American Samoa ESI: BENTHIC (Benthic Marine Habitat Polygons)

This data set contains sensitive biological resource data for benthic habitats in American Samoa. Vector polygons in this data set represent the distribution of macroalgae, coral reef and colonized hardbottom, uncolonized hardbottom, and encrusting/coralline algae habitats. This data set comprises a portion of the Environmental Sensitivity Index (ESI) data for American Samoa. ESI data characterize the marine and coastal environments and wildlife by their sensitivity to spilled oil. The ESI data include information for three main components: shoreline habitats, sensitive biological resources, and human-use resources. See also the CASSPT (Coral Areas of Special Significance - Points) data layer, part of the larger American Samoa ESI database, for additional coral information.