Abstract
 Mapping the Distribution and Habitat of Oysters in Delaware Bay Track: Ocean, Coastal, and Marine Resources Author(s): Bartholomew Wilson, David Bruce, John Madsen The decline of the oyster industry along the mid-Atlantic region has initiated Delaware and New Jersey to partner in an attempt to assess the status of the oyster habitat in the Delaware Bay. Using remote acoustics (Roxann Seabed Classification and Chirp Sub-bottom profiler), along with field verification, 110 square miles of oyster habitat were mapped in the Delaware Bay. Bottom and sub-bottom sediment maps were compiled into an ArcMap database allowing the extent of oyster beds to be fully assessed. Historic oyster bed outlines (including historic shell planting datasets) were then incorporated into the distribution model. The full integration of this data allowed, for the first time, a comprehensive spatial assessment of the oyster fishery. Integration of the acoustic mapping and database development by the Delaware Coastal Program was conducted with the intent of greatly improving the management of the oyster fisheries. Bartholomew Wilson Delaware Coastal Program Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control (DNREC) 89 Kings Highway Dover, DE 19901 US Phone: 302-738-9161 Fax: 302-739-2048 E-mail: Bartholomew.Wilson@state.de.us David Bruce Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control Fish and Wildlife 89 Kings Highway Dover, DE 19901 US Phone: 302-739-4782 E-mail: David.Bruce@state.de.us John Madsen University of Delaware Geology Department 101 Penny Hall Newark, DE 19711 US Phone: 302-831-1608 E-mail: jmadsen@udel.edu |
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