FLORIDA GEOGRAPHIC DATA LIBRARY DOCUMENTATION TITLE: CRITICAL HABITAT IN FLORIDA FOR THE NORTHWEST ATLANTIC OCEAN POPULATION OF LOGGERHEAD SEA TURTLE (CARETTA CARETTA) - 2014 Geodataset Name: CH_NMFS_LOGGERHD_JUL14 Geodataset Type: SHAPEFILE Geodataset Feature: Polygon Feature Count: 28 |
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GENERAL DESCRIPTION:
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DATA SOURCE(S): NOAA - National Marine Fisheries Service SCALE OF ORIGINAL SOURCE MAPS: Varies GEODATASET EXTENT: State of Florida |
FEATURE ATTRIBUTE TABLES:
Datafile Name: CH_NMFS_LOGGERHD_JUL14.DBF
ITEM NAME | WIDTH | TYPE |
OBJECTID
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4 | OID |
Shape
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4 | Geometry |
UNIT_NUM
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15 | String |
COMMNAME
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50 | String |
DESCRIPT
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75 | String |
FGDLAQDATE
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36 | Date |
AUTOID
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4 | Integer |
SHAPE.AREA
|
0 | Double |
SHAPE.LEN
|
0 | Double |
FEATURE ATTRIBUTE TABLES CODES AND VALUES:
Item | Item Description | |
OBJECTID |
Internal feature number. |
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Shape |
Feature geometry. |
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UNIT_NUM |
Critical habitat unit number. |
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COMMNAME |
Common Name. |
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DESCRIPT |
Combination of Critical Habitat layer description and UNIT_NUM field. DESCRIPT CALCULATION EXAMPLE: "NEARSHORE REPRODUCTIVE CRITICAL HABITAT (UNIT NUMBER: " & [UNIT_NUM] & ")" |
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FGDLAQDATE |
The date FGDL acquired the data from the Source. |
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AUTOID |
Unique ID added by GeoPlan |
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SHAPE.AREA |
Area in meters |
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SHAPE.LEN |
Perimeter in meters |
This data is provided 'as is'. GeoPlan relied on the integrity of the original data layer's topology |
This data is provided 'as is' by GeoPlan and is complete to our knowledge. |
GeoPlan relied on the integrity of the attribute information within the original data. |
AGENCY: National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Commerce. ACTION: Final rule. SUMMARY: We, the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), issue a final rule to designate critical habitat for the Northwest Atlantic Ocean Distinct Population Segment (DPS) of the loggerhead sea turtle (Caretta caretta) within the Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf of Mexico pursuant to the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (ESA). Specific areas for designation include 38 occupied marine areas within the range of the Northwest Atlantic Ocean DPS. These areas contain one or a combination of habitat types: Nearshore reproductive habitat, winter area, breeding areas, constricted migratory corridors, and/or Sargassum habitat. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) is issuing a final rule for loggerhead critical habitat for terrestrial areas (nesting beaches) in a separate document. No marine areas meeting the definition of critical habitat were identified within the jurisdiction of the United States for the North Pacific Ocean DPS, and therefore we are not designating critical habitat for that DPS. Source: https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2014/07/10/2014-15748/ endangered-and-threatened-species-critical-habitat-for-the-northwest-atlantic-ocean-loggerhead-sea -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Original Descriptions of the four Loggerhead Critical Habitat datasets: -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Sargassum Critical Habitat for the Northwest Atlantic Ocean Distinct Population Segment of Loggerhead Sea Turtle (Caretta caretta) GENERAL DESCRIPTION: Critical habitat constitutes areas considered essential for the conservation of a listed species. These data identify, in general, the areas of Sargassum critical habitat for the Northwest Atlantic Ocean Distinct Population Segment of Loggerhead sea turtle (Caretta caretta), providing notice to the public and managers of the importance of the areas to the conservation of this species. Special protections and/or restrictions are possible in areas where Federal funding, permits, licenses, authorizations, or actions occur or are required. We describe the physical and biological features (PBF) of Sargassum habitat as developmental and foraging habitat for young loggerheads where surface waters form accumulations of floating material, especially Sargassum. Primary constituent elements (PCEs) that support this habitat are the following: (i) Convergence zones, surface-water downwelling areas, the margins of major boundary currents (Gulf Stream), and other locations where there are concentrated components of the Sargassum community in water temperatures suitable for the optimal growth of Sargassum and inhabitance of loggerheads; (ii) Sargassum in concentrations that support adequate prey abundance and cover; (iii) Available prey and other material associated with Sargassum habitat including, but not limited to, plants and cyanobacteria and animals native to the Sargassum community such as hydroids and copepods; and (iv) Sufficient water depth and proximity to available currents to ensure offshore transport (out of the surf zone), and foraging and cover requirements by Sargassum for post-hatchling loggerheads, i.e., >10 meters depth. -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Breeding Critical Habitat for the Northwest Atlantic Ocean Distinct Population Segment of Loggerhead Sea Turtle (Caretta caretta) GENERAL DESCRIPTION: Critical habitat constitutes areas considered essential for the conservation of a listed species. These data identify, in general, the areas of breeding critical habitat for the Northwest Atlantic Ocean Distinct Population Segment of Loggerhead sea turtle (Caretta caretta), providing notice to the public and managers of the importance of the areas to the conservation of this species. Special protections and/or restrictions are possible in areas where Federal funding, permits, licenses, authorizations, or actions occur or are required. We describe the physical and biological features (PBF) of breeding habitat as sites with high densities of both male and female adult individuals during the breeding season. Primary constituent elements (PCEs) that support this habitat are the following: (i) High densities of reproductive male and female loggerheads; (ii) Proximity to primary Florida constricted migratory corridor; and (iii) Proximity to Florida nesting grounds. -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Constricted Migratory Critical Habitat for the Northwest Atlantic Ocean Distinct Population Segment of Loggerhead Sea Turtle (Caretta caretta) GENERAL DESCRIPTION: Critical habitat constitutes areas considered essential for the conservation of a listed species. These data identify, in general, the areas of constricted migratory critical habitat for the Northwest Atlantic Ocean Distinct Population Segment of Loggerhead sea turtle (Caretta caretta), providing notice to the public and managers of the importance of the areas to the conservation of this species. Special protections and/or restrictions are possible in areas where Federal funding, permits, licenses, authorizations, or actions occur or are required. We describe the physical and biological features (PBF) of constricted migratory habitat as high use migratory corridors that are constricted (limited in width) by land on one side and the edge of the continental shelf and Gulf Stream on the other side. Primary constituent elements (PCEs) that support this habitat are the following: (i) Constricted continental shelf area relative to nearby continental shelf waters that concentrate migratory pathways; and (ii) Passage conditions to allow for migration to and from nesting, breeding, and/or foraging areas. -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Nearshore Reproductive Critical Habitat for the Northwest Atlantic Ocean Distinct Population Segment of Loggerhead Sea Turtle (Caretta caretta) GENERAL DESCRIPTION: Critical habitat constitutes areas considered essential for the conservation of a listed species. These data identify, in general, the areas of nearshore reproductive critical habitat for the Northwest Atlantic Ocean Distinct Population Segment of Loggerhead sea turtle (Caretta caretta), providing notice to the public and managers of the importance of the areas to the conservation of this species. Special protections and/or restrictions are possible in areas where Federal funding, permits, licenses, authorizations, or actions occur or are required. We describe the physical and biological features (PBF) of nearshore reproductive habitat as a portion of the nearshore waters adjacent to nesting beaches that are used by hatchlings to egress to the open-water environment as well as by nesting females to transit between beach and open water during the nesting season. Primary constituent elements (PCEs) that support this habitat are the following: (i) Nearshore waters directly off the highest density nesting beaches, as identified in 78 FR 43006, July 18, 2003, to 1.6 km (1 mile) offshore; (ii) Waters sufficiently free of obstructions or artificial lighting to allow transit through the surf zone and outward toward open water; and (iii) Waters with minimal man-made structures that could promote predators (i.e., nearshore predator concentration caused by submerged and emergent offshore structures), disrupt wave patterns necessary for orientation, and/or create excessive longshore currents. |
The purpose of these data is to visually represent the critical habitat areas for GIS analysis and display. |
This data is provided 'as is' and its horizontal positional accuracy has not been verified by GeoPlan |
This data is provided 'as is' and its vertical positional accuracy has not been verified by GeoPlan |
The spatial data contained herein and their associated coordinates are not the legal source for determining the critical habitat boundaries described in this dataset, but are used to identify areas which contain the physical and biological features essential to the conservation of the species or areas otherwise determined to be essential. Inherent in any dataset used to develop graphical representations, are limitations of accuracy as determined by, among others, the source, scale and resolution of the data. While the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's (NOAA) Fisheries Service has made every effort to represent the critical habitat data contained herein as completely and accurately as possible (given existing time and resource constraints), NOAA's Fisheries Service gives no warranty, expressed or implied, as to the accuracy, reliability, or completeness of these data. In addition, NOAA's Fisheries Services shall not be held liable for improper or incorrect use of the spatial data described and/or contained herein. Graphical representations provided by the use of these data do not represent a legal description of the critical habitat boundary. The user is referred to the critical habitat textual description in the appropriate final rule for this species as published in the Federal Register. These data are to be used only in the context of the definition and purpose of critical habitat. This primarily relates to Section 7 consultation under the Endangered Species Act. These data may be used for planning and management purposes. They are not to be used for legal survey use. Please refer to Federal Register Citation Number Vol. 79, pg. 39855, published July 10, 2014 for the legal critical habitat information. *** Attribution *** Whenever NMFS material is reproduced and re-disseminated, we request that users attribute the material appropriately. Pursuant to 17 U.S.C. 403, parties who produce copyrighted works consisting predominantly of material created by the Federal Government are encouraged to provide notice with such work(s) identifying the U.S. Government material incorporated and stating that such material is not subject to copyright protection. Please cite Regulated Area datasets as follows, with the appropriate information substituted for all text in {CURLY BRACKETS}: NOAA Fisheries Service. NMFS Regulated Areas in Northeast, Mid- Atlantic and Southeast Waters. {SHAPEFILE TITLE} [Shapefile]. Gloucester, MA or St. Petersburg, FL: National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), Greater Atlantic Regional Fisheries Office (GARFO) or Southeast Regional Office (SERO) [producer] {SHAPEFILE PUBLICATION DATE}. http://www.greateratlantic.fisheries.noaa.gov/gis or http://sero.nmfs.noaa.gov/maps_gis_data/. *** No Warranty*** The user assumes the entire risk related to its use of these data. NMFS is providing these data ""as is,"" and NMFS disclaims any and all warranties, whether express or implied, including (without limitation) any implied warranties of merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose. No warranty expressed or implied is made regarding the accuracy or utility of the data on any other system or for general or scientific purposes, nor shall the act of distribution constitute any such warranty. It is strongly recommended that careful attention be paid to the contents of the metadata file associated with these data to evaluate dataset limitations, restrictions or intended use. In no event will NMFS be liable to you or to any third party for any direct, indirect, incidental, consequential, special or exemplary damages or lost profit resulting from any use or misuse of this data. *** Proper Usage *** The information on government servers are in the public domain, unless specifically annotated otherwise, and may be used freely by the public. Before using information obtained from this server, special attention should be given to the date and time of the data and products being displayed. This information shall not be modified in content and then presented as official government material. This dataset was created to depict the boundaries of NMFS Regulated Areas in Northeast, Mid-Atlantic, and Southeast Waters (Regulated Areas) only. The dataset should not be used for a legal definition. The dataset should not be used to infer information regarding the existence or details of other marine features or resources, including, but not limited to, navigable waters, coastlines, bathymetry, submerged features, or man-made structures. Users assume responsibility for determining the appropriate use of this dataset. *** Not the Legal Definition *** This Geographic Information System (GIS) dataset is not the legal definition of the Regulated Area. The description published in the U.S. Code of Federal Regulations is the only legal definition. This dataset and metadata document provide a broad overview of a subset of applicable fishing regulations, restrictions and requirements, critical habitat or essential fish habitat; it is not a substitute for the actual regulations. Users are encouraged to read the applicable regulations in conjunction with use of this dataset. *** Temporal Considerations *** Regulated Area boundary definitions are subject to change or modification. Published datasets may represent historic, current, or future Regulated Areas. When changes to fishing regulations affect this dataset, it will be archived and replaced by an updated version as soon as feasible. Approved Regulated Area boundaries may also be published prior to their effective date. It is the user s responsibility to ensure the applicable Regulated Area boundaries are being used. *** Shorelines/Base Layers *** The accuracy of this dataset is dependent upon the accuracy and resolution of the datasets (e.g., shoreline, bathymetry, National Hydrographic Database, shared administrative boundaries) used in the creation process. Source datasets used are specified in the metadata. These data sources were selected for their suitability to a broad audience, and may not be suitable for specific uses requiring higher-resolution information. Coastlines change. Unless otherwise noted, where the NOAA Medium Resolution Shoreline is used, assume the regulatory boundary reaches the most current coastline delineation available. |
The Florida Geographic Data Library is a collection of Geospatial Data compiled by the University of Florida GeoPlan Center with support from the Florida Department of Transportation. GIS data available in FGDL is collected from various state, federal, and other agencies (data sources) who are data stewards, producers, or publishers. The data available in FGDL may not be the most current version of the data offered by the data source. University of Florida GeoPlan Center makes no guarantees about the currentness of the data and suggests that data users check with the data source to see if more recent versions of the data exist. Furthermore, the GIS data available in the FGDL are provided 'as is'. The University of Florida GeoPlan Center makes no warranties, guaranties or representations as to the truth, accuracy or completeness of the data provided by the data sources. The University of Florida GeoPlan Center makes no representations or warranties about the quality or suitability of the materials, either expressly or implied, including but not limited to any implied warranties of merchantability, fitness for a particular purpose, or non-infringement. The University of Florida GeoPlan Center shall not be liable for any damages suffered as a result of using, modifying, contributing or distributing the materials. A note about data scale: Scale is an important factor in data usage. Certain scale datasets are not suitable for some project, analysis, or modeling purposes. Please be sure you are using the best available data. 1:24000 scale datasets are recommended for projects that are at the county level. 1:24000 data should NOT be used for high accuracy base mapping such as property parcel boundaries. 1:100000 scale datasets are recommended for projects that are at the multi-county or regional level. 1:125000 scale datasets are recommended for projects that are at the regional or state level or larger. Vector datasets with no defined scale or accuracy should be considered suspect. Make sure you are familiar with your data before using it for projects or analysis. Every effort has been made to supply the user with data documentation. For additional information, see the References section and the Data Source Contact section of this documentation. For more information regarding scale and accuracy, see our webpage at: http://geoplan.ufl.edu/education.html |
NOAA's National Marine Fisheries Service Critical Habitat Designations, Maps, and GIS Data https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/national/endangered-species-conservation/critical-habitat Southeast NOAA Fisheries Region: critical habitat maps and data https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/tags/southeast-critical-habitat-map |
The Gulf of Mexico Sargassum habitat polygon was delineated using depth contours generated from 30 arc- second GEBCO bathymetry data, the United States Exclusive Economic Zone (U.S. EEZ) boundary, gridded mean summer sea surface currents (1993-2011) calculated from 1/3-degree Ocean Surface Current Analyses- Real time (OSCAR) data, and the Gulf Loop Current and Gulf Stream as modeled by the Naval Oceanographic Office from 2010 sea surface temperature data. The 10 meter depth contour starting at the mouth of South Pass of the Mississippi River and proceeding west and south to the outer boundary of the U.S. EEZ makes up the northern and western boundaries of the polygon. The southern boundary consists of the U.S. EEZ from the 10 meter depth contour off of Texas to the Gulf of Mexico-Atlantic border (83 W longitude). The eastern boundary follows the 10 m depth contour from the mouth of South Pass of the Mississippi River at 28.97 N latitude, 89.15 W longitude, in a straight line to the northernmost boundary of the Loop Current (28 N latitude, 89 W longitude) and then along the eastern edge of the Loop Current roughly following the velocity of 0.101-0.20 m/second (from the gridded mean summer sea surface currents) to the Gulf of Mexico-Atlantic Ocean border (24.58 N latitude, 83 W longitude). The delineation between the Gulf of Mexico and the Atlantic Ocean starts near the Dry Tortugas at 24.58 N latitude, 83 W longitude, and proceeds southward along 83 W longitude to the outer boundary of the U.S. EEZ (23.82 N latitude). The Atlantic Ocean Sargassum habitat polygon was delineated using the boundaries of the breeding and migratory critical habitat polygons, depth contours generated from 30 arc-second GEBCO bathymetry data, the United States Exclusive Economic Zone (U.S. EEZ) boundary, gridded mean summer sea surface currents (1993-2011) calculated from Ocean Surface Current Analyses-Real time (OSCAR) data, and the Loop Current and Gulf Stream as modeled by the Naval Oceanographic Office from 2010 sea surface temperature data. The polygon has as its outer boundary the U.S. EEZ, starting at the Gulf of Mexico-Atlantic border (23.82 N latitude, 83 W longitude) and proceeding east and north until the U.S. EEZ coincides with the Gulf Stream at 37.84 N latitude, 70.59 W longitude. The inner boundary of the polygon starts at the Gulf of Mexico-Atlantic border (24.58 N latitude, 83 W longitude) to the outer edge of the breeding/migratory critical habitat at 24.34 N latitude, 82.16 W longitude, along the outer edge of the corridor (following the 200 m depth contour) until it coincides with the breeding habitat off of Cape Canaveral at 27.97 N latitude, 80.14 W longitude, and from there roughly follows the velocity of 0.401-0.50 m/second from the gridded mean summer sea surface currents until it coincides with the outer edge of the U.S. EEZ at 37.84 N latitude, 70.59 W longitude. Process Date: 20140710 |
Projection ALBERS Datum HPGN Units METERS Spheroid GRS1980 1st Standard Parallel 24 0 0.000 2nd Standard Parallel 31 30 0.000 Central Meridian -84 00 0.000 Latitude of Projection's Origin 24 0 0.000 False Easting (meters) 400000.00000 False Northing (meters) 0.00000
DATA SOURCE CONTACT (S):
Name: Abbr. Name: Address: Phone: Web site: E-mail: Contact Person: Phone: E-mail: |
NOAA/NMFS Southeast Regional Office NOAA - NMFS 263 13th Ave S St. Petersburg, FL 33701 727-824-5312 |
Name: FLORIDA GEOGRAPHIC DATA LIBRARY Abbr. Name: FGDL Address: Florida Geographic Data Library 431 Architecture Building PO Box 115706 Gainesville, FL 32611-5706 Web site: http://www.fgdl.org Contact FGDL: Technical Support: http://www.fgdl.org/fgdlfeed.html FGDL Frequently Asked Questions: http://www.fgdl.org/fgdlfaq.html FGDL Mailing Lists: http://www.fgdl.org/fgdl-l.html For FGDL Software: http://www.fgdl.org/software.html