

Data Access Constraints:

None

Data Use Constraints:

DO NOT USE MAPS FOR NAVIGATIONAL PURPOSES. Management boundaries are not to be considered legal boundaries. Edges may have been altered for cartographic processes. Note that the ESI database should not be used to the exclusion of other pertinent data or information held by state or federal agencies or other organizations. Likewise, information contained in the database cannot be used in place of consultations with environmental, natural resource, and cultural resource agencies, or in place of field surveys. Recognize that the information contained in the ESI database represents known concentration areas or occurrences of natural, cultural, and human-use resources, but does not necessarily represent the full distribution or range of each species or resource. This is particularly important to recognize when considering potential impacts to protected resources, such as endangered species, wetlands, etc. Besides the above warnings, there are no use constraints on these data. Acknowledgment of the originators, publishers, contributors, and sources listed would be appreciated in products derived from these data.

Distribution Information

Distribution 1

CC ID: 734220
Start Date: 2016
End Date: Present
Download URL: https://response.restoration.noaa.gov/esi_download
Distributor: ESI Program Manager (2016 - Present)
File Name: MA_RI_ESI_2016.gdb
Description:

This feature class is part of the downloadable Esri Arc Geodatabase.

File Date/Time: 2017-07-27 00:00:00
File Type (Deprecated): Arc Geodatabase
Distribution Format: ESRI File Geodatabase
File Size: 142 MB
Compression: Zip

URLs

URL 1

CC ID: 734222
URL: https://response.restoration.noaa.gov/esi
Name: ESI Overview
URL Type:
Online Resource
Description:

Overview of ESI data content and uses.

URL 2

CC ID: 734224
URL: https://response.restoration.noaa.gov/sites/default/files/ESI-Browse-Graphic.pdf
Name: ESI Browse Graphic
URL Type:
Browse Graphic
File Resource Format: pdf
Description:

Depicts the relationships between the spatial data layers and the attribute data tables for the Massachusetts and Rhode Island ESI data.

URL 3

CC ID: 756305
URL: https://response.restoration.noaa.gov/esi_guidelines
Name: ESI Guidelines
URL Type:
Online Resource
File Resource Format: pdf
Description:

Guidelines for developing ESI data content and overview of ESI data structure. Useful for data collectors and users requiring more in depth information on the ESI process.

Technical Environment

Description:

The software packages used to develop the atlas are Environmental Systems Research Institute's ArcGIS for Desktop 10.2(R) . The hardware configuration is PCs with Windows Operating System 7.

Data Quality

Accuracy:

A multi-stage error checking process is used to verify both attribute accuracy and logical consistency throughout data production. The process includes a standardized data entry methodology, data review by in-house and external resource experts, a final Quality Assurance/Quality Control (QA/QC) process, and multiple automated logical consistency checks. Quantitative data (such as densities, counts, abundances, or concentrations) provided by resource experts for inclusion in the data set may vary widely in attribute accuracy, depending upon the methodology used to collect and compile such data. For a more detailed evaluation of source data attribute accuracy, contact the sources listed in the Lineage section.

Completeness Report:

These data represent a synthesis of expert knowledge, available hardcopy documents, survey data, maps, and digital data on fish species distributions. Fish distribution polygons were created based on survey information, digital data, and expert opinion provided primarily by local resource experts at Massachusetts of Division of Marine Fisheries (MDMF), Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife (MADFW), Rhode Division of Fish and Wildlife (RI DFW), and Northeast Regional Ocean Council (NROC). National Hydrography Dataset (NHD) stream line data was buffered into polygons and integrated with the ESI hydrographic layer where additional coverage was necessary to accurately portray species extent inland. These data do not necessarily represent all fish occurrences in Massachusetts and Rhode Island. The following species are included in this data set: F00102, Atlantic sturgeon, Acipenser oxyrinchus; F00998, Bridle shiner, Notropis bifrenatus; F00997, American brook lamprey, Lampetra appendix; F01269, Rare sturgeon; F00091, Threespine stickleback, Gasterosteus aculeatus; F00110, Black sea bass, Centropristis striata; F00065, Bluefish, Pomatomus saltatrix; F00154, Pollock, Pollock virens; F01107, Sand tiger shark, Carcharias taurus; F00274, Sheepshead minnow, Cyprinodon variegatus; F00487, Skates, Raja spp; F01259, Stickleback, Gasterosteus sp; F00097, Tautog, Tautog onitis; F00145, White perch, Morone americana; F00278, Little tunny, Euthynnus alletteratus; F00156, American sand lance, Ammodytes americanus; F00085, Alewife, Alosa pseudoharengus; F00098, American eel, Anguilla rostrata; F00087, American shad, Alosa sapidissima; F00086, Blueback herring, Alosa aestivalis; F00084, Rainbow smelt, Osmerus mordax; F00104, Striped bass, Morone saxatilis; F00502, Brook trout (sea run), Salvelinus fontinalis (sea run); F01257, Blacknose dace, Rhinichthys atratulus; F00248, Common shiner, Luxilus cornutus; F00271, Inland silverside, Menidia beryllina; F00985, Redbreast sunfish, Lepomis auritus; F00092, Fourspine stickleback, Apeltes quadracus; F00095, Mummichog, Fundulus heteroclitus; F00166, Brook trout, Salvelinus fontinalis; F01262, Creek chub, Semotilus atromaculatus; F00500, Sea lamprey, Petromyzon marinus; F01271, Slimy sculpin, Cottus cognatus; F00986, Tessellated darter, Etheostoma olmstedi; F00175, White sucker, Catostomus commersoni; F01263, Fallfish, Semotilus corporalis; F01267, Longnose dace, Rhinicthys cataractae; F00094, Atlantic silverside, Menidia menidia; F00149, Atlantic cod, Gadus morhua; F00146, Atlantic herring, Clupea harengus; F00147, Atlantic mackerel, Scomber scombrus; F00467, American plaice, Hippoglossoides platessoides; F00099, Atlantic tomcod, Microgadus tomcod; F00113, Bay anchovy, Anchoa mitchilli; F01260, Atlantic wolffish, Anarhichas lupus; F01261, Atlantic halibut, Hippoglossus hippoglossus; F01089, Little skate, Leucoraja erinacea; F00153, Northern kingfish, Menticirrhus saxatilis; F00157, Goosefish, Lophius americanus; F00480, Haddock, Melanogrammus aeglefinus; F00481, Longhorn sculpin, Myoxocephalus octodecemspinosus; F00366, Hogchoker, Trinectes maculatus; F00155, Red hake, Urophycis chuss; F00150, Scup, Stenotomus chrysops; F00148, Silver hake, Merluccius bilinearis; F00081, Spiny dogfish, Squalus acanthias; F00484, Ocean pout, Macrozoarces americanus; F00199, Rock gunnel, Pholis gunnellus; F00485, Oyster toadfish, Opsanus tau; F00108, Summer flounder, Paralichthys dentatus; F00088, Winter flounder, Pleuronectes americanus; F01131, Winter skate, Leucoraja ocellata; F00160, Windowpane, Scophthalmus aquosus; F01272, Witch flounder, Glyptocephalus cynoglossus; F00090, White hake, Urophycis tenuis; F00138, Weakfish, Cynoscion regalis; F00489, Yellowtail flounder, Pleuronectes ferrugineus; F01147, Searobins, Prionotus spp; F00566, Tunas; F00283, Killifish, Fundulus spp; F00144, Atlantic salmon, Salmo salar.

Conceptual Consistency:

A multi-stage error checking process, described in the above Attribute Accuracy Report, is used to verify both attribute accuracy and logical consistency throughout data production. This process includes multiple automated logical consistency checks that test the files for missing or duplicate data, rules for proper coding, GIS topological consistencies, and SQL SERVER(R) to ArcGIS(R) consistencies. A final review is made by the GIS manager, before the final Geodatabase and metadata are created. After the data are delivered to NOAA, they are again subjected to several consistency checks, and processed into the final delivery format.

Lineage

Sources

2011 DIADROMOUS FISH DATA, UNDER REVISION

CC ID: 734239
Contact Name: BRAD CHASE, MASSACHUSETTS DIVISION OF MARINE FISHERIES
Extent Type: Discrete
Extent Start Date/Time: 2011
Scale Denominator: 7500000

2015 RHODE ISLAND WILDLIFE ACTION PLAN

CC ID: 734227
Contact Name: RHODE ISLAND CHAPTER OF THE NATURE CONSERVANCY, RHODE ISLAND DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT, UNIVERSITY OF RHODE ISLAND, AND THE RHODE ISLAND NATURAL HISTORY SURVEY
Publish Date: 2015-01-01
Extent Type: Discrete
Extent Start Date/Time: 2015
Scale Denominator: 750000
Citation URL: http://www.dem.ri.gov/programs/bnatres/fishwild/swap15.htm

ATLANTIC WOLFFISH ENDANGERED SPECIES ACT (ESA) SPECIES OF CONCERN FACT SHEET

CC ID: 734236
Contact Name: NATIONAL OCEANIC AND ATMOSPHERIC ADMINISTRATION (NOAA), NATIONAL MARINE FISHERIES SERVICE (NMFS)
Publish Date: 2009-05-11
Extent Type: Discrete
Extent Start Date/Time: 2009-05-11
Scale Denominator: 750000
Citation URL: http://www.nmfs.noaa.gov/pr/pdfs/species/atlanticwolffish_detailed.pdf

DIADROMOUS FISH

CC ID: 734242
Contact Name: BRAD CHASE, MASSACHUSETTS DIVISION OF MARINE FISHERIES
Extent Type: Discrete
Extent Start Date/Time: 2016
Scale Denominator: 7500000

EFH OVERLAY FOR MULTIPLE SPECIES

CC ID: 734237
Contact Name: THE NATURE CONSERVANCY, NATIONAL OCEANIC AND ATMOSPHERIC ADMINISTRATION (NOAA)
Publish Date: 2015-02-01
Extent Type: Discrete
Extent Start Date/Time: 2015
Scale Denominator: 750000
Citation URL: http://www.northeastoceandata.org/data/data-download/

FISH PASSAGE GUIDE: ANADROMOUS FISH RUNS AND EEL RAMPS

CC ID: 734230
Contact Name: PHILLIP EDWARDS AND PATRICK MCGEE, RHODE ISLAND DIVISION OF FISH AND WILDLIFE, FRESHWATER AND DIADROMOUS FISHERIES
Extent Type: Discrete
Extent Start Date/Time: 2016
Scale Denominator: 750000

FRESHWATER AND ANADROMOUS FISH

CC ID: 734231
Contact Name: ALAN LIBBY, RHODE ISLAND DIVISION OF FISH AND WILDLIFE, FRESHWATER FISHERIES
Extent Type: Discrete
Extent Start Date/Time: 2016
Scale Denominator: 750000

FRESHWATER AND ANADROMOUS FISH PROFILES

CC ID: 734240
Contact Name: U.S. FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICE, FISH AND AQUATIC CONSERVATION
Publish Date: 2016-01-01
Extent Type: Range
Extent Start Date/Time: 1970
Extent End Date/Time: 2016
Scale Denominator: 7500000
Citation URL: https://www.fws.gov/Fisheries

HIGHLY MIGRATORY SPECIES ESSENTIAL FISH HABITAT (EFH) OVERLAY

CC ID: 734238
Contact Name: NORTHEAST REGIONAL OCEAN COUNCIL (NROC)
Publish Date: 2015-02-27
Extent Type: Discrete
Extent Start Date/Time: 2014-08
Scale Denominator: 7500000
Citation URL: http://www.northeastoceandata.org/data/data-download/

MA DFW COLDWATER FISHERIES RESOURCES SPATIAL DATA AND SUPPLEMENTAL SPECIES LIST

CC ID: 734243
Contact Name: DAVID SZCZEBAK, MASSACHUSETTS DIVISION OF FISHERIES AND WILDLIFE
Extent Type: Discrete
Extent Start Date/Time: 2016
Scale Denominator: 25000

MARINE LIFE: MARINE MAMMAL, SEA TURTLE, BIRD, FISH, AND INVERTEBRATE DENSITY MAPS

CC ID: 734232
Contact Name: NORTHEAST REGIONAL OCEAN COUNCIL (NROC)
Publish Date: 2016-01-01
Extent Type: Range
Extent Start Date/Time: 1992
Extent End Date/Time: 2014
Scale Denominator: 750000
Citation URL: http://northeastoceandata.org/data

MASSACHUSETTS MARINE FISH

CC ID: 734244
Contact Name: MATTHEW CAMISA AND MARK SZYMANSKI, MASSACHUSETTS DIVISION OF MARINE FISHERIES
Extent Type: Discrete
Extent Start Date/Time: 2016
Scale Denominator: 25000

MASSACHUSETTS STATE WILDLIFE ACTION PLAN 2015

CC ID: 734241
Contact Name: MASSACHUSETTS DIVISION OF FISHERIES AND WILDLIFE
Publish Date: 2015-01-01
Extent Type: Range
Extent Start Date/Time: 1980
Extent End Date/Time: 2015
Scale Denominator: 7500000
Citation URL: http://www.mass.gov/eea/agencies/dfg/dfw/wildlife-habitat-conservation/state-wildlife-conservation-strategy.html

MDMF RESOURCE ASSESSMENT SURVEY PROJECT: BOTTOM TRAWL SURVEY DATA, SPRING AND FALL

CC ID: 734233
Contact Name: MATTHEW CAMISA AND MARK SZYMANSKI, MASSACHUSETTS DIVISION OF MARINE FISHERIES
Extent Type: Range
Extent Start Date/Time: 2000
Extent End Date/Time: 2015
Scale Denominator: 750000
Citation URL: http://www.mass.gov/eea/agencies/dfg/dmf/programs-and-projects/resource-assessment-surveys-project.html

MDMF RESOURCE ASSESSMENT SURVEYS PROJECT: SEINE SURVEY DATA

CC ID: 734234
Contact Name: VINCENT MANFREDI, MASSACHUSETTS DIVISION OF MARINE FISHERIES
Extent Type: Range
Extent Start Date/Time: 2004
Extent End Date/Time: 2015
Scale Denominator: 750000
Citation URL: http://www.mass.gov/eea/agencies/dfg/dmf/programs-and-projects/resource-assessment-surveys-project.html

RI COASTAL POND JUVENILE FINFISH BEACH SEINE SURVEY, RI NARRAGANSETT BAY JUVENILE FINFISH BEACH SEINE SURVEY, RI COASTAL FISHERY RESOURCE ASSESSMENT TRAWL SURVEY

CC ID: 734229
Contact Name: JOHN LAKE, JASON MCNAMEE, SCOTT OLSZEWSKI, AND ERIC SCHNEIDER, RHODE ISLAND DIVISION OF FISH AND WILDLIFE, MARINE FISHERIES
Extent Type: Range
Extent Start Date/Time: 1979
Extent End Date/Time: 2015
Scale Denominator: 750000

THE MARINE RESOURCES OF SALEM SOUND, 1997

CC ID: 734235
Contact Name: BRADFORD CHASE, JEFFREY PLOUFF, AND WAYNE CASTONGUAY, MASSACHUSETTS DIVISION OF MARINE FISHERIES
Publish Date: 2002-10-01
Extent Type: Discrete
Extent Start Date/Time: 1997
Scale Denominator: 750000
Citation URL: http://www.mass.gov/eea/docs/dfg/dmf/publications/salem-sound-report-tr6.pdf

UNIVERSITY OF RHODE ISLAND'S GRADUATE SCHOOL OF OCEANOGRAPHY'S (GSO) NARRAGANSETT BAY FISH TRAWL SURVEY

CC ID: 734228
Contact Name: JEREMY COLLIE AND JOSEPH LANGAN, UNIVERSITY OF RHODE ISLAND GRADUATE SCHOOL OF OCEANOGRAPHY
Extent Type: Range
Extent Start Date/Time: 2006
Extent End Date/Time: 2015
Scale Denominator: 750000
Citation URL: http://www.gso.uri.edu/fishtrawl

Process Steps

Process Step 1

CC ID: 734245
Description:

Step 1, Selecting species and data sources for FISH feature class: Fish species distributions and associated data were provided by the Massachusetts of Division of Marine Fisheries (MDMF), Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife (MADFW), Northeast Fisheries Science Center (NEFSC), and Rhode Division of Fish and Wildlife (RI DFW), and through interviews with local resource experts. All digital data received from MA and RI for the Fish Layer were edited as necessary to match NOAA ESI Shoreline layer included in this atlas. Fish species distributions and associated data were provided by the Massachusetts of Division of Marine Fisheries (MDMF), Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife (MADFW), Northeast Fisheries Science Center (NEFSC), and Rhode Division of Fish and Wildlife (RI DFW), and through interviews with local resource experts. All digital data received from MA and RI for the Fish Layer were edited as necessary to match NOAA ESI Shoreline layer included in this atlas.

Process Date/Time: 2016-01-01 00:00:00
Process Contact: ESI Program Manager
Email Address: orr.esi@noaa.gov

Process Step 2

CC ID: 734246
Description:

Step 2, Developing ESI data for freshwater and diadromous (migratory) fish species: Freshwater fish species in Rhode Island were mapped using collection point data and expert input provided by Alan Libby of RI DFW. American brook lamprey is limited to the Blackstone River and a few of its tributaries and was assigned the mapping qualifier of “Vulnerable Occurrence”. Freshwater species in Massachusetts were mapped using the 2016 Coldwater Fisheries Resources (CFRs) data layer and accompanying species list provided by MADFW. Diadromous fish species included in this atlas were mapped primarily using data and local resource expert input from RI DFW Freshwater and Diadromous Fisheries, MDMF, MADFW Fisheries, and the 2015 MA SWAP. Marine distribution was informed by trawl and seine survey data provided by MDMF and RI DFW, and NROC’s 2016 habitat-based density models. Atlantic salmon have been extirpated in Rhode Island primarily by the construction of dams that create barriers to upstream spawning habitat. Their presence now is the result of the state’s stocking efforts (fry and smolts) for restoration in the Pawcatuck River watershed. Distribution polygons for these areas of Atlantic salmon were assigned the mapping qualifier of “Harvest Area”. The stocked fish eventually migrate downstream to sea, and a few years later returning adults are trapped at the Potter Hill fishway and taken to a hatchery, where they are held until fall for spawning (Libby, 2015 RI WAP). There has been limited success restoring Atlantic salmon in Massachusetts and populations may be occurring in the Merrimack and nearby river systems. Distribution in these areas was mapped using CFRs data and assigned the mapping qualifier of “Spawning Area”. General distribution of Atlantic sturgeon (federally threatened) in Rhode Island was mapped in Narragansett Bay and offshore waters. Data for federally and state-listed sturgeon species in Massachusetts was provided by MADFW NHESP and is included in the atlas as “Rare sturgeon” with the mapping qualifier of “Vulnerable Occurrence”, though it should be noted that these are areas of spawning as well. Spawning areas for striped bass were mapped using information from USFWS species profiles. Sea lamprey populations are declining in Massachusetts due to loss of spawning and rearing habitat; this species was mapped using CFRs data and assigned the mapping qualifier of “Vulnerable Occurrence”. Known and potential spawning areas and migratory routes for American shad and river herring in Rhode Island were provided by diadromous fish experts at RI DFW. Spawning areas for American shad, river herring, and rainbow smelt were mapped in Massachusetts primarily using point data from the 2011 Diadromous Fish Habitat Restoration Priority List (under revision) and expert input provided by Brad Chase, MDMF. Migration areas for the American eel were also mapped using fish passage data and supplemented by species profiles in the 2015 MA SWAP. Experts at RI DFW note that the inland distribution maps for brook trout primarily illustrate potential areas where it may be found when environmental conditions are suitable (e.g. water temperature). Brook trout (sea run) may coexist in the same river systems as resident brook trout, but spawning and migratory areas have not yet been specifically identified.

Process Date/Time: 2016-01-01 00:00:00
Process Contact: ESI Program Manager
Email Address: orr.esi@noaa.gov

Process Step 3

CC ID: 734247
Description:

Step 3, Developing ESI data for estuarine and marine fish species: Distribution, abundance, and seasonality of marine fish species was based primarily on data and expert input provided by RI DFW Marine Fisheries, URI Graduate School of Oceanography (GSO), MDMF, and NROC. Rhode Island coverages were informed by datasets from the following three fishery independent surveys conducted by RI DFW Marine Fisheries: 1) RI Coastal Fishery Resource Assessment Trawl Survey; 2) RI Narragansett Bay Juvenile Finfish Beach Seine Survey; and 3) RI Coastal Pond Juvenile Finfish Beach Seine Survey. Data collected by the URI GSO Fish Trawl Survey from 2006-2015 was also used to support bottom fish presence in Narragansett Bay. This survey consists of two stations and was developed to quantify the seasonal occurrences of migratory fish populations. Inshore coverages in Massachusetts were created using datasets from two surveys conducted by MDMF Resource Assessment Project. A subset of the MDMF trawl dataset was used from 2000 through 2015, and all other survey datasets were used in their entirety through 2015. Offshore coverages in Massachusetts were created using NROC’s 2016 habitat-based density models that characterize the predicted distribution and abundance of fish species. The digital maps sourced from fall bottom trawl surveys performed by NEFSC (1970-2014) were used as a guide to map species presence in federal waters. The majority of estuarine and marine fish species in Rhode Island were mapped to one of the following three spatial coverages: 1) Little Narragansett Bay, Narrow River, coastal ponds including Great Salt Pond (Block Island), and tidal waters in Narragansett Bay north of the COLREGS line; 2) all of the aforementioned areas in addition to a one nautical mile extension seaward from the coastal feature; or 3) all coastal waters. A few estuarine species, e.g. white perch, are mapped in coastal streams and nearshore waters of Narragansett Bay. Atlantic cod adults are present year-round in offshore waters only and were not mapped in waters shallower than 30’; larvae and juveniles, however, are present in all coastal waters January through May. The species group killifish (Fundulus spp.) mapped in Rhode Island includes rainwater killifish (Lucania parva), striped killifish (Fundulus majalis), and spotfin killifish (Fundulus luciae). Killifish were mapped to coastal ponds and Narragansett Bay, but rainwater killifish can also be found in coastal streams. The sand tiger, mapped to all coastal waters, is in need of special protective management measures due to its reduced ability to sustain fishing pressure. The majority of estuarine and marine fish species in Massachusetts were mapped using broad distributions with a clearly defined boundary between state and federal coastal waters.

Process Date/Time: 2016-01-01 00:00:00
Process Contact: ESI Program Manager
Email Address: orr.esi@noaa.gov

Process Step 4

CC ID: 734248
Description:

Step 4, Assessing relative abundance: Relative abundance values within state waters for species identified as Important Fish Resources by the 2015 Massachusetts Ocean Management Plan were calculated using MDMF trawl survey counts/weights and assigned a concentration value of “Abundant”, “Common”, or “Rare”. Seven of these species (Atlantic cod, black sea bass, haddock, red hake, silver hake, spiny dogfish, and winter skate) have distinct fall and spring concentrations in varying locations such as Cape Cod Bay, Nantucket Sound, and Buzzards Bay. All other species have similar seasonal concentration and distribution year-round: little skate, scup, summer flounder, tautog, windowpane, winter flounder, witch flounder, and yellowtail flounder. Several estuarine fish including the threespine stickleback (state threatened) were mapped solely to bays, estuaries, and tidal rivers, a few species of which were also mapped to coastal streams using CFRs data. The species group tunas was mapped to all coastal waters in Massachusetts using NROC’s 2015 Highly Migratory Essential Fish Habitat (EFH) Overlay data layer and includes bluefin tuna (Thunnus thynnus) and yellowfin tuna (Thunnus albacares), though the latter is only present in offshore waters south of Islands. The Atlantic wolfish (Anarhichas lupus) was mapped to all coastal waters but should be noted for its species of concern status in the Gulf of Maine, as designated by NOAA’s NMFS. The species group searobins (Prionotus spp.) was mapped to all coastal waters in both Massachusetts and Rhode Island and includes striped searobin (Prionotus evolans) and northern searobin (Prionotus carolinus). Two estuarine and marine fish species of importance in Massachusetts and Rhode Island coastal waters but not included in the atlas are Atlantic menhaden (Brevoortia tyrannus) and butterfish (Peprilus triacanthus). American sand lance was not mapped in Massachusetts, but is a critical prey species for the roseate tern. Additional species present in the AOI but not included in the atlas are cunner (Tautogolabrus adspersus), fourspot flounder (Paralichthys oblongus), grubby (Myoxocephalus aenaeus), Gulfstream flounder (Citharichthys arctifrons), northern pipefish (Syngnathus fuscus), northern sand lance (Ammodytes dubius), sea raven (Hemitripterus americanus), smallmouth flounder (Etropus microstomus), smooth dogfish (Mustelus canis), and spotted hake (Urophycis regia).

Process Date/Time: 2016-01-01 00:00:00
Process Contact: ESI Program Manager
Email Address: orr.esi@noaa.gov

Process Step 5

CC ID: 734249
Description:

Step 5, Fish species not included in this atlas: Two estuarine and marine fish species of importance in Massachusetts and Rhode Island coastal waters but not included in the atlas are Atlantic menhaden (Brevoortia tyrannus) and butterfish (Peprilus triacanthus). American sand lance was not mapped in Massachusetts, but is a critical prey species for the roseate tern. Additional species present in the AOI but not included in the atlas are cunner (Tautogolabrus adspersus), fourspot flounder (Paralichthys oblongus), grubby (Myoxocephalus aenaeus), Gulfstream flounder (Citharichthys arctifrons), northern pipefish (Syngnathus fuscus), northern sand lance (Ammodytes dubius), sea raven (Hemitripterus americanus), smallmouth flounder (Etropus microstomus), smooth dogfish (Mustelus canis), and spotted hake (Urophycis regia).

Process Date/Time: 2016-01-01 00:00:00
Process Contact: ESI Program Manager
Email Address: orr.esi@noaa.gov

Child Items

Rubric scores updated every 15m

Rubric Score Type Title
Entity BIOFILE
Entity BREED_DT
Entity FISH
Entity SOURCES

Catalog Details

Catalog Item ID: 51701
GUID: gov.noaa.nmfs.inport:51701
Metadata Record Created By: David Moe Nelson
Metadata Record Created: 2018-02-28 15:25+0000
Metadata Record Last Modified By: SysAdmin InPortAdmin
Metadata Record Last Modified: 2023-10-17 16:12+0000
Metadata Record Published: 2018-09-28
Owner Org: ORR
Metadata Publication Status: Published Externally
Do Not Publish?: N
Metadata Last Review Date: 2018-09-28
Metadata Review Frequency: 1 Year
Metadata Next Review Date: 2019-09-28