Green Bay Benthic Habitat 2020

These data represent benthic habitats in a coastal area near Green Bay, Wisconsin. The area extends approximately 91 kilometers between Suamico, Wisconsin, and Menominee, Michigan, and covers approximately 64 square kilometers. Benthic biota and substrates were classified using the Coastal and Marine Ecological Classification Standard (CMECS). The classification process involved object-based image segmentation of lidar bathymetry, cross-referencing geospatial data with the CMECS hierarchy, and expert interpretation. Biotic and substrate components were classified to the CMECS group or community level, with additional detail provided by co-occurring elements and modifiers. Mapping confidence was higher in areas with Digital Elevation Models (DEMs), as geomorphometric details from digital elevation models could often be directly linked to substrate types through professional geologic judgment. In areas lacking DEM coverage, object-based segmentation was not possible, leading to lower confidence and requiring manual interpretation of substrate and biotic data from available source and ancillary data. In some instances, with support from geologic judgment or imagery, CMECS Substrate Component classifications at DEM boundaries were linearly extrapolated across gaps in DEM coverage. The layers available within the data download include biotic, confidence, and substrate. Partners: Coastal States Organization

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  "https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/inportserve/waf/noaa/nos/ocm/dmp/pdf/78460.pdf"
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