2004 UC Proceedings Abstract

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Species-Specific Marine Habitat Maps From High-Resolution, Digital Hydrographic Data
Track: Ocean, Coastal, and Marine Resources
Author(s): Pat Iampietro, Rikk Kvitek, Erica Summers-Morris

We used high-resolution multibeam bathymetry, together with precisely geolocated (± 5m) ROV observations of fish distribution, to produce species-specific and genus-specific habitat suitability models for eight rockfish (Sebastes) species in the Del Monte shale beds of Monterey Bay, CA., USA. A high-resolution (2m) multibeam bathymetry digital elevation model (DEM) was generated and used to produce derived habitat characteristic layers [slope, rugosity, and Topographic Position Index, (TPI)] using repeatable, non-subjective algorithmic methods. These data layers, together with the positions and counts by species from 229 rockfish observations (2,892 total fish) were then used to create predictive models of habitat suitability and fish distribution, as well as stock estimates for the study area. A second, independent fish observation data set was used to validate the models. Factors evaluated for incorporation in the models included depth, slope, rugosity, and TPI at various scales.

Pat Iampietro
CSUMB
100 Campus Center
Seaside , CA 93955
US
Phone: 831.582.4214
E-mail: pat_iampietro@csumb.edu

Rikk Kvitek
CSU, Monterey Bay
Seafloor Mapping Lab
100 Campus Center
Seaside , CA 93955
US
Phone: 831.582.3529
E-mail: rikk_kvitek@csumb.edu

Erica Summers-Morris
CSU, Monterey bay
Seafloor Mapping Lab
100 Campus Center
Seaside , CA 93955
US
Phone: 831.582.3075
E-mail: erica_summers@csumb.edu