Atlantic Coast ecological inventory user's guide and information base

[From the U.S. Government Printing Office, www.gpo.gov]

Biological Services Program

FWS/OBS-80/51
September 1980

Atlantic Coast
Ecological Inventory
USER'S GUIDE
AND INFORMATION BASE

QH541 .5 Fish and Wildlife Service
.C65
A84
1980 U.S. Department of the Interior

The Biological Services Program was established within the U.S. Fish
and Wildlife Service to supply scientific information and methodologies on
key environmental issues that impact fish and wildlife resources and their
supporting ecosystems. The mission of the program is as follows:

e To strengthen the Fish and Wildlife Service in its role as
a primary source of information on national fish and wild-
life resources, particularly in respect to environmental
impact assessment.

9 To gather, analyze, and present information that will aid
decisiownakers in the identification and resolution of
problems associated with major changes in land and water
use.

* To provide better ecological information and evaluation
for Department of the Interior development programs, such
as those relating to energy development.

Information developed by the Biological Services Program is intended
for use in the planning and decisionmaking process to prevent or minimize
the impact of development on fish and wildlife. Research activities and
technical assistance services are based on an analysis of the issues, a
determination of the decisionmakers involved and their information needs,
and an evaluation of the state of the art to identify information gaps
and to determine priorities. This is a strategy that will ensure that
the products produced and disseminated are timely and useful.

Projects have been initiated in the following areas: coal extraction
and conversion; power plants; geothermal, mineral and oil shale develop-
ment; water resource analysis, including stream alterations and western
water allocation; coastal ecosystems and Outer Continental Shelf develop-
ment; and systems inventory, including National Wetland Inventory,
habitat classification and analysis, and information transfer.

The Biological Services Program consists of the Office of Biological
Services in Washington, D.C., which is responsible for overall planning and
management; National Teams, which provide the Program's central scientific
and technical expertise and arrange for contracting biological services
studies with states, universities, consulting firms, and others; Regional
Staffs, who provide a link to problems at the operating level;and staffs at
certain Fish and Wildlife Service research facilities, who conduct in-house
research studies.

15531

FWS/OBS-80/51
September 1980

ATLANTIC COAST ECOLOGICAL INVENTORY
USER'S GUIDE AND INFORMATION BASE

Angelo D. Beccasio
George H. Weissberg
Alice E. Redfield
Ronald L. Frew
William M. Levitan
Joel E. Smith
Roy E. Godwin

Dames & Moore
Suite 700
7101 Wisconsin Avenue
Washington, DC 20014

Project Officer
Larry R. Shanks
National Coastal Ecosystems Team

Contract Number 14-16-0009-79-131

Performed for

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
National Coastal Ecosystems Team
NASA-Slidell Computer Complex
1010 Gause Boulevard
Slidell, Louisiana 70458

Published by
Biological Services Program
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
Washington, DC
US Department of Commerce
NOAA Coastal Services Center Library
2234 South Hobson Avenue
Charleston, SC 29405-2413

For sale by the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, D.C. 20402

PREFACE

The U.S. Department of the Interior and the Fish and Wildlife Service
(FWS) have played major roles in issues involving the siting of coastal refin-
ery projects. The basis for the Department's position on these types of
projects has been the National and regional significance of the fish and
J
wildlife resources at the proposed sites and the susceptibility of these
resources to new or added stress.

Given the projected needs for oil refineries and energy facilities along
the Atlantic coast, as well as the future likelihood for Departmental involve-
ment in siting issues, the Under Secretary of the Interior proposed that
Government should take the initiative in helping industry find locations for
refineries, power plants, and other energy stations which would best serve the
interests of all involved" (news conference, Norfolk, Virginia, 2 January
1979). In addition, the Council on Environmental Quality has explored what
Federal agencies might do to provide advance information on the environmental
sensitivity of various coastal areas to the impacts of major energy facili-
ties.

The objective is to produce an inventory of those important ecological
resources along the Atlantic coast which could be impacted by coastal siting
of refineries, petrochemical, and gas or liquid natural gas facilities.

Questions about, or requests for copies of this publication should be
addressed to:

Information Transfer Specialist
National Coastal Ecosystems Team
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
NASA-Slidell Computer Complex
1010 Gause Boulevard
Slidell, Louisiana 70458

This report should be cited:

--,--B-eccasio, A.D.; Weissberg, 'G.H.; Redfield, A.E., et al. Atlantic Coast
--ecological inventory: user's guide and information base. Washington, DC:
Biological Services Program, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service; 1980; 163 p.
AvaiTa*'ble from: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Slidell, LA; FWS/OBS-80/51.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

PREFACE . . . .
LIST OF TABLES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . vi
LIST OF FIGURES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . vii
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ix

PART 1 INTRODUCTION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . I

1.1 BACKGROUND . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
1.2 PURPOSE AND SCOPE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
1.3 COASTAL CLASSIFICATION AND DESCRIPTION . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

PART 2 METHODOLOGY . ... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

2.1 COASTAL ZONE BOUNDARIES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
2.2 DATA COLLECTION AND REPORTING . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . 10
2.3 DATA REVIEW AND ANALYSIS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
2.4 INVENTORY GRAPHICS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16

2.4.1 The Maps and Grid System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
2.4.2 Cartographic Discussion . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
2.4.3 Inventory Map Development . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20

PART 3 USER'S GUIDE . . . . . . . . . ... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22

3.1 THE INVENTORY MAPS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
3.2 HOW TO USE THE INVENTORY MAPS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22

3.2.1 Land Use/Land Cover . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
3.2.2 Aquatic Organisms . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
3.2.3 Terrestrial Organisms . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25

3.3 HOW TO USE THE GRID REFERENCE SYSTEM . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26

PART 4 NORTH ATLANTIC ZONE (GRID REFERENCE FW30 to DR19) . . . . . . . . 28

4.1 INTRODUCTION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28

4.1.1 Physical Description . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
4.1.2 Special Land-Use Areas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30

4.2 RESOURCES OVERVIEW . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30

4.2.1 Species with Special Status . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
4.2.2 Aquatic Resources . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36
4.2.3 Terrestrial Resources . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41

4.3 GULF OF MAINE COAST (GRID REFERENLCE FW30 to DU02) . . . . . . . 43
4.4 NORTHERN NEW ENGLAND COAST (GRID REFERENCE DU02 to DR19) . . . . 46
4.5 LIST OF SOURCES FOR THE NORTH ATLANTIC ZONE . . . . . . . . . . 49

TABLE OF CONTENTS (cont'd)

PART 5 MIDDLE ATLANTIC ZONE (GRID REFERENCE DR19 TO VR17) . . . . . . . 52

5.1 INTRODUCTION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52

5.1.1 Physical Description . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52
5.1.2 Special Land-Use Areas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54

5.2 RESOURCES OVERVIEW . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54

5.2.1 Species with Special Status . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54
5.2.2 Aquatic Resources . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 75
5.2.3 Terrestrial Resources . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 79

5.3 SOUTHERN NEW ENGLAND COAST (GRID REFERENCE DR19 to BR55) . . . 83

5.3.1 Nantucket Sound, Rhode Island Sound, and Block
Island Sound (Grid Reference DR19 to BR55) . . . . . . 84

5.3.2 Long Island Sound (Grid Reference BR55 to XA02) . . . . 85

5.4 NEW YORK BIGHT (GRID REFERENCE BR55 to WUOO) . . . . . . . . . 87

5.4.1 South Shore of Long Island (Grid Reference BR55
to WV98) . . * * * ' ' * * * * * ' * * ' * * ' ' * ' ' 87
5.4.2 Hudson River (Grid Reference XC02 to WV88) . . . . . . 88
5.4.3 New Jersey Shore (Grid Reference WV88 to WUOO) . . . . 90

5.5 DELAWARE BAY AND DELAWARE RIVER (GRID REFERENCE WV25
to VT99) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 93
5.6 DELMARVA SHORE (GRID REFERENCE VT99 to VS10) . . . . . . . . . 95
5.7 CHESAPEAKE BAY (GRID REFERENCE UU99 to VR17) . . . . . . . . . 97
5.8 LIST OF SOURCES FOR MIDDLE ATLANTIC ZONE . . . . . . . . . . . 104

PART 6 SOUTH ATLANTIC ZONE (GRID REFERENCE VR18 to NU88) . . . . . . . 112

6.1 INTRODUCTION . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 112

6.1.1 Physical Description . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 112
6.1.2 Special Land-Use Areas . .. . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . 114

6.2 RESOURCES OVERVIEW . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 124

6.2.1 Species with Special Status . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 124
6.2.2 Aquatic Resources . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 127
6.2.3 Terrestrial Resources . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 131

6.3 PAMLICO SOUND COMPLEX (GRID REFERENCE VR16 to UP63) . . . . . 132

TABLE OF CONTENTS (cont'd)

?Alq

6.4 VIRGINIA-CAROLINA COAST (GRID REFERENCE VR18 to PG67) . . . . 136

6.4.1 Seaward Shore, Cape Henry to Cape Lookout
(Grid Reference VR18 to UP52) . . . . . 136
6.4.2 Cape Lookout to Winyah Bay (Grid Reference
UP52 to PG67) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 138

6.5 SEA ISLANDS (GRID REFERENCE PG67 TO MD66) . . . . . . . . . . 140
6.6 EAST FLORIDA (GRID REFERENCE MD66 TO NU88) . . . . . . . . . 146
6.7 BISCAYNE BAY (GRID REFERENCE NU88 TO NT68) . . . . . . . . . 150
6.8 LIST OF SOURCES FOR THE SOUTH ATLANTIC ZONE . . . . . . . . . 152
6.9 GENERAL LIST OF SOURCES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 161

LIST OF TABLES

Number Page

1 Classification scheme for Atlantic coast ecosystems ............. 4

2 Criteria for establishing state coastal zone management
(CZM) boundaries ................................................ 11

3 Species or groups of organisms (with identifying
numbers) in the Atlantic Coast Ecological Inventory ............. 13
4 USGS maps (1:250,000) used in the Atlantic Coast Ecoloqical
Inventory and corresponding Terrell zones and sections .......... 18

5 Summary of information shown on Atlantic Coast
Ecological Inventory maps ....................................... 23

6 Fish and Wildlife Service land-use designations for
the North Atlantic Zone ......................................... 31

7 Species with special status in the North Atlantic Zone .......... 35

8 Fish and Wildlife Service land-use designations for
the Middle Atlantic Zone ........................................ 55

9 Species with special status in the Middle Atlantic Zone ......... 72

10 Plinimum wintering populations of migratory waterfowl
in the tfiddle Atlantic Zone (Massachusetts through North Carolina- 82

11 Rooted aquatic vegetation in the Chesapeake Bay ................. 99

12 Fish and Wildlife Service land-use designations for
the South Atlantic Zone ......................................... 115

13 Species with special status in the South Atlantic Zone .......... 125

LIST OF FIGURES

Page

The study area .................................................. 3

Classification scheme for Atlantic coast ecosystems,
showing zones and sections ...................................... 8

3 Index to map sheets and major zones of Atlantic Coast
Ecological Inventory ............................................ 17

4 Major sections of the North Atlantic Zone ....................... 29

5 Major sections and subsections of the Middle Atlantic Zone ...... 53

6 Major sections and subsections of the South Atlantic Zone ....... 113

vii

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service would like to thank Bill Jones, Bruce
Palmer, and John Roney employed by the U.S. Geological Survey for their
assistance in the design and quality control in producing the maps for this
study.

Numerous Federal and State agencies, and private individuals contributed
valuable resource information which was key to the accomplishment of this
inventory effort.

PART 1

INTRODUCTION

1.1 BACKGROUND

Plans for new major energy facilities along the Atlantic coastline of the
United States have recently conflicted with the protection of valuable coastal
fish and wildlife species and their habitats. Conflicts arose during the
recent proposed siting of oil refineries in Maine and Virginia. In Eastport,
Maine, the conflict centered around the siting of a proposed refinery in an
area where numerous bald eagles nest and other valuable resources occur. The
siting of a proposed refinery on the Chesapeake Bay at Portsmouth, Virginia,
was opposed primarily because the resources were already under stress. The
area supports extensive oysterbeds and a blue crab overwintering area.

To reduce future conflicts, such as those which occurred in Maine and
Virginia, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) has conducted an ecological
inventory to assist industry in their advanced planning and evaluation pro-
cedures. FWS's intent was to lessen the chance for serious dispute during the
later permit review evaluation process. This study resulted in 31 fish and
wildlife coastal inventory maps (referred to in this report as maps) and a
User's Guide and Information Base (referred to as the report). This is the
first phase of an effort by FWS to provide planners and industry officials
with the appropriate assistance and guidance in their plans for environmental
protection. The maps reduce the potential for conflict by depicting areas or
resources that are most ecologically or economically valuable and that could
be most vulnerable to the construction and operation of energy-producing
facilities. In addition, the maps should be of assistance in reducing envi-
ronmental damage from energy facilities at any location along the Atlantic
coast.

Although the value of the inventory maps is somewhat restricted by their
scale and the scarcity of fish and wildlife and habitat information, this
report and the maps provide a comprehensive inventory of the natural resources
of the Atlantic coast. These resource maps have been sought by coastal plan-
ners for coastal zone management and oil spill contingency planning.

1.2 PURPOSE AND SCOPE

The purpose of the User's Guide and Information Base report and the
inventory maps is to establish the size and scope of natural resources, as
well as their location and value. The report supplements the maps with bio-
logical descriptions and lends support and credence to the map inventories.
The maps identify significant natural resource areas and fish and wildlife
resource concentrations along the Atlantic seaboard which are vulnerable to
the construction and operation of oil- and gas-processing facilities and
transportation systems. The focus of this inventory is on the ecological
resources subject to the provisions of the Fish and Wildlife Coordination Act,
the Endangered Species Act, and other related legislation. The area covered
by the inventory ranges from the Canadian border to the southern tip of
Florida, excluding the Florida Keys. The study area includes the shoreline
seaward to the Federal-state demarcation zone (the three-mile limit), and
inland to the coastal zone boundary, as defined by each state. In special
cases, the study area extends to the head of navigable waterways under tidal
influence.

The maps provide an inventory of important coastal fish and wildlife
species and their habitats. Other land-use designations, such as wildlife
refuges, parks, and Federal Class I air quality areas, also are included. The
maps and this report do not designate areas where energy facilities or trans-
portation systems should be located, but rather they both identify areas of
significant concern. These maps are not intended as the only source of re-
source information for the Atlantic coast. Due to the small-scale maps and
schedule constraints on data collection, only significant species locations
and distributions are presented.

1.3 COASTAL CLASSIFICATION AND DESCRIPTION

The study area (shaded coastline, figure 1) covers portions of 15 coastal
states and occupies approximately 196,840 square kilometers (76,000 square
miles). The study area lies within two physiographic provinces: the New
England Province and the Coastal Plain Province. The New England Province
occupies the northern segment of the coast from the Canadian border to Long
Island Sound. The middle and southern segments of the Atlantic coast, extend-
ing from Long Island Sound southward to the southern tip of Florida, are
situated within the Coastal Plain Province. Each of these provinces corre-
sponds closely to the Level I hierarchical classification scheme for coastal
ecosystems developed by Terrell (1979). The New England Province is compat-
ible with Terrell's North Atlantic Zone and the Coastal Plain Province is
contained within Terrell's Middle Atlantic, South Atlantic, and Southern Flor-
ida Zones. This report is organized according to the Level I (zones) and
Level II (sections) subdivisions which comprise Terrell's classification
(figure 2). A description of each section in each zone is given in table 1.
The 12 sections provide the format for describing the resources identified in
the inventory. For this report, Terrell's Level I boundary between the Middle
Atlantic and South Atlantic Zones was moved northward from Cape Hatteras,
North Carolina, to Cape Henry, Virginia, and the Southern Florida Zone is
discussed as part of the South Atlantic Zone. For additional clarity, the
original Level II boundary for the Sea Islands section was moved southward
from Cape Fear to Winyah Bay.

.... .......

i j

. .... ... ....

150 0 150

S
'CALE 1@ M;LES'
EPALMUS a moons

Figure 1. The study area.

Table 1. Classification scheme for Atlantic
coast ecosystems (modeled after Terrell, 1979).

Level I Level II
(zones) (sections) Boundaries Section descriptions

North Atlantic Gulf of Maine Coast Maine-Canada border to Cape Rocky, deeply incised (drowned)
Elizabeth coastline with numerous bays,
estuaries, and islands. High
tidal range, creating abundance
of intertidal pool communities.
Small areas of mudflats and
marshes, few shallow areas.

Northern New England Cape Elizabeth to Cape Cod Some rocky shores, Cape Elizabeth
Coast at Monomoy Island to Cape Ann, mainly sandy beaches
south of Cape Ann. Sandy or
cobble beaches with high energy
except those sheltered within
Cape Cod Bay.

Middle Atlantic Southern New England Cape Cod at Monomoy Island Fairly irregular coastline with
Coast to Montauk Point, including several large islands, two large
Long Island Sound bays, and two sounds (one--Long
Island Sound--very large, protec-
ted). Mainly sandy beaches, some
high energy, with marsh areas
behind, some barrier islands,
some with dune systems.

continued

Table 1 (continued).

Level I Level II
(zones) (sections) Boundaries Section descriptions

Middle Atlantic New York Bight Montauk Point to Cape May Coastline dominated by wide,
(continued) sandy, high-energy beaches,
often with dune systems on
barrier islands protecting
bays and extensive marshes.

Delaware Bay Cape May to Cape Henlopen Large embayment somewhat pro-
tected from ocean. Extensive
marshes on both sides to 80
kilometers (50 miles) up bay.
Some oyster reefs in middle
and lower reaches.

Delmarva Shore Cape Henlopen to Cape Dominated by series of barrier
Charles islands with some dune systems
and high-energy, wide, sandy
beaches. Extensive marsh sys-
tem in protected shallow waters
behind islands.

Chesapeake Bay Cape Charles to Cape Henry Very large, "drowned coastline"
estuary with several riverine
subestuary systems. Largely
protected from high-energy ocean
influence but with pronounced
influence by saline waters and
marine organisms on declining
gradient northward into bay.

continued

Table 1 (continued).

Level I Level II
(zones) (sections) Boundaries Section descriptions

Middle Atlantic Chesapeake Bay Cape Charles to Cape Henry Extensive marsh systems, espe-
(continued) cially on Eastern Shore, some
oyster reefs. Sediment trans-
port processes, turbidity
highest in upper bay.

South Atlantic Paml.ico Sound Complex Pamlico, Albemarle., Wide, sandy beaches with extensive
Currituck Sounds, and marshy areas, mostly characterized
Back Bay by very extensive outer bank and
barrier island system which protects
the sound complex. Reasonably high
amount of freshwater inflow.

Virginia-Carolina Seaward coast of Outer Broad white quartz sand beaches;
Coast Banks from Cape Henry estuarine systems, smaller than
to Cape Lookout and both the Pamlico Sound Complex, are
estuarine systems and protected by numerous long, nar-
seaward islands from Cape row, small barrier islands. Also
Lookout to Winyah Bay includes marine systems seaward
of barrier islands from Cape
Hatteras to Cape Fear.

Sea Islands Winyah Bay to St. Johns Barrier islands small and numerous,
River coastline less protected, fairly
highly dissected coastline with
high freshwater inflow, gently
sloping, wide quartz sand beaches,
and very extensive marshes.

continued

Table 1 (continued).

Level I Level II
(zones) (sections) Boundaries Section descriptions

South Atlantic East Florida St. Johns River to Fort Low-lying beaches of calcareous
(continued) Lauderdale sand, extensive marshy areas,
some areas of very extensive
barrier islands, freshwater
inflow only from coastal plain.

Biscayne Bay Fort Lauderdale to Biscayne Extremely low-lying swampy
Bay coastline.

concluded

Gulf of Maine Coast

North Atlantic
Zone

Northern New England Coast

7 Southern New England Coast

New York Bight

Middle Atlantic
Zone

Delaware Bay

Delmarva Shore
1---/Chesapeke Bay

Pamlico Sound C@pplex

Virginia- Carolina Coast

South Atlantic
Sea Islands
Zone

East Florida

Biscayne Bay

MMMMS 0 WAOOMM

Figure 2. Classification scheme for Atlantic coast ecosystems, showing zones and sections
(modeled after Terrell, 1979).

The North Atlantic Zone occupies the northern quarter of the study region
(figure 2). The Gulf of Maine Coast and the Northern New England Coast sec-
tions of the North Atlantic Zone are underlaid by crystalline rock and are
characterized by low rolling hills of moderate relief, which have been modi-
fied by glacial action. The Maine coastline, in particular, is a typical
shoreline of submergence exhibiting numerous embayments, fiord-like estuaries,
and wave-cut cliffs.

The Southern New England Coast section in the Middle Atlantic Zone is
characterized by dissected and glaciated low hills of moderate relief, which
have developed on complex structural features of crystalline rock. Although
the coastline is irregular and submerged, it does not exhibit the deeply
incised bays and estuaries which are prominent in Maine and in parts of north-
ern Massachusetts and eastern Rhode Island.

The physiography of the Atlantic coast changes markedly from Long Island
Sound to Florida. This change in coastline pattern and topographic config-
uration is due principally to differences in lithology and processes of
deposition and erosion along a shoreline which varies from submerged to com-
posite to emergent. The coast from New York to Florida is characterized by a
series of poorly consolidated, gently dipping sedimentary strata consisting of
variable thicknesses of sands, silts, clays, and marls. Physiographically,
this area extends from Cape Cod southward to the East Florida section.

From the New York Bight subsection, located in the Middle Atlantic Zone,
south to the Pamlico Sound subsection of the South Atlantic Zone is a sub-
maturely dissected, composite shoreline of low-to-moderate relief containing
numerous terraces aligned parallel to the coast. The coastline is highly
irregular and is characterized by drowned river valleys and wide embayments
including the Delaware and Chesapeake Bays. A series of long, narrow barrier
islands occurs offshore, particularly in areas adjacent to the southern coast
of Long Island, and portions of New Jersey, the Delmarva Coast, and North
Carolina. These barrier island systems serve to protect bays, shallow waters,
and marshes from wave action and currents along the coast.

The Virginia-Carolina Coast and Sea Islands sections have a low relief,
terraced coastal plain with a submerged and dissected coastline. Large rivers
in this area carry sediment loads which, when deposited at the river mouth,
form barrier beaches and extensive marshes backed by swamps. The barrier is-
lands in this section are small, but numerous in comparison to the longer,
more continuous stretches which characterize the lower Middle Atlantic Zone.

The East Florida section is a young marine plain of very low relief
characterized by sandhills, swamps, sinks, and lakes. Few streams drain in
this lowland area. The underlying sedimentary strata recently have been
raised above sea level and the coastline is a typical shoreline of emergence,
characterized by an extensive series of nearly continuous barrier islands
extending from Daytona Beach to Biscayne Bay. Biscayne Bay is discussed as
part of the South Atlantic Zone in this report.

PART 2

METHODOLOGY

2.1 COASTAL ZONE BOUNDARIES

The study area inland boundaries are the same, with a few exceptions, as
the coastal zone boundaries for each state. Information on coastal zone
boundaries (to establish the study area boundaries) was obtained from maps and
reports supplied by the Office of Coastal Zone Management of the National
Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and by each of the 15 states
along the Atlantic seaboard. The three-mile limit delineation (offshore
boundary) was based on information furnished by the Bureau of Land Management
(BLM) and NOAA. Because the designation of inland coastal boundaries is
complex, the extent of the boundaries, as defined for this study, is sum-
marized in table 2. For the five New England states, the coastal zone
boundaries encompass the inland limits of designated coastal towns, except in
Connecticut where the coastal zone extends up the Connecticut River to Hart-
ford. In New York, the coastal zone boundary includes Long Island and a
portion of the Hudson River Valley to Albany. The coastal zone boundaries
used in this study to define the inland limits of Massachusetts, Rhode Island,
Connecticut, and New York were extended beyond the officially designated state
limits so that they would be compatible with the regional 1:250,000-scale map
presentation. In New Jersey and Pennsylvania, the inland boundaries were
based on a series of roads and rights-of-way. Delaware's coastal zone in-
cludes the entire State. The inland coastal zone boundaries for Maryland and
Virginia, follow the coastal (tidewater) counties and independent cities. In
addition, Washington, D.C., is included as part of the coastal zone. Coastal
county boundaries were used for defining the North Carolina, South Carolina,
and Georgia inland boundaries. In Florida, roads and rights-of-way define the
inland coastal boundary. For the specific location of accepted coastal zone
management boundaries, contact the appropriate state coastal zone management
agency.

2.2 DATA COLLECTION AND REPORTING

The data used to compile the habitat inventory maps and the supporting
narrative report were collected from. numerous Federal organizations such as
FWS, the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), the U.S. Environmental
Protection Agency (EPA), BLM, NOAA, water and natural resource divisions of
the various states, and private organizations, such as the Atlantic States
Fisheries Commission, regional planning commissions, environmental research
foundations, and universities. The references acquired from the numerous

Table 2. Criteria for establishing state
coastal zone management (CZM) boundaries.

State Coastal zone boundary follows or includes Source

Maine Coastal towns State CZM
New Hampshire Coastal towns State CZM
Massachusetts Coastal towns State CZM

Rhode Island Coastal towns State CZM
Connecticut Coastal towns plus Connecticut River
to Hartford State CZM
New York All of Long Island and Hudson Valley
to Albany State CZM
New Jersey Roads and rights-of-way; Delaware and
Hudson River areas determined for
this study State CZM
Pennsylvania Roads and rights-of-way State CZM
Delaware Coastal counties (entire state) State CZM
Maryland Coastal (tidewater) counties plus
Washington, D.C. State CZM
Virginia Coastal (tidewater) counties and towns State CZM
North Carolina Coastal (tidewater) counties State CZM
South Carolina Coastal counties State CZM
Georgia Coastal counties FWS using state's
former CZM
boundary
Florida Roads and rights-of-way State CZM

agencies were reviewed and analyzed for each geographic area, and information
on major habitats and fish and wildlife resource groups was abstracted. For a
complete listing of all information sources contacted, see the List of Sources
included at the end of each section of this report. Major emphasis was placed
on information that was accurate, useful, and applicable to the inventory
maps.

Because the base map scale was relatively small (1:250,000), the amount
of information shown on each map was considered carefully to prevent excessive
detail and confusion. Species with special status and special land-use areas
were major elements of the map inventory. For example, the location of every
endangered or threatened species and the special land-use areas, such as
parks, wildlife refuges, and preserves, within the study boundaries were shown
on the maps where data were available.

The maps present significant resources using both point feature and area
feature symbols. Instead of multiple overlays, the information on a single
map was indicated by using various symbols, colors, and patterns. This method
was found to provide the most uncluttered, readable, and understandable map.

Major categories shown on the inventory maps were species with special
status (e.g., the endangered shortnose sturgeon), valuable resources (e.g.,
shellfish and waterfowl), migratory routes (e.g., shorebirds and Atlantic
salmon), and seasonal habits (e.g., overwintering). Additional information
about distribution, density, and life history of a particular species or group
was incorporated in this report for each of the coastal zones (parts 4 to 6).

2.3 DATA REVIEW AND ANALYSIS

The data and literature search included cataloging, reviewing, and
analyzing a large amount of ecological data. This review was a major task,
and deciding what data should be included on the maps required considerable
judgement.

One or more writers of this report visited selected areas within each of
the three major zones. They collected information and corresponded with eco-
logists and fish and game agency personnel. However, most of the information
was obtained by telephoning Federal, state, local, and private groups familiar
with the resources of a particular area and by requesting appropriate reports
and data.

A list of most of the important plants and animals (and their scientific
names) in the study area (364 species) is given in table 3. Data were com-
piled for each species which had a special status designation (endangered or
threatened) and for groups (e.g., fish or birds), types of habitat (e.g. ,
reefs or marshes), and when available, resource statistics also were compiled.
The type and amount of detail shown on each map was dependent on the type and
amount of information available.

Data were most available for species which were threatenea an6 endan-
gered, and for fish and wildlife species that support commercial or sport
industries. For major fisheries, data on the maps include spawning and nur-
sery areas, shellfish bed locations, and fishing areas. For birds, wildlife,

Table 3. Species or groups of organisms (with identifying
numbers) in the Atlantic Coast Ecological Inventory.*

AQUATIC SPECIES

PLANTS (I through 50) 114 Hickory shad (A. mediocris) 167 Yellow perch (Perca flavenscens)
115 Alewife (A. pseudoharengus) 168 Pumpkinseed (Lepomis gibbosus)
I Irish moss (Chondrus crispus) S 116 American shad (A. sapidissima) 169 Atlantic halibut (Hippoglossus hippoglossus)
2 Rockweed 117 Atlantic menhadin (Brevoortia tyrannus) 170 Atlantic cod (Gadus morhua)
118 Atlantic herring (Clupea harengus harengus) 171 Pollock (Pollachius virens)
INVERTEBRATES (51 through 100) 119 Gizzard shad (Dorosoma cepedianum) 172 Haddock (Melanogrammus aeglefinus)
120 Tarpon (Megalops atlantica) 173 Hake (Merluccius sp., Urophycis sp.)
51 Crabs 121 Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) 174 Bluefin Tuna (Thunnus thynnus)
52 Mussels 122 White catfish (Ictalurus catus) 175 Walleye (Stizostedion vitreum vitreum)

53 Oysters 123 Channel catfish (I. punctatus)7 176 Northern
54 Scallops 124 Yellow bullhead (I. natalis) 177 Scup (Stenotomus chrysops)
55 Clams 125 Brown bullhead ( I. nebulosus) 178 Tautog (lautoga onitis)
56 Worms 126 Flat bullhead (I. platycephalus) 179 Atlantic spadefish (Chaetopipterus faber)
57 Shrimp 127 Sea catfish (Arius felis) 180 Bay anchovy (Anchoa mitchilli)
58 American lobster (Homarus americanus) 128 White perch (Morone americana) 181 Butterfish (Peprilus triacanthus)
59 Blue crab (Callinectes sapidus) 129 Striped bass (M. saxatilis) 182 Little tunny (Euthynnus alletteratus)
60 Eastern oyster (Crassostrea virginica) 130 Black sea bass (Centropristis striata) 183 Atlantic bonito (Sarda sarda
61 European oyster (Ostrea edulis) 131 Redbreast sunfish (Lepomis auritus) 184 Brown trout ( Salmo trutta)
62 Bay scallop (Argopecten irradians) 132 Warmouth (L. gulosus) 185 Cunner (Tautoogolabrus adspersus)
63 Deep-sea scallop (Placopecten maqellanicus) 133 Bluegill (L. macrochirus) 186 Yellowtail flounder (Limanda ferruginea)

64 Calico scallop (A. gibbus) 134 Largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides) 187 Gulf flounder (Paralichtys albigutta)

65 Surf clam (Spisula solidissima) 135 Black crappie (Pomoxis nigromaculatus) 188 Pinfish (Lagodon rhomboides)
66 Hard clam (Mercenaria mercenaria) 136 Sheepshead (Archosargus probatocephalus) 189 King mackerel (Scomberomorus cavalla)
67 Soft shell clam (Mya arenaria) 137 Spotted seatrout (Cynoscion nebulosus) 190 Pigfish (Orthopristis chrysoptera)
68 Brackish-water clam (Rangia cuneata) 138 Weakfish (C. regalis) 191 White grunt (Haemulon striatum)
69 Bloodworm (Glycera dibranchiata) 139 Spot (Leiostomus xanthurus) 192 Tripletail (Lobotes surinamensis
70 Sandworm (Nereis virens) 140 Atlantic croaker (Micropogan undulatus) 193 Ladyfish (Elops saurus)
194 Snook (Centropomus undecimalis)
71 White shrimp (Panaeus setiferus) 141 Southern kingfish (Menticirrhus americanus)
72 Brown shrimp (P. aztecus) 142 Northern kingfish (M. saxatilis) 195 Jack (Carangidae)
73 Northern shrimp (Pandulus borealis) 143 Gulf kingfish (M. littoralis) 196 Snapper (Lutjanidae)
74 Rock crab (Cancer irroratus) 144 Red drum (Sciaenops ocellata) 197 Grouper (Serranidae)
75 Jonah crab (C. borealis) 145 Star drum (Stellifer lanceolatus) 198 Sailfish (Istiophorus platypterus)
76 Whelk (Busycon sp.) 146 Black drum (Pogonias cromis) 199 Great barracuda (Sphyraena barracuda)
77 Ocean quahog (Arctica islandica) 147 Summer flounder (Paralichtys dentatus) F 200 Maryland darter (Etheostoma sellare)

78 Pink shrimp (Penaeus duorarum) 148 Southern flounder (P. lethostigma)
79 Stone crab (Menippe mercenaria) 149 Winter flounder (Pseudopleuronected REPTILES AND AMPHIBIANS (201 through 250)
80 Spiny lobster (Panulirus argus) americanus)
150 Rainbow smelt (Osmerus mordax) F 201 Green sea turtle (Chelonia mydas)
FISH (101 through 200) 151 Atlantic tomcod (Microgadus tomcod) F 202 Loggerhead sea turtle (Caretta caretta)
152 Threadfin shad (Dorosoma petenense) F 203 Hawksbill turtle (Eretmochelys imbricata)
101 Sharks, skates, rays (Chondrichthyes) 153 Carp (Cyprinus carpio) F 204 Atlantic ridley turtle (Lepidochelys kempi)
102 Herring (Clupeidae) 154 Atlantic mackerel (Scomber scombrus) F 205 Leatherback turtle (Dermochelys coriacea)
103 Salmon and trout (Salmonidae) 155 Chain pickerel (Esox niger)

104 Catfish (Ictaluridae, Ariidae) 156 White bass (Morone chrysops) MAMMALS (251 through 300)
105 Cod (Gadidae) 157 Northern puffer (Sphoeroides maculatus)
106 Sunfish and bass (Centrarchidae) 158 Silver perch (Bairdiella chrysura) F 251 Florida manatee (Trichechus manatus)
107 Drum (Sciaenidae) 159 Florida pompano (Trachinotus carolinus) 252 Atlantic bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops
108 Fl atfish (Pleuronectiformes) 160 Bluefish (Pomatomus saltatrix) truncatus)
109 Longnose gar (Lepisosteus osseus) 161. Spanish mackerel (Scomberomorus maculatus) 253 Pigmy sperm whale (Kogia breviceps)
F 110 Shortnose Sturgeon (Acipenser brevirostrum) 162 Cobia (Rachycentron canadum) 254 Short-finned pilot whale (Globicephala
S 1ll Atlantic sturgeon (A. oxyrhynchus) 163 Mullet (Mugilidae) macrorhycha)
164 White crappie (Pomoxis annularis)
112 American eel (Anguilla rostrata) 255 Harbor seal (Phoca vitulina)
113 Blueback herring (Alosa aestivalis) 165 Redear sunfish (Lepomis microlophus)
256 Gray seal (Halichoerus grypus)
166 Smallmouth bass (Micropterus dolomieui) F 257 Right whale (Eubalaena glacialis)
258 Atlantic spotted dolphin (Stenella plagiddon)
Continued

Table 3 (continued).

TERRESTRIAL SPECIES

PLANTS (301 through 350)

301 Eastern hemlock (Tsuga canadensis)
S 302 Spleenwort (Asplenium heteroresiliens)
S 303 Spider lily (Hymenocallis coronaria)
S 304 Pond bush (Litsea pestivalis)
S 305 Watermilfoil (Muriophyllum laxum)
S 306 Hooded pitcher plant (Sarracenia minor)
307 Tree
S 308 Prickly pear cactus (Oountia humifusa)
S 309 Trailing arbutus (Epigaea repeus)
310 Eastern bumelia (Bumeila lycioides)
311 Pitcher plant (Sarracenia purpurea)
312 Baldcypress (Taxodium distichum
313 Redbay (Persea borbonia)
314 Seaside alder (Alnus maritima
315 Box huckleberry (Gaylussacia brachycera
316 Purple fringeless orchid (Habenaria peramoena)
317 Pink lady's slipper *Cypripedium acaule)
S 318 Ebony spleenwort (Asplenium platyneuron)
S 319 Orchids (Orchidacea)
S 320 Golden club (Orontium aquaticum)
321 Florida beargrass (Nolina atopocarpa)
322 East-coast coontie (Zamia umbrosa)
323 Fall-flowering ixia (Nemastylis floridana)
324 Jackson-vine (Smilax smallii)
325 Spoon-flower (Pelatandra sagittifolia)
326 Curtiss milkweed (Asclepias curtissii)
327 Sea lavender (Mallotonia graphalodes)
328 Hand fern (Ophioglossum palmatum)
329 Needle palm, Rhapidophylium hystrix)
330 Yellow squirrel-banana (Derringothamnus rugelii)
331 Beach creeper (Ernodea littoralis)
332 Florida coontie (Zamia floridana)
333 Four-petal pawpaw (Asimina tetramera)
334 Bird's nest spleenwort (Asplenium serratum)
335 Burrowing four-o'clock (Okenia hypogaea)
336 Beach star (Remirea maritima)
337 Silver palm (Coccothrinax argentata)
338 Dancing lady orchid (Oncidium variegation)
339 Tamarindillo (Acacia choriophylla)
340 Fuch's bromeliad (Guzmania monostachia)
341 Everglades peperomia (Peperomia floridana)
342 Buccaneer palm (pseudophoenix sargentii)
343 Slender spleenwort (Asplenium dentatum)
344 Pine jacquemontia (Jacquemontia curtissii)
345 Mahogany mistletoe (Phorandendron rubrum)
346 Florida thatch (Tphrinax floridana)
347 Twisted air plant (Tillandsia flexuosa)
348 Long's bittercress (Cardamine Longii)
349 Venus flytrap (Dionaea muscipula)

INVERTEBRATES (351 through 400)

351 Monarch butterfly (Danaus plexippus)
352 Zebra butterfly (Papilio marcellus)

BIRDS (401 through 600)

401 Shorebirds (401 through 430)
402 Terns
403 Gulls
404 Forster's tern (Sterna forsteri)
405 Arctic tern (S. paradisaea)
S 406 Least tern (S. albifrons)
S 407 Roseate tern (S. dougallii)
408 Common tern (S. hirundo)
409 Great black-backed gull (Larus marinus)
410 Herring gull (L. argentatus)
411 Laughing gull (L. atricilla)
s 412 Black skimmer (Rynchops nigra)
413 Turnstones (Aranariinae)
414 Plovers (Charadriinae)
415 Piping plover (Charadrius melodus)
S 416 American oystercatcher (Haematopus palliatus)

431 Wading birds (431 through 460)
432 Herons (ardeinae)
433 Egrets (Ardeinae
434 Rails (Rallinae)
435 Ibises (Threskiornithinae)
436 Bitterns (Botaurinae)
S 437 Great blue heron (Ardea herodias)
S 438 Wood ibis (Mycteria americana)
439 Anhinga (Anhinga anhinga)
S 440 Little blue heron (Florida caerulea)
S 441 Yellow-crowned night heron
442 Black-crowned night heron
S 443 Florida sandhill crane (Grus canadensis
pratensis)
S 444 Louisiana heron (Hydranassa tricolor)
S 445 Limpkin (Aramus guarauna)
S 446 Roseate spoonbill (Ajaia ajaja)
S 447 Snowy egret (Leucophoyx thula)
S 448 Magnificent frigate-bird (Fregata magnificens
rothshildi)
S 449 Reddish egret (Dichromanassa rufescens)
450 Clapper rail (Rallus longirostris)
451 King rail (Rallus elegans)
452 Virginia rail (Rallus limicola)
453 Sora rail (Porzana carolina)

461 Waterfowl (461 through 500)
462 Swans (Cyginae)

Continued

463 Geese (Anserinae)
464 Dabbling ducks (Anatinae)
465 Diving ducks (Aythyinae)
466 Common eider (Somateria mollissima)
467 Harlequin duck (Histrionicus histrionicus)
468 Wood duck (Aix sponsa)
469 Fulvous tree duck (Dendrocygna bicolor)
470 Loons (Gaviidae)
471 Grebes (Podicipedidae)
472 Brant geese (Branta bernicla
473 Snow goose (Chen hyperborea)
474 Gadwall (Anas strepera)
475 Black duck (Anas rubripes)

501 Raptors (501 through 530)
502 owls (Strigiformes)
503 Kites (Elaninae, Milvinae)
504 Hawks (Accipitrinae, Buteoninae)
F 505 Bald eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus)
S 506 Osprey (Pandlion haliaetus)
F 507 Peregrine falcon (Falco peregrinus)
S 508 Cooper's hawk (Accipiter cooperii)
509 Swallow-tailed kite (Elanoides forficatus)
S 510 Marsh hawk (Circus cyaneus)
S 511 Southeastern American kestrel (Falco sparverius
paulus)
S 512 Florida burrowing owl (Athena cunicularia)

531 Seabirds (531 through 550)
532 Petrels, shearwaters, and albatroses
533 Pelican and allies (Pelecaniformes)
534 Alcids (Alcidae)
F 535 Brown pelican (Pelecanus occidentalis)
536 Black guillemot (Cepphus grylle)
537 Leach's petrel (Oceanodroma leucorhoa)
538 Razorbill (Alca torda)
539 Common puffin (Fratercula artica)
540 Double-crested cormorant (Phalacrocorax auritus)
541 Gannet (Morus bassanus)
542 Wilson's petrel (Oceanites oceanicus)
543 Northern phalarope (Lobipes lobatus)
544 Audubon's shearwater (Puffinus lherminieri)
545 Greater shearwater (P. gravis)
546 Shearwaters (Puffininae)
547 Petrels *Hydrobatidae)
548 Jaegers (Stercorariidae)
549 White pelican (Pelecanus erythrorhynchos)

551 Songbirds and others (551 through 600)
F 552 Red-cockaded woodpecker (Dendrocopos borealis)
553 Chachalaca (Ortalis vetula)
F 554 Bachman's warbler (Vermivora bachmanii)
555 Wild turkey (Meleagris gallpavo)

Table 3 (continued).

556 American woodcock (Philohela minor)
557 Pileated woodpecker (Dryocopus pileatus)
558 Swainson's warbler (Limnothlypis swainsonii)
559 Ruffed grouse (Bonasa umbellus)
560 Bobwhite (Colinus virginianus)
561 Mourning dove (Zenaidura macroura)
562 Warblers (Parulidae)
563 Ring-necked pheasant (Phasianus colchicus)
564 Bank swallow (Riparia riparia)
F 565 Dusky seaside sparrow (Ammospiza nigrescens)
S 566 White-crowned pigeon (Columva leucocephala)

REPTILES AND AMPHIBIANS (601 through 700)

S 601 Eastern narrow-mouthed toad (Gastrophryne
carolinensis)
F 602 Eastern indigo snake (Drymarchon corals)
F 603 American alligator (Alligator mississipiensis)
604 Northern diamondback terrapin (Malaclemys
terrapin terrapin)
605 Amphibians
606 Greater sirem (Siren lacertina)
S 607 Bog turtle (Clemmys muhlenbergi)
S 608 Gopher tortoise (Gopherus polyphemus)
S 609 Eastern tiger salamander (Ambystoma tigrinum
tigrinum)
610 Northern fence lizard (Sceloporus undulatus
hyacinthinus)
611 Five-lined skink (Eumeces fasciatus)
612 Map turtle (Graptemys geographica)
F 613 Plymouth red-bellied turtle (Chrysemys (Pseudemys)
rubriventris bangsi)
614 Eastern diamondback rattlesnake (Crotalus
adamanteus)
615 Carolina gopher frog (Rana areolata capito)
S 616 Florida gopher frog (Rana areolata aesopus)
F 617 Atlantic salt marsh watersnake (Nerodia Fasciata
taeniata)
F 618 American crocodile (Crocodylus acutus)
S 619 Florida Keys mole skink (Eumeces egregius
egregius)
S 620 Florida black-headed snake (Tantilla oolitica)
S 621 Pine barrens tree frog (Hyla andersoni)
S 622 Northern pine snake (Pituophis melanoleucus
melanuleucus)
S 623 Corn snake (Elaphe guttata)
S 624 Timber rattlesnake (Crotalus horridus horridus)
S 625 South gray tree frog *Hyla chrysoscelis)

MAMMALS (701 through 800)

701 Beaver (Castor canadensis)
702 Whitetail deer (Odocoileus virginianus)
703 European fallow deer (Dama dama)
704 Blackbeard Island deer (O. v. nigribarbis)
705 Opossum (Didelphis marsupialis)
706 Marsh rabbit (Sylvilagus palustris)
707 Rice rat (Oryzomys palustris)
708 Raccoon (Procyon lotor)
709 St. Simon Island raccoon (P. l. litoreus)
710 Mink (Mustela vison)
711 River otter (Lutra canadensis)
712 Feral hog (Sus scrofa)
713 Feral cow (Box caurus)
714 Cumberland Island pocket goher (Geomys
cumberlandius)
715 Anastasia Island cotton mouse (Peromyscus
gossypinus anastasae)
716 Aquatic furbearers
S 717 Black bear (Ursus americanus)
718 Bobcat (Lynx rufus)
719 Eastern gray squirrel (Sciurus carolinensis)
720 Eastern fox squirrel (Sciurus niger)
721 Eastern cottontail (Sulvilagus floridanus)
F 722 Delmarva fox squirrel (Sciurus niger cinereus)
723 Muskrat (Ondatra zibethica)
724 Red fox (Vulpes fulva)
725 Bats (Chiroptera)
726 Gray fox (Urocyon cinereoargenteus)
727 Striped skunk (Mephitis mephitis)
728 Nutria (Myocastor coypus)
729 Longtail weasel (Mustela frenata)
S 730 Colonial pocket gopher (Geomys colonus)
731 Wild ponies (Equus caballus)
732 Sika deer (Cervus nippon)
733 Beach meadow vole (Microtus breweri)
734 Block Island meadow vole (M. pennsulvanicus
provectus)
S 735 Pallid beach mouse (Peromyscus polionotus
decoloratus)
S 736 Sherman's fox squirrel (Sciurus niger shermani)
S 737 Florida mouse (Peromyscus floridanus)
F 738 Florida panther (Felis concolor coryi)
S 739 Goff's pocket gopher (Geomys pinetus goffi)
S 740 Key Largo wood rat (Neotoma floridana smolli)
S 741 Lower keys cotton rat (Sigmodon hispidus
exsputus)
S 742 Key Largo cotton mouse (Peromyscus gossypinus
allapaticola)

*F = Federally listed threatened or endangered species.
S = State-listed threatened or endangered species.

concluded

and marine mammal species of major importance, the nesting, wintering, migra-
tory, and major concentration areas were indicated on the maps if data were
ava i 1 abl e. Because many groups or species occur ubiquitously, the notebox on
each map indicates their occurrence in each area. Areas of special biological
concern, such as reefs, seagrass beds, beaches, dunes, offshore islands,
marshes, and Class I shellfish waters, are indicated on the maps, depending on
their size and their economic, ecological, or scientific importance. The
species, habitat, and status designations have been depicted by a combination
of symbols keyed to alphanumeric descriptors and color. A list of the de-
picted aquatic and terrestrial species and their identifying numbers is shown
on each map.

The data are only as reliable as the source material. Certain information
was not included on the maps if reports were not readily available, if the
reports contained proprietary information, if the data were ambiguous, or if
the source material was difficult to obtain. Because of time constraints, a
comprehensive review of published and unpublished reports was not possible.
Nonetheless, the information presented on the inventory maps and in this re-
port represents the most reliable information available as of April 1980 for
the entire Atlantic Coastal Zone.

2.4 INVENTORY GRAPHICS

2.4.1 The Maps and Grid System

The base maps used in this study are the United States Geological Survey
(USGS) National Topographic Map series with a scale of 1:250,000. These maps
contain the Universal Transverse Mercator (UTM) grid system. The 31 Atlantic
Coast Ecological Inventory maps are shown in figure 3 and listed in table 4.
Parts of two additional USGS maps have been included as insets. The extreme
northern coast of Maine is covered by a portion of the Fredericton sheet which
is included as an inset on the Eastport sheet. In addition, a portion of the
western third of the Albany map, covering the Hudson Valley, has been placed
to the left of the Hartford sheet.

The 10,000-meter centered UTM grid system is used on the maps as an
aid in locating specific points. The flexibility of the UTM grid system is
advantageous in this inventory because of the variable orientation of the
coastline. Although major sections of the Atlantic coast trend in a north-
south direction, other sections are oriented in an east-west direction. As a
result, the east-west grid lines are employed to great advantage in describing
the biological resources along a north-south coastal segment, whereas the
north-south grid lines are used to describe the biological resources occurring
within portions of an east-west-coastal trend.

In this study, the UTM grid reference system has been used with the sec-
tional classification of the Atlantic coast (table 1, figures 2 and 3). The
east-west grid lines are used to provide the basic reference system for the
major portion of the coast, particularly in the region extending from the
southern half of the New York Bight section (New Jersey Shore) to the Biscayne
Bay. The north-south grid is employed to locate the biological resources
within selected portions of the study region, specifically the Gulf of Maine
Coast, the Southern New England Coast, and the northern third of the New York
Bight (Long Island South Shore).

FREDERICTON
INSET

..... . ......
T4
.:n-J
North Atlantic
MTN
@64 Zone

V
IS-
ALBANYIN ET
0-

Middle Atlantic
Zone

1A
LLL

00 W.

..........
SPA

South Atlantic
Zone
-IQ
10

AA
7 W73

,05-

=2
JffiCV

M
Wt.
ST

Figure 3. Index to map sheets and major zones of Atlantic Coast Ecological Inventory.

17 ZPALMRS a M@Donn

Table 4. USGS maps (1:250,000) used in the Atlantic Coast
Ecological Inventory and corresponding Terrell Zones and Sections.

North Atlantic Zone Middle Atlantic Zone South Atlantic Zone

Northern Southern
Gulf of New New New Virginia- Pamlico
Maine England England York Delaware Delmarva Chesapeake Carolina Sound Sea East Biscayne
State Coast Coast Coast Bight Bay Shore Bay Coast Complex Islands Florida Bay

Fredericton ME X
Eastport ME X
Bangor ME X
Bath ME X
00 Portland ME; NH X X
Boston MA; NH; CT;
RI; ME X
Providence RI; MA; CT; NY X X
Hartford CT; NY; NJ; MA X
Albany NY; CT; MA;
NH; VT X
New York NY; NJ; CT X X
Newark NJ; PA; NY X X
Wilmington DE; NJ; PA; MD X X X
Salisbury MD; DE; NJ; VA X X X X
Baltimore MD; PA; VA; WV X
Washington DC; MD; VA X
Richmond VA; MD X
Norfolk VA; MD X X
Eastville VA; NC; MD X X X X
Manteo NC X X
Rocky Mount NC X X
Beaufort NC X X

continued

Table 4 (continued).

North Atlantic Zone Middle Atlantic Zone South Atlantic Zone

Northern Southern
Gulf of New New New Virginia- Pamlico
Maine England England York Delaware Delmarva Chesapeake Carolina Sound Sea East Biscayne
States Coast Coast Coast Bight Bay Shore Bay Coast Complex Islands Florida Bay

Florence SC; NC X
Georgetown SC; NC X X
James Island SC X
Augusta GA; SC X
Savannah GA; SC X
Brunswick GA X
Jacksonville FL; GA X X
Daytona
Beach FL X
Orlando FL X
Fort Pierce FL X
West Palm
Beach FL X
Miami FL X X

concluded

Instructions on how to use the UTM system are found in the User's Guide
(part 3) of this report and on the legend of each map. Standard alphanumeric
coding is employed to identify the geographic location of specific points.

2.4.2 Cartographic Discussion

USGS supplied the separation plates for each of the base map sheets used
in this study. Each map sheet generally consists of a series of separation
plates that show drainage, open water, contour, road, and cultural features.
The individual separation plates composing each base map were aligned and pin
registered before being used for the inventory graphics. A black and white
composite of each base map was reproduced on stable base mylar. These indi-
vidual prepunched mylar maps then were used as the data base during the
synthesis and compilation of the biological and land-use resources of the
study region. Special land-use delineations were compiled directly on the
mylar base. The terrestrial and aquatic resources were compiled on separate
mylar overlays and pin registered to each of the mylar base maps.

The cartographic effort involved a series of coordinated tasks leading to
the production of 31 color-coded maps showing the ecological resources of the
Atlantic coast. The tasks included negative engraving (scribing process),
preparation of negative open windows (peelcoat process), composition of type
nomenclature, placement of type, and photo laboratory processing.

All linework and map unit boundaries were prepared by scribing to ensure
consistent line weights and close tolerance. The resulting scribe plates
subsequently were used to make press-ready negatives for printing by means of
contact photographic methods. In addition, the scribe plates provided the
capability for applying special colors to specific map unit boundaries. For
example, this process made it possible to separate and portray aquatic map
unit boundaries in blue, terrestrial map unit boundaries in brown, and species
with special status map unit boundaries in red. The peelcoat process allowed
large areas to be portrayed with special tints. For example, yellow high-
lights the study area limits, and light green shows the extent of special
land-use areas.

Each map sheet contains an average of 14 separate pin-registered flats--
a single flat represents a specific set of similar items, such as base map
information, symbols, patterns, linework, and nomenclature. Flats with the
same color code were combined and photographed individually to produce a final
press-ready negative. A total of five press-ready negatives were produced for
each map sheet; each negative represents one of the five colors depicted on
the map. The press-ready negatives were subsequently placed into a frame
collar, which was developed by USGS, prior to printing.

2.4.3 Inventory Map Development

The inventory maps are the major data source for the location of impor-
tant biological and ecological resources along the Atlantic coast. Prior to
preparing the final set of inventory maps, selected experiments were performed
to evaluate and demonstrate the applicability of employing colors, patterns,
and symbols for mapping different types of biological and land-use informa-
tion. These experiments were directed toward determining which techniques

would be most appropriate for satisfying the resource mapping requirements of
the inventory.

The two areas along the Atlantic coast selected for trial graphics were
the Gulf of Maine and the Sea Islands of Georgia. The 1:250,000-scale quad-
rangles covering Bangor, Maine, and Brunswick, Georgia, were used. Sample
color-coded maps were submitted to FWS for review and comments.

The final inventory graphics were prepared after draft copies of the
inventory graphics were reviewed by the individual states. The respective
comments on the accuracy and reliability of the mapped resource data were
evaluated and screened prior to incorporating the suggestions onto the appro-
priate draft compilation manuscript. The individual map sheets were then
revised and format registered prior to the preparation of press-ready nega-
tives.

PART 3

USER'S GUIDE

3.1 THE INVENTORY MAPS

The purpose of the inventory maps is to provide basic information on the
biological and land-use resources of the Atlantic coast. The maps are intended
to assist the user in the initial planning of energy facilities by showing the
location and occurrence of important fish and wildlife species and highlighting
the location of special land-use areas in the Atlantic Coastal Zone.

The inventory maps have been designed so that they can be used either
independently or in association with this report. However, for best results, the
user should consult the narrative report during his or her review of the inven-
tory maps.

The frame portion of each map contains a comprehensive legend and supplemen-
tal information, showing symbols, colors, patterns and lines, and alphanumeric
descriptors, each representing a specific biological resource, habitat, or
special land-use feature. The base map information from the standard 1:250,000-
scale National Topographic Map Series also has been retained for this inventory.
Table 5 summarizes the types of cultural and ecological information shown on the
inventory maps.

3.2 HOW TO USE THE INVENTORY MAPS

The inventory maps are multipurpose in scope and cover many aspects of the
biological environment of the Atlantic Coastal Zone. The reader should pay
attention to the legend and explanatory text while using the inventory maps.

For ease of identification, the inland and seaward boundaries of the coastal
zone are framed by a wide hatched line pattern, the inland or land portions of
the coastal zone are printed in yellow, and the seaward or water portions of the
coastal zone are printed in light blue. These boundaries compose the limits of
the study area, as defined by the Atlantic Coast Ecological Inventory.

The ecological information shown on the inventory maps may be divided into
three general categories (see table 5): land use/land cover, aquatic organisms,
and terrestrial organisms.

3.2.1 Land Use/Land Cover

Special land-use areas, such as national wildlife refuges, national parks,
state parks, and state wildlife management areas, always are shown with a light
green tint. Depending upon its size, a special land-use area can appear as
either a small circle centered over the area's location or as the official
boundary of the area. A special land-use area always is identified on the

Table 5. Summary of information shown on Atlantic Coast
Ecological Inventory maps.

Base Map

0 Water features (oceans, lakes, rivers, canals)

0 Cultural features (roads, railroads, airfields, civil boundaries)

0 Cartographic information (map sheet name, scale, location diagram, UTM
grid system)

Land Use/Land Cover

0 Study area (coastal zone boundary to three-mile limit)

0 Special land-use areas (refuges, wildlife management areas, national
or state parks, etc.)

0 Swamps

0 Marshes

0 Beaches and dunes

0 Reefs

Aquatic Organisms

9 Estuarine and riverine areas, indicated by lines depicting high-,
mid-, and low-salinity, and freshwater habitats

0 Point and area boundaries showing location and concentrations of
aquatic organisms, including species that are threatened or endangered

0 Symbol, number, and letter designators identifying general class,
species or group, and habitat use for aquatic organisms

0 Comprehensive species list keyed to five general classes of aquatic
organisms (plants, invertebrates, fish, reptiles and amphibians, and
mammals)

Terrestrial Organisms

0 Point and area boundaries showing locations and concentrations of ter-
restrial organisms, including species that are threatened or endan-
gered

continued

Table 5 (continued).

Terrestrial Organisms (cont'd)

0 Symbol, number, and letter designators identifying general class,
species or group, and habitat use for terrestrial organisms

0 Comprehensive species list keyed to five general classes of terres-
trial organisms (plants, invertebrates, birds, reptiles and amphib-
ians, and mammals), including six subclasses of birds (shorebirds,
wading birds, waterfowl, raptors, seabirds, and songbirds and others)

Notebox I

0 Special explanatory text, appearing in the map area or frame border,
which supplements the biological and land-use information shown on the
corresponding inventory map.

concluded

inventory maps by its official name, for example, Petit Manan National Wildlife
Refuge in Maine, Jones Beach State Park in New-YjDrk, and Ragged Island Wildlife
Management Area in Virginia.

Land cover features appearing on the inventory maps are swamps, marshes,
beaches/dunes, seagrass beds, and reefs. Swamps and marshes are identified by
screen patterns and overprinted with light blue. Beaches/dunes, seagrass beds,
and reefs are depicted by individual patterns overprinted in gray.

3.2.2 Aquatic Organisms

Aquatic organisms are identified on the inventory maps by a variety of line
widths, symbols, numbers, and letter designators. Aquatic organisms, including
plants, invertebrates, fish, reptiles and amphibians, and mammals, usually are
shown in blue unless the particular species has special status. Species with
special t.;ta'tus, that is, those species which are endangered or threatened, always
are shown in red on the inventory maps.

Local concentrations of aquatic organisms are identified by a point feature
(a solid dot of appropriate color); larger areas of concentration are delineated
by an enclosed boundary; and estuarine and riverine habitats are differentiated
by line symbols of varying widths. These line symbols can be solid, dashed, or
dotted, depending upon the salinity range in an area. For example, a heavy solid
line shown in an estuary signifies a high-salinity habitat; sequential dashed,
narrow solid, and dotted lines indicate progressively lower salinity habitats.
Point features, the boundary lines enclosing area features, and estuarine and
riverine habitat line symbols are shown in blue, unless the particular species
has special status, in which case the point or boundary line features always are
highlighted in red.

The classification scheme used on the inventory maps to identify a specific
aquatic species and its corresponding habitat use consists of a generalized
pictorial symbol, a number, and one or more lowercase letters. The pictorial
symbol denotes one of five general aquatic classes; the number refers to the
individual species or group from the species list, which appears in the right-
hand frame margin of each inventory map; and the lowercase letters (a through i)
refer to the specific habitat use of the particular species.

A representative example, showing the manner in which this classification
scheme is used on the map to identify a specific aquatic species and its habitat
use designation, is shown below.

Shown Fish
in F r-Species: Striped bass
Blue -am 129abdg
LHabitat use: spawning ground, nursery, adult concentra-
tion, migratory area

3.2.3 Terrestrial Organisms

Terrestrial symbols are identified on the inventory maps by a variety of
symbols, numbers, and letter designators. Terrestrial organisms, including
plants, invertebrates, birds, reptiles and amphibians, and mammals, usually are

shown in brown unless the particular species has special status. Species with
special status, that is, species which are endangered or threatened, are always
shown in red on the inventory maps.

Local concentrations of terrestrial organisms are identified by a point
feature (a solid dot of appropriate color); larger areas of concentration are
delineated by an enclosed boundary. Point features and boundary lines enclosing
area features are shown in brown, unless the particular species has special
status, in which case the point or boundary line features always are highlighted
in red.

The classification scheme used on the inventory maps to identify a specific
terrestrial species and its corresponding habitat use consists of a generalized
pictorial symbol, a number, and one or more lowercase letters. The pictorial
symbol denotes one of four general terrestrial classes or six bird subclasses;
the number refers to the individual species or group from the species list, which
appears in the right-hand frame margin of each inventory map; and the lowercase
letters (a through i) refer to the specific habitat use of the particular
species.

Representative examples, showing the manner in which this classification
scheme is used on the maps to identify a specific terrestrial species and its
habitat, are shown below.

Always Raptors
shown r f-- Species: bald eagle
in red 505h
L Habitat use: nesting area
F
Waterfowl
-Species: diving ducks
t465de
LHabitat use: adult concentration, overwintering area

Shown Mammals
in F -Species: whitetail deer
brown 0@ 702f
L-Habitat use: sport hunting area

3.3 HOW TO USE THE GRID REFERENCE SYSTEM

Each inventory map contains the standard UTM grid system made up of a
network of 10,000-meter vertical and horizontal grid lines keyed to correspond-
ing grid reference numbers. The legend block in the frame portion of each map
identifies the map's grid zone designation, the 100,000-meter square identifica-
tion for each map area, and a set of general instructions on how to use the UTM
grid reference system.

In this inventory, the UTM grid reference system is used to identify the
geographic location of biological resources. Specifically, the 10,000-meter
grid lines, consisting of a series of alphanumeric reference points, provide the
basic location system for describing the biological resources within discrete
intervals, or swaths along the Atlantic coast. The east-west or horizontal grid

lines are used to subdivide sections of the Atlantic coast which trend in a
north-south direction. Two horizontal grid lines define a swath generally per-
pendicular to the coast. The swath locates geographically the biological re-
sources to be described. In a similar way, the north-south or vertical grid
lines are used to define swaths across sections of coast which trend in an east-
west direction.

The UTM grid reference system has been used with Terrell's Level II regional
classification scheme for Atlantic coast ecosystems (table 1 and figure 2). The
east-west grid lines are used to provide the basic reference system for describ-
ing the biological resources for the major portion of the coast, extending from
the southern two-thirds of the New York Bight section south through the South
Atlantic Zone. The north-south grid is used to describe the biological resources
within the Gulf of Maine Coast (North Atlantic Zone) and portions of the Middle
Atlantic Zone, namely, the Southern New England Coast, and the northern third of
the New York Bight (South Shore of Long Island).

UTM grid locations are identified by their alphanumeric designators, con-
sisting of two letters followed by two numbers (for example, grid reference XA02
or VT99). The two letters of the grid reference designator identify the appro-
priate 100,000-meter square in which the biological resource occurs; the two
numbers refine the location of the feature to the nearest 10,000-meter square.
The first number identifies the north-south or vertical grid line; the second
number designates the intersecting east-west or horizontal grid line. The verti-
cal grid line always is located to the left, or west, of the feature being
described; the intersecting horizontal grid line always is located below, or
south, of the feature of interest.

Two representative examples on how to use the UTM grid reference system are
presented below.

Example I

Map: Providence, RI; MA; CT; NY
Species of interest: Plymouth red-bellied turtle
Identify appropriate 100,000-meter square (legend block): CS
Locate 10,000-meter vertical grid number (always to left of point): 6
Locate 10,000-meter horizontal grid number (always below point): 3

The location is identified in the report as grid reference CS63.

Example 2

Map: Washington, DC; MD; VA
The location is identified in report as: grid reference UT05
Consult UTM legend block to identify appropriate 100,000-meter square: UT
Locate 10,000-meter vertical grid number (always to left of point): 0
Locate 10,000-meter horizontal grid number (always below point): 5

The grid reference refers to the location of the largest blue heron rookery
in the Middle Atlantic Zone.

PART 4

NORTH ATLANTIC ZONE

4.1 INTRODUCTION

For best results, much of the preparatory information in parts 1, 2, and 3
should be read before using the maps or using the information in part 4. Part 4
presents some of the physiographic, land-use, and geographic features of the
North Atlantic Zone and the characteristics and habits of some of the major
biological resources.

4.1.1 Physical Description

The North Atlantic Zone (figure 4) constitutes approximately 20 percent of
the study area and extends from the Canadian border to Monomoy Island off Cape
Cod, Massachusetts (grid reference FW30 to DR19). This zone is affected by the
Labrador Current and contains two distinct subdivisions or sections: the Gulf of
Maine Coast and the Northern New England Coast.

The ecological inventory of the North Atlantic Zone is covered by portions
of the following USGS 1:250,000-scale maps:

- Eastport, ME, US; NS, NB, CAN (includes portion of Fredericton, NB,
CAN; ME, US)
- Bangor, ME
- Bath, ME
- Portland, ME; NH
- Boston, MA; NH; CT; RI; ME
- Providence, RI; MA; CT; NY.

The Gulf of Maine Coast lies north of Cape Elizabeth and is characterized by
a rocky, fiord-like coastline with many bays, estuaries, and offshore islands.
This section has some of the highest tidal ranges--up to 7 meters (23 feet)--in
the United States. Consequently, the coastline has an abundance of intertidal
pools with wide environmental extremes. This section of the coast has small
areas of shallow mudflats and marshes. The Northern New England Coast is a
succession of high-energy gravel or coarse sand beaches and rocky shores which
stretch as far as Cape Ann. From Cape Ann to Cape Cod the beaches are mostly f i ne
sands. The coastline in this section is more regular than the Gulf of Maine
Coast in that it lacks the fiord-like appearance and offshore islands. Marshes
in this section of the coast are more extensive than marshes to the north, but
they are smaller than marshes of the Middle Atlantic Zone. The tidal range
decreases from north to south throughout the zone varying from about 6.1 meters
(20 feet) in upper Passamaquoddy Bay, 3.7 meters (i2 feet) at Bar Harbor, and 3.0
meters (10 feet) at Gloucester, Massachusetts, to 1.2 meters (4 feet) at Monomoy
Point. Upland areas within the North Atlantic Zone are characterized by moder-
ately rolling hills. The boundary between northern hardwood-conifer forest and
eastern deciduous forest occurs in the vicinity of Cape Elizabeth, Maine.

GULF OF MAINE COAST

EW ENGLAND COAST
NORTHERN N

...... 41

17@

Figure 4. Major sections of the North Atlantic Zone.

4.1.2 Special Land-Use Areas

The coastal area of the North Atlantic Zone generally is composed of densely
populated and urbanized portions of Maine, New Hampshire, and Massachusetts.

Of 86 special land-use areas, 13 are Federally owned while the remaining
areas are state owned (table 6). Acadia National Park, Roosevelt-Campobello
International Park, and Moosehorn Wilderness are designated as Class I air
quality areas. More than half of the areas are- recreationally significant,
ranging from the variety of Acadia National Park to open space and public beaches
in other areas. Approximately one-third of the areas are significant as natural
areas, and these areas range from remote islands, important to nesting birds, to
hunting areas under management control. In addition, one-quarter of the areas
have been denoted as having historic or cultural significance. Because of scale
limitations, all of the historic sites in the urban areas of the North Atlantic
Zone have not been shown on the maps. Scale limitations also prohibit showing
approximately 25 wildlife management areas under the jurisdiction of the Maine
Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife and approximately 180 small offshore
islands under the jurisdiction of the same department or of the Bureau of Public
Lands, Maine Department of Conservation. Information on these areas can be
obtained from the appropriate state agency.

4.2 RESOURCES OVERVIEW

The following paragraphs summarize the locations and habits of various
species in the North Atlantic Zone. Only the more important species of the zone
have been shown on the inventory maps due to scale limitations.

4.2.1 Species with Special Status

Species with special status shown on the accompanying inventory maps
include only those known to occur in the North Atlantic Zone which are designated
-as either threatened or endangered on Federal and state lists (table 7) and for
which supporting data were available. Species proposed for consideration as
endangered, threatened, or other classification are discussed only when appro-
priate in the applicable aquatic or terrestrial sections of this report.

Shortnose sturgeon (110) is an endangered species in the zone. This stur-
geon formerly inhabited many of the large rivers in the zone, but now it is rare.
This species is found in nearshore waters around favored estuaries such as the
Kennebec River; spawning, if it occurs, is in May and June.

Six endangered whale species occur in the North Atlantic Zone. Of these,
only the finback, humpback, and right whales prefer nearshore waters; the other
species are infrequent visitors to the zone. The migratory occurrence in marine
waters is from April to October for finbacks, and April through May and October
through December for humpback and right whales.

The bald eagle (505) is the most familiar species with special status and is
both endangered and threatened throughout its range. Maine is the only Atlantic
coast state north of the Chesapeake Bay which harbors a breeding population of
eagles. This wide separation between populations is considered to be the basis
for the development of two subspecies: the northern bald eagle (Haliaeetus

Table 6. Fish and Wildlife Service land-use
designations for the North Atlantic Zone.

Ownership/Administration Special significance

Private/ Natural/ Historic/
Name Federal State Local Ecological Cultural Recreational

MAINE

Moosehorn National Wildlife Refuge/
Moosehorn Wilderness* X X
St. Croix Island National Monument X X
Roosevelt-Campobello International
Park* X X
Cobscook Bay State Park X X
Quoddy Head State Park X X
Fort O'Brien State Park X X
Roque Bluffs State Park X X
Petit Manan National Wildlife Refuge X X
Acadia National Park* X X X X
Lamoine State Park X X
Howard L. Mendall Game Management
Area X X X
Fort Knox State Park X X
Sandy Point Game Management Area X X X
Fort Pownall State Park X X
Fort Point State Park X X X
Moose Point State Park X X
Fort George State Park X X
Holbrook Island Sanctuary State Park X X
Warren Island State Park X X X

Class I air quality area.

continued

Table 6 (continued).

Owinership/Administration Special significance

Private/ Natural/ Historic/
Name Federal State Local Ecological Cultural Recreational

MAINE (cont'd)

Camden Hills State Park X X X
Montpelier-General Knox Mansion X X
Damariscotta Lake State Park X X
Peacock Beach State Park X X
Seal Island National Wildlife Refuge X X
Franklin Island National Wildlife
Refuge X X
Pemaquid Restoration State Park X X
Fort William Henry State Park X X
Colonial Pemaquid State Park X X
Fort Edgecomb State Park X X
Reid State Park X X
Pond Island National Wildlife Refuge X X
Fort Popham State Park X X
Popham Beach State Park X X
Bradbury Mountain State Park X X
Mere Point Memorial State Park X X
Wolf Neck Woods State Park X X
Two Lights State Park X X
Crescent Beach State Park X X
Scarborough Beach State Park X X
Scarborough Game Management Area X X X
Rachel Carson National Wildlife Refuge X X
Vaughan Woods State Park X X X
John Paul Jones Memorial State Park X X
Fort McClary State Park X X

continued

Table 6 (continued).

Ownership/Administration Special significance

Private/ Natural/ Historic/
Name Federal State Local Ecological Cultural Recreational

NEW HAMPSHIRE

Hilton Park x x
Odiorne Point State Park x x
Wallis Sands State Park x x
Rye Harbor State Park x x
Hampton Beach State Park x x

MASSACHUSETTS

Salisbury State Beach x x
Isaac Sprague Bird Sanctuary x x
Ram Island Wildlife Sanctuary x x
Crane Pond Wildlife Management Area x x x
Martin H. Burns Wildlife Management
Area x x x
Bill Forward Wildlife Management Area x x x
Parker River National Wildlife Refuge x x
Plum Island State Park x x
Georgetown-Rowley State Forest x x x
Boxford State Forest x x x
John C. Phillips Wildlife Sanctuary x x
Harold Parker State Forest x x x
Willowdale State Forest x x x
B.W. Palmer State Park x x
Thacher Island National Wildlife Refuge X x
Knight Wildlife Sanctuary x x

continued

Table 6 (continued).

Ownership/Administration Special significance

Private/ Natural/ Historic/
Name Federal State Local Ecological Cultural Recreational

MASSACHUSETTS (cont'd)

Lynn State Beach x x
Henry Cabot Lodge Wildlife Sanctuary x x
Revere State Beach x x
Winthrop State Beach x x
Carson State Beach x x
Wollaston State Beach x x
Boston Harbor Islands State Park x x
Nantasket State Beach x x
Wompatuck State Park- x x
Ames Nowell State Park x x
Standish Monument State Park x x
Myles Standish State Forest x x x
Myles Standish Wildlife Management
Area x x x
Shawme Crowell State Forest x x x
Scusset State Beach x x
Nickerson State Park x x
Billingsgate Island Wildlife
Sanctuary x x x
Cape Cod National Seashore x x x x
Provincetown State Beach x x
Marconi Wildlife Management Area x x x
Monomoy National Wildlife Refuge/
Monomoy Wilderness x x

concluded

Table 7. Species with special status in the North Atlantic Zone.

Federal State
Map
No. Species Endangered Threatened Endangered Threatened

FISH

110 Shortnose sturgeon x

MARINE MAMMALS

Blue whale x
Finback whale x
Sei whale x
Humpback whale x
Right and bowhead
whales x
Sperm whale x

BIRDS

505 Bald eagle x x
507 Peregrine falcon x

REPTILES AND AMPHIBIANS

613 Plymouth red-bellied
turtle MA MA

leucocephalus alascanus), which breeds in Maine and northward, and the southern
bald eagle (H. leucocephalus leucocghalus), which breeds in states south of the
Chesapeake Bay and west to California. Although these populations are usually
considered as geographically isolated, the potential for interbreeding occurs
when eagles migrate along the coast after the nesting season. Eagles prefer to
nest in tall trees or on ledges near water.

The peregrine falcon (507) is an endangered species which migrates along the
entire U.S. Atlantic coast in spring and fall and stops occasionally on isolated
islands or other remote areas to feed and rest. Data about its common stopover
localities are scarce; wild remote islands or peninsulas generally are favored.
Some of the known stopover areas for the Nofth Atlantic Zone are shown on the
accompanying inventory maps.

The Plymouth red-bellied turtle (613) is a recent addition to the Federal
list of endangered species and also is designated as endangered and threatened in
Massachusetts. A critical habitat for this species is shown on the maps at grid
reference CS63; this Federally designated area is the only known habitat of the
Plymouth red-bellied turtle. This species also may be found on Naushon Island
(grid reference CR59) because a similar habitat occurs on this island.

4.2.2 Aquatic Resources

Brief descriptions of the life histories of the major commercially, rec-
reationally, and ecologically important aquatic organisms which occur within the
North Atlantic Zone are provided below.

Plants

Economically, the most important aquatic plant in the North Atlantic Zone is
Irish moss, which is commercially harvested in Maine. Harvesting areas for this
alga are shown on the maps; however, grazing by invertebrates or overharvesting
may change the locations of valuable beds. Irish moss is found in intertidal
areas year-round. Although it is tolerant of broad ranges of salinity and
temperature, and its depth depends on light availability and substrate, most
harvesting occurs in water depths of about 1.5 meters (5 feet). The preferred
substrate for Irish moss is a solid, gently sloping, unsilted, and moderately
unsheltered rocky area, particularly bedrock ledges.

Rockweed, another commercially important alga, is used as an emulsifier for
food. Rockweed is found in intertidal areas year-round; it dominates exposed
tide pools of the North Atlantic Zone where it is firmly attached to rocks.

Invertebrates

Two species of worms are harvested commercially in the zone: bloodworms and
sandworms. Bloodworms are found in the intertidal zone nea'r the low-water mark
and in soft organically rich mud in deeper waters. Sandworms are found in
substrates varying from fine mud to rocks and stones, but they are most common
near sheltered shores, particularly on sandflats at river mouths. Bloodworms are
more valuable commercially than sandworms; however, areas where both species can
be found are shown on the accompanying maps.

Commercially important shellfish in the zone include: mussels, oysters,
scallops, clams, shrimp, and lobsters. Because of their ubiquitous occurrence,
many shellfish species have wide ranges in their distributions for at least part
of their life history. Only the most important areas with large shellfish
concentrations have been shown on the maps.

Mussels are found throughout the zone on hard, rocky, intertidal substrates
and prefer areas with strong currents.

The eastern oyster prefers shallow estuarine areas, particularly hard, flat
areas and offshore bars. Although oysters may occur at greater depths, they are
most common at water depths of less than 1 meter (3 feet). Oysters spawn in
spring and summer, depending on water temperature, and have a 4- to 5-month
growing season in the North Atlantic Zone.

Bay scallops generally are found in shallow estuarine eelgrass beds but may
occur to depths of 18 meters (60 feet). Scallop spawning is temperature depend-
ent and occurs in early summer in the zone.

The deep-sea scallop generally is found on sand or gravel to a depth of 18
meters (60 feet). The preferred habitat is an area of relatively constant
temperature and salinity and strong currents. Spawning occurs from early summer
to early fall.

Surf clams inhabit coarse substrate, preferring gravel and sand to silt. In
the North Atlantic Zone, surf clams occur in shallow, nearshore waters and spawn
from June through mid-August.

Soft shell clams are second only to lobsters as a commercially important
invertebrate species in the North Atlantic Zone. Soft shell clams inhabit
intertidal mudflats, sandflats, and gravel beaches; dense populations occur on
mudflats near the low-water mark. Soft shell clams have a wide salinity toler-
ance from freshwater to seawater, but sudden changes in salinity can cause
mortality. In the North Atlantic Zone, spawning occurs from June to mid-August.

Hard clams, or quahogs, are commonly found on sand or sandy clay. These
clams can tolerate high-pollution and low-oxygen levels; thus, competition is
minimal in many areas where hard clams thrive. This species is found primarily
in estuaries and spawns in the summer.

Ocean quahogs are found on soft substrate, preferably fine or silty sand, in
nearshore waters of the North Atlantic Zone. Their spawning period extends from
late June to October.

The northern shrimp is a commercially important species. It is usually
found offshore over organic substrates in water temperatures from 4.50C to 80C
(40OF to 460F) and at water depths of 110 to 180 meters (360 to 600 feet). Shrimp
migrate inshore in late winter to spawn where water depths range from 37 to
90 meters (120 to 300 feet). Juveniles and immature shrimp remain inshore during
the first 10 to 20 months and migrate offshore during their second winter to
third summer.

Lobsters are the most valuable shellfish of the North Atlantic Zone fishery
and occur both as larvae and adults throughout coastal waters. Adults are more
tolerant of low salinities than larvae, but both adults and larvae are sensitive
to temperature, which ranges optimally from 10 0C to 17.50C (50OF to 640F) .
Lobsters migrate to shallow water in the spring and return to deep water in the
fall as inshore waters become cool.

Fish

Commercially important fish in the North Atlantic Zone include the follow-
ing: blueback herring, alewife, Atlantic herring, winter flounder, Atlantic
mackerel, Atlantic cod, pollock, hake, haddock, and bluefin tuna. Important
sport fish include the following: Atlantic salmon, striped bass, white perch,
rainbow smelt, Atlantic tomcod, and tautog, together with commercial species
such as tuna and winter flounder. Because of the ubiquitous occurrence of most
of these fish, many have wide ranges in their distributions for at least part of
their life history. Only the most important areas with large concentrations have
been shown on the maps.

a. Freshwater species. Freshwater streams and ponds support an important
sport fishery. Coldwater streams provide habitat for brook, rainbow, and brown
trout. Warmwater sport species include yellow perch, largemouth and smallmouth
bass, and chain pickerel. These species spend their life cycles in freshwater.

b. Anadromous species. Anadromous fish spend most of their lives in an
ocean environment but spawn in freshwater rivers.

Atlantic sturgeon is an anadromous fish which spawns during May and June in
the freshwater reaches of large coastal rivers. After the eggs hatch, the young
sturgeon swim downstream and mature offshore.

Blueback herring and alewife, though distinct species, are collectively
called river herring. These anadromous species spawn in late-April to mid-May
and return to the ocean by mid-August. Larvae use both freshwater areas and
estuaries as nurseries, but overwinter in estuaries their first year. Although
used for food, commercial fisheries for river herring now are generally offshore;
only small commercial and sport fisheries are present along the coast.

The anadromous American shad has decreased in population because of in-
creased pollution and streamflow regulations and is presently of little commer-
cial importance. Adults spawn in spring in riverine areas with extensive flats,
often near creek mouths. After spawning, adults return to the ocean, where they
are found from the surface to a depth of 120 meters (400 feet). Juveniles remain
in the river through the fall and move to the sea when temperatures fall below
160C (610F). North Atlantic shad populations overwinter in the middle Atlantic
Ocean.

The Atlantic salmon is an anadromous sport fish which lives most of its life
in the ocean to depths of 90 meters (300 feet) and spawns in freshwater river
areas usually over a gravel substrate. Spawning varies from stream to stream but
generally occurs from mid-May to late-June or mid-July to mid-September. Adults
may spawn several times during their life, but always return to the sea. Juve-
niles inhabit local rivers for periods of 1 to 3 years before going to sea.

The white perch is an important estuarine sport fish whose commercial value
is increasing. This species is found to depths of 11 meters (36 feet); it
overwinters in deeper portions of estuaries and tidal creeks and spawns in spring
and early summer in fresh to brackish waters. Nursery areas occur at the
freshwater-saltwater interface.

The striped bass is a summer transient in north Atlantic waters, and it
migrates to the estuaries of the Middle Atlantic Zone to spawn and overwinter.
Striped bass is an important fish in the zone and is found near the shore and in
estuaries and rivers, normally to depths of 9 meters (30 feet).

The rainbow smelt is an anadromous species which spawns from March through
May as the waters become warm. Spawning occurs in both fresh and brackish water,
usually near or just above the tideline. After spawning, adults return to
nearshore waters. After hatching, larvae drift downstream into estuaries and
move to deeper estuarine water over summer. As water temperatures drop in the
fall, juveniles move higher in the water column and form schools with adults.
The schools remain nearshore and are found from the surface to about 9 meters
(30 feet).

Atlantic tomcod is a sport fish which dwells in coastal and brackish waters.
Spawning occurs in mid-winter, and the tomcod prefers sandy or gravelly shoals of
estuaries and rivers. Adults occur in estuaries, bays, rivers, and along the
shore to depths of 11 meters (36 feet).

Most brook trout remain in freshwater streams; only those which are anadro-
mous are called sea-run, or salter, brook trout. Sea-run brook trout is a sport
fish which migrates upstream in late spring. It spawns in the fall and then
returns to the sea. The eggs hatch the following spring, and the young return to
the sea in the fall with the adults.

Coho salmon is an anadromous sport fish which has been introduced in the
North Atlantic Zone. Upstream migration occurs in the fall and spawning occurs
in gravelly riffles from November to January. Eggs hatch in the spring and the
juveniles may move downstream immediately or wait until the spring of the next
year or the following year. Juveniles remain near stream mouths several months
before moving to sea.

c. Catadromous species. Catadromous species spawn in the ocean but live as
adults largely in freshwater lakes and rivers.

The American eel is a ubiquitous species, common in rivers and streams
throughout the North Atlantic Zone. Eels are catadromous fish which spawn in the
Sargasso Sea in autumn. Juvenile elvers return to coastal waters in late winter
and early spring. Locally, eels are fished commercially and recreationally for
both food and bait.

d. 'Estuarine-dependent species. Estuarine-dependent species require low
salinities, usually in estuaries and marshes, during part of their life cycle.
Representative estuarine-dependent species in the North Atlantic Zone are Atlan-
tic herring, winter flounder, and cunner.

The Atlantic herring is an oceanic species which, in the North Atlantic
Zone, spawns on George's Bank in spring, summer, and fall. Larvae move shoreward
to lower salinity areas in the fall and overwinter in upper estuaries.

Winter flounder prefers eelgrass beds and is found in coastal waters and
estuaries to depths of 90 meters (300 feet). Found inshore from fall to spring,
flounder spawns in estuaries from January to May and moves offshore in summer.
Flounder is an important commercial species whose recreational popularity is
increasing.

Cunner is an important sport species found on hard substrate and near
wharves or ledges to depths of 73 meters (240 feet). Cunner is an inshore
species which occasionally is found in estuaries and spawns inshore from late
April through September.

e. Oceanic species. Oceanic species are visitors to shallow or nearshore
ocean waters (within the three-mile limit) either periodically as part of their
life history or occasionally in the quest for food.

Atlantic mackerel occurs offshore and inshore and occasionally enters
estuaries. Mackerel winters offshore on the Continental Shelf and moves shore-
ward in spring; it is found to depths of 180 meters (600 feet). Spawning occurs
in the middle Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf of St. Lawrence.

Atlantic halibut is found on coarse substrates between rocks and ledges at
depths exceeding 90 meters (300 feet). It is an important commercial species
that is most common on offshore banks.

Atlantic cod is one of the most valuable commercial fish in the North
Atlantic Zone. Cod is primarily a bottomfish or groundfish and prefers hard,
coarse substrates from shore to depths of 370 meters (1,200 feet). Spawning
occurs at sea from December to April.

Pollock is found throughout the water column to depths of 73 meters
(240 feet). Populations move inshore in spring and offshore in the fall and
winter. Pollock spawns in fall and early winter.

Haddock is another commercially important groundfish found in areas of
hard, coarse substrates. Most spawning occurs in March and April on George's
Bank. Overwintering occurs in deep water and may extend as far south as Cape
Hatteras. Although haddock does not occur in estuaries, it does prefer shallow
waters during the summer.

Hake includes several species, all of which have similar habits. Hake is a
groundfish found primarily over sandy to muddy bottoms (not rock), and it spawns
at sea in summer and early autumn. This species is growing in commercial impor-
tance, particularly as a feed product.

Bluefin tuna is a sport and commercial fish found to depths of 90 meters
(300 feet). In the North Atlantic Zone, it occurs both inshore and offshore in
the summer and moves offshore or south to winter. Bluefin tuna does not spawn in
the North Atlantic Zone.

Tautog is a sport fish in the North Atlantic Zone and normally is found
inshore to depths of 18 meters (60 feet). It is a groundfish which occurs over
hard bottoms and near wrecks and jetties. Spawning occurs from May through
August in weedy inshore areas. The tautog moves inshore in spring and offshore
in the fall, depending on the water temperature.

American plaice is an important commercial groundfish species normally
found in offshore waters. Generally the species and its spawning grounds are
found at depths of 90 meters (300 feet); plaice spawning occurs in the spring.

The North Atlantic Zone historically has been rich in marine and estuarine
resources. Much of the early exploration of the land was related to commercial
fishing, particularly on George's Bank. Currently, at George's Bank both commer-
cial and sport fisheries are important, but the bank is not within the scope of
the study region defined for this report. Detailed information on fish life-
history characteristics for the North Atlantic Zone can be obtained from Bigelow
and Schroeder (1953) and from Clayton, et al.,(1976).

Mammals

Marine mammals of the North Atlantic Zone generally prefer offshore waters,
but several species of whales and porpoises are common inshore following storms.
Marine mammals common to coastal waters are the harbor porpoise, pilot whale,
minke whale, harbor seal, and gray seal; some endangered whales are found infre-
quently near to shore. The harbor and gray seals are the dominant species, and
they occur on rocky offshore ledges and remote islands throughout the zone. More
than 200 sites in the zone are used by the seals as crawlouts or whelping areas,
but only regularly used and significant areas have been mapped.

4.2.3 Terrestrial Resources

The North Atlantic Zone is rich in terrestrial resources, but many upland
and estuarine species populations are decreasing because of continued develop-
ment and urbanization. The diverse habitats within the coastal zone harbor a
large variety of terrestrial flora and fauna.

Birds

Upland forests, freshwater swamps, coastal marshes, and offshore islands
all occur within the North Atlantic Zone. Within these habitats, birds are one
of the more conspicuous and important terrestrial groups. The large bird popula-
tion of the North Atlantic Zone consists of shorebirds, wading birds, waterfowl,
raptors, and seabirds.

Areas mapped for bird species were selected based on the area's importance
to the species within the geographic interval. Thus, no absolute population cut-
off points were used throughout the inventory, but the significance of the site
for the species within the interval was considered. Mapped areas were selected
by using published information concerning known areas of importance.

a. 'Shorebirds. Shorebirds include sandpipers, plovers, turnstones, gulls,
and terns. These birds live around shore and intertidal areas. Some bird
species are found in the North Atlantic Zone throughout the year while others

winter farther south and return in April or May to nest. Egg laying and hatching
generally are complete by late July and the birds return to the south in late
August through October. The North Atlantic Zone is the northern breeding limit
for the roseate tern.

b. Wading birds. Wading birds are found in marsh areas of the coastal
zone. Herons, bitterns, cranes, ibises, egrets, rails, and related species which
compose this group can be found near freshwater as well as saltwater. Wading
birds arrive in the North Atlantic Zone from late March through May, egg laying
and hatching generally are complete by early July, and the southward migration
occurs from mid-August to mid-October. Many wading birds, such as snowy egrets,
glossy ibises, and great blue, little blue, Louisiana, and black-crowned night
herons,, are at the northern limits of their range in the North Atlantic Zone.

c. 'Waterfowl. Species of waterfowl are important in the North Atlantic
Zone as aesthetic, recreational, and economic resources. Hunters and bird
watchers seek waterfowl in the marshes, inlets, and coves. Brackish marshy areas
are particularly important habitats for waterfowl. Swans, geese, dabbling
ducks, and diving ducks use most of the available habitats during migration,
wintering, and breeding. For example, dabbling ducks generally can be found in
freshwater areas while diving ducks are found in open and nearshore waters as
well as in salt marshes. Most waterfowl species in the region breed farther
north and are only transients or winter residents; however, the common eider and
harlequin duck are local breeders.

d. Raptors. The groups, hawks and owls, are discussed as raptors in this
report. Owls generally are found in more inland areas while hawks are found
along the coast and near marshes and bays. Owls and many hawks generally are
permanent residents of the zone. Ospreys are a notable exception in the zone
because they are migratory raptors. The North Atlantic Zone affords a nesting
area for ospreys.

e. Seabirds. Seabirds, like petrels and shearwaters, spend most of their
lives at i-ea -and come to land only to nest. These seabird species nest in May and
June, hatching generally is complete by late July, and the birds depart in
September and October. Isolated islands and rock ledges are the preferred
nesting sites for these seabirds. In the North Atlantic Zone, the offshore
islands are valuable habitats for many species of seabirds. The zone also
represents the southern breeding limit for some species, such as the common
puffin, Leach's petrel, and black guillemot.

f. Songbirds and others. Many other species of birds are known to nest in,
or migrate through, the North Atlantic Zone. In the spring, the zone is a
nesting, breeding, and migratory area for the American woodcock. If information
was available, species were indicated on the inventory maps; however, many
species pass through this area, and only the more important species have been
identified.

Reptiles and Amphibians

Because of the cool climate, populations of reptiles and amphibians are
considerably smaller in the North Atlantic Zone compared to the populations found

farther south. Aquatic habitats, both salt and fresh, are crucial in supporting
the existing populations. These animals do not migrate extensively.

Mammals

Important upland mammals include the gray and red fox, bobcat, raccoon,
opossum, eastern cottontail rabbit, eastern gray squirrel, and aquatic fur-
bearers. These species are more likely to be found in the less developed
portions of the zone.

Deer is the most important big game species present, but black bear and
moose also are found occasionally in uplands in the zone. Little information is
available on these species except for that derived from surveys taken on deer
wintering areas or yards. Yards are where deer herds congregate to avoid harsh
winter weather; however, herd concentrations in the yards vary markedly depend-
ing upon the severity of the winter. Not all yards are used every year, but all
provide important shelters for deer.

Beaver, mink, muskrat, and otter are the aquatic furbearers. Beaver is the
most important commercial species because of its fur. Also beaver is ecolog-
ically significant because of its ability to modify freshwater wetlands. Mink
and otter are expected in greater abundance in undisturbed freshwater wetlands,
while muskrat generally is found in salt marsh areas, although in smaller numbers
than in the Middle Atlantic Zone. The weasel prefers freshwater wetlands; little
data are available on the other furbearers.

4.3 GULF OF MAINE COAST (GRID REFERENCE FW30 TO DU02)

The northernmost section of the study region extends from the Canadian
border to Cape Elizabeth, Maine. Rocky headlands and numerous offshore islands
comprise an attractive environment for many species. Numerous rivers and estuar-
ies extend inland, and the shoreline is characterized by high-energy coastal
environments. Tidal range in this section is high; for example, it exceeds
6 meters (20 feet) in Passamaquoddy Bay. Although marshes are few and tidal
flats are not extensive, the tidal range and rugged coast provide habitats for
numerous intertidal communities. Upland areas of this section generally are
forested with mixed hardwoods and coniferous trees and are usually less than
60 meters (200 feet) in elevation. East of the Penobscot River, the region is
undeveloped and rich in both aquatic and terrestrial resources. The biotic
resources for this section are keyed geographically using north-south UTM grid
swaths.

Aquatic Resources

a. Widespread species. The Gulf of Maine Coast has not been exploited by
fishermen, and it supports a variety of commercially or recreationally important
aquatic species. Irish moss, rockweed, and marine invertebrates are abundant.
Representative areas for commercial harvesting of deep-sea scallops, soft shell
and hard clams,, bloodworms, and sandworms are shown on the inventory maps.
Lobsters are ubiquitous; therefore, no lobster concentrations or harvesting
areas have been shown. Northern shrimp is commercially harvested in deep water.

Eels are found along the entire coast and in most of the streams too
numerous to portray on 1:250,000-scale maps, but they are a limited sport
f is hery. Alewives also are widespread; representative spawning streams have
been mapped for this commercially important species. American shad, Atlantic
herring, winter flounder, rainbow smelt, Atlantic tomcod, Atlantic halibut,
Atlantic cod, pollock, haddock, and hake occur throughout coastal waters and in
many estuaries. These fish have both commercial and recreational significance
and generally can be found throughout the year. Striped bass and bluefin tuna
are present in the summer, and although abundant, they have not been used to
their greatest recreational potential.

Important recreational anadromous species include alewife, blueback her-
ring, shad, sea-run brook trout, and Atlantic salmon in cold water. Recreational
fisheries also exist for brown, rainbow, and brook trout in cold water, and
warmwater species include largemouth and smallmouth bass, white and yellow
perch, and chain pickerel.

b. Geographic inventory. Coastal concentrations of Atlantic herring be-
tween grid references FV66 and FV43 and in Passamaquoddy Bay attract a variety of
marine mammals, such as minke, humpback, finback, and right whales, and harbor
porpoises. The redfish also is found in Passamaquoddy Bay in spring and fall.
It is unusual to find this bottom species so close to shore, because it is most
common at depths exceeding 90 meters (300 feet).

Some of the few remaining natural Atlantic salmon spawning runs exist be-
tween grid references FV33 and EV70. Important streams where salmon spawn
-include Dennys River, Cathance Stream, and the East Machias, Machias, Chandler,
Pleasant, and Narraguagus Rivers. Spawning generally occurs in one of two
periods, either mid-May to late June, or mid-July to mid-September.

Numerous assemblages of deep-sea scallops, soft shell clams, bloodworms,
and sandworms have been mapped between grid references EU69 and EU27, and these
areas represent places for potential commercial harvesting. A spawning run for
Atlantic salmon on the Union River and several seal crawlouts are present.

The Penobscot River (grid reference EV13) is significant as a spawning run
for Atlantic sturgeon and salmon in May and June.

Atlantic salmon also spawns in the Sheepscot River, which is between grid
references DU53 and DU43. This same segment includes a major harbor seal whelp-
ing site.

The Kennebec River (grid reference DU33) is one of the few remaining streams
inhabited by the endangered shortnose sturgeon. This river is the only North
Atlantic Zone waterway where this species recently has been reported. Atlantic
sturgeon also spawns in the Kennebec River; both species spawn in May and June.

Terrestrial Resources

a. Widespread species. Shorebird migratory concentration areas and nest-
ing or overwintering areas for shorebirds and waterfowl, particularly common
eider and black duck, are widespread throughout the Gulf of Maine Coast. Many

important nesting areas occur on the offshore islands for a variety of shore-
birds, seabirds, and waterfowl, as well as raptors.

Mammals also are widespread and found year-round. Important resources are
the deer in the uplands, beaver in freshwater wetlands, and muskrat in saltwater
marshes and wetlands. Other important mammals include black bear, moose, bobcat,
red fox, and gray fox throughout the region, and mink, weasel, and otter near
freshwater wetlands.

b. Geographic inventory. Several bald eagle nests occur between grid
references FV65 and FV33. Cobscook Bay is an important overwintering area for
bald eagles and black ducks, and it serves as a migratory area for the northern
phalarope which is a rare visitor to land. Moosehorn National Wildlife Refuge is
noted as a nesting, breeding, and migratory area for the American woodcock in the
spring. This refuge is an important migratory and nesting area for gulls, terns,
waterfowl, marsh hawks, and barred, saw-whet, and great horned owls. One of only
two razorbill auk nesting areas in the United States is located in this segment,
and this locale represents the southern limit of the auk's range. In addition,
this segment includes the largest U.S. breeding area for common eider, a species
which breeds only in Maine. Several deer yards are found in the area. In nearby
Canadian waters, Machias Seal Island (grid reference FV52) is a seabird nesting
area for the common puffin, razorbill auk, and northern phalarope, as well as
common and arctic terns.

The area between grid references FV22 and EV90 includes several bald eagle
and osprey nests, important overwintering areas for dabbling and diving ducks,
and several great blue heron rookeries. These rookeries are near the northern
limits of the great blue heron's range. Petit Manan Island (grid reference EV91)
is the northernmost nesting area in the United States for roseate terns and
supports the largest common and arctic tern nesting colonies, 700 pairs per
colony, in the Gulf of Maine section.

Between grid references EV70 and EU57 are several bald eagle nests and deer
wintering yards. Great and Little Duck Islands (grid reference EU69) support the
largest nesting areas for Leach's petrel (18,000 pairs) and black guillemot
(650 pairs) in the United States. This is the approximate southern limit of the
breeding grounds for these species.

Other bald eagle and osprey nests occur between grid references EU47 and
EU27. The largest breeding area in the United States for the harlequin duck is
located on Isle au Haut (grid reference EU37) and contains approximately 90
percent of the harlequin duck population.

Between grid references EU14 and EU04, additional bald eagle and osprey
nests are mapped; a major bald eagle overwintering area is located along the
Penobscot River. Matinicus Rock (grid reference EU14) supports the only U.S.
breeding area for the common puffin; it is the second and largest of the two U.S.
razorbill auk breeding areas, and it is the third largest breeding area for
Leach's petrel, and the fifth largest breeding area for the black guillemot.

Bald eagle nests also are mapped between grid references DU33 and DU22,
particularly at Merrymeeting Bay. The bay is an important bald eagle wintering
area as well as a major migratory area for waterfowl.

4.4 NORTHERN NEW ENGLAND COAST (GRID REFERENCE DU02 TO DR19)

The Northern New England Coast extends from Cape Elizabeth to Cape Cod and
includes Monomoy Island. The shoreline of this section is not as deeply incised
nor as rocky as the shoreline north of Cape Elizabeth, and fewer offshore islands
occur. The sand and gravel beaches of the northern part of the section are
replaced by sandy beaches in the southern part of the area near Cape Cod.
Scattered rocky headlands dominate the shoreline around Cape Ann. Elevations in
the section generally are less than 15 meters (50 feet) but occasionally exceed
30 meters (100 feet) as, for example, at Cape Ann and Cape Cod. Most of this
coastline is a high-energy environment except for the shelter of Cape Cod Bay.
Plum Island, near the mouth of the Merrimack River, is the first major barrier
beach south of the Canadian border. The upland areas of this section are rolling
hills, and where not urbanized, the upland is characterized by deciduous forest.
Biotic resource descriptions in the Northern New England Coast section are keyed
geographically to east-west UTM grid swaths.

AquaticResources

a. Widespread species. The diversity of aquatic species in this section is
comparable to that of the Gulf of Maine Coast, but overfishing, pollution, and
destruction of aquatic habitats by river control measures and shoreline develop-
ment have reduced nearshore populations. The Northern New England Coast has many
port facilities, and because of the area's large human population, much of the
offshore catch is landed and used locally rather than at more northern ports.

Aquatic plants in this section have little commercial importance. Blood-
worms and sandworms also have limited commercial value. The American lobster,
which inhabits the inshore areas along most of the coast, is fished commercially
primarily offshore on George's Bank. George's Bank provides most commercial
fishing for the entire zone. Many other important aquatic species in this
section are sport fish or nearshore populations of oceanic fish taken commer-
cially only well offshore.

Alewife, shad, blueback herring, winter flounder, rainbow smelt, Atlantic
herring, tomcod, cod, halibut, pollock, haddock, and hake are taken commercially
along the coast and in several estuaries. Striped bass and bluefin tuna are
summer migrants; sport fishing for both species is more important in this section
than it is to the north of Cape Elizabeth. Other nearshore species are found
year-round and are of recreational value, although in the past they were impor-
tant commercial fish.

An important sport fishery exists for brook trout and brown tro *ut in cold-
water streams. Warmwater sport species--white and yellow perch, largemouth and
smallmouth bass, and chain pickerel--are caught in the numerous freshwater
streams and ponds of this section. Many large representative areas are noted on
the map as streams where alewife, smelt, and tomcod spawn, but many more small
streams also support these species.

b. Geographic inventory. Two of the more significant seal crawlout areas
in this section occur at grid reference DUO1. These areas are the only crawlouts
identified in this section.

Extensive shellfish beds are a significant aquatic resource between grid
references DS25 and DR19. These beds support commercially harvestable numbers of
shellfish, such as eastern oysters, bay scallops, deep-sea scallops, surf clams,
soft shell clams, hard clams (quahogs), and ocean quahogs.

Natural oysterbeds exist on the Piscataqua River between grid references
CT78 and CT76. The Piscataqua River and Great Bay also provide the springtime
spawning area for the Atlantic sturgeon, and the autumn spawning area for the
recently introduced coho salmon.

The only lobster concentrations in the North Atlantic Zone which were mapped
are between grid references CT75 and CT74. The Merrimack River supports spawning
habitats for Atlantic sturgeon and Atlantic salmon in May and June.

North River (grid reference CS56) supports Atlantic salmon spawning and
also is both a national natural landmark and a state scenic and recreational
river.

Terrestrial Resources

a. Widespread species. Numerous nesting and migratory areas for shore-
birds, seabirds, and waterfowl are located along the coast. Typical sites occur
on offshore islands, coastal marshes, beaches, and other undeveloped natural
areas amidst urban sprawl. Urbanization along the Northern New England Coast has
reduced populations of many important terrestrial mammals. Remote areas support
limited populations of beaver, mink, otter, and muskrat; however, data are
scarce. Muskrat populations have not been depleted, but much of their coastal
marsh habitat has been destroyed.

b. Geographic inventory. Between grid references DU12 and CT89 are several
important sites of shorebird nesting, dominated by herring and great black-
backed gulls. Two rare piping plover nesting areas occur at grid references CU92
and CT79. In addition, the small heronries at grid reference CU91 are some of
the most diverse in the North Atlantic Zone; they support snowy egret, glossy
ibis, little blue heron, Louisiana heron, and the black-crowned night heron, all
of which are near the northern limits of their range.
The second and fourth largest nesting areas for herring gulls (4,000 pairs
combined), and the first and third largest great black-backed gull nesting areas
(1,760 pairs combined), occur offshore between grid references CT76 and CT75 on
the Isles of Shoals. These same islands support a rookery of little blue heron,
snowy egret, glossy ibis, and black-crowned night heron.

Between grid references CT54 and CS68 are numerous nesting areas for gulls
and arctic, common, and least terns. Parker River National Wildlife Refuge, the
most significant refuge in this section, is noted for the waterfowl, seabirds,
and songbirds which use it for nesting and as a migratory stop in the spring and
fall. The largest North Atlantic Zone heronry is on House Island (grid reference
CT51); it supports approximately 950 pairs of cattle, great, and snowy egrets and
Louisiana, little blue, and black-crowned night herons, and glossy ibises.

Clarks Island (grid reference CS65) is a significant heronry area. This
island supports the second largest heronry in the North Atlantic Zone and is used

by snowy and great egret, little blue and black-crowned night heron, and the
glossy ibis.

The Federally designated critical habitat of the Plymouth red-bellied
turtle is in a small area at grid reference CS63; this area is the only confirmed
habitat for the species. This turtle is a recent addition to the Federal
endangered species list, although it has been listed as endangered in Massachu-
setts for some time.

Monomoy National Wildlife Refuge (grid reference DR19) is an important
refuge, since it supports the largest U.S. nesting colonies of common terns and
herring gulls (2,100 and 4,900 pairs, respectively); the second largest U.S.
great black-backed gull colony (900 pairs); the largest laughing gull colony
north of New Jersey (200 pairs); and the third largest U.S. roseate tern colony
(400 pairs). The refuge also is an important migratory stopover and resting area
for shorebirds, seabirds, waterfowl, hawks, and owls.

4.5 LIST OF SOURCES FOR THE NORTH ATLANTIC ZONE

Baker, John, Chief, Aquaculture Division, Department of Agriculture, Milford,
CT. (personal correspondence concerning shellfish in Connecticut). January
1980.

Bigelow, Henry B.; William C. Schroeder. Fishes of the Gulf of Maine. Fishery
Bulletin of the Fish and Wildlife Service. 53 (74); 1953.

Blodget, Bradford, State Ornithologist, Division of Fisheries and Wildlife,
Boston, MA. (personal communication concerning locations of rare and endan-
gered species in Massachusetts). January 1980.

Bryan, Todd, Coordinator, Natural Heritage Program, Rhode Island Department of
Environmental Management. (personal communication and correspondence concern-
ing important species and natural areas in the Rhode Island coastal zone).
November 1979; January and February 1980.

Chittum, Mark, State of New Hampshire Office of State Planning. (personal
communication concerning inventory and designation of GAPC). November 1979.

Clay, John, Ecology and Environment, Inc., Woburn, MA. (personal communication
and correspondence concerning shellfish in Great Bay, New Hampshire). October
1979.

Clayton, Gary. Common marine fishes of coastal Massachusetts. Boston, MA:
Massachusetts Cooperative Fishery Research Unit and Other Agencies. 1976.

Fisher, Martha, Program Coordinator, Natural Heritage Program, Department of
Environmental Management, Boston, MA. (personal communication and correspon-
dence concerning rare and endangered species in the Massachusetts coastal
zone). November 1979; January, February, and March 1980.

Freeman, Bruce L.; Walford, Lionel. Angler's guide to the U.S. Atlantic coast
fish, fishing grounds, and fishing facilities. Section I: Passamaquoddy Bay,
Maine to Cape Cod. Seattle, WA: U.S. Department of Commerce, NOAA, National
Marine Fisheries Service. July 1974.

Hamilton, Paul P., Field Supervisor, U.S. Department of the Interior, Fish and
Wildlife Service, Cortland, NY. (personal communication concerning informa-
tion on the ecological resources of the Atlantic coast). 1979 April 11.

Hurley, Fred, Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife, Augusta, ME. (per-
sonal communication concerning muskrats and furbearers in the Maine coastal
zone). February 1980.

Hutchinson, Alan. An appraisal of the fishery and wildlife resources of the
Augusta area coastal planning unit. Augusta, ME: Maine Department of Inland
Fisheries and Wildlife. March 1977.

Hutchinson, Alan. An appraisal of the fishery and wildlife resources of the Knox
County coastal planning unit. Augusta, ME: Maine Department of Inland Fish-
eries and Wildlife, Wildlife Division. March 1977.

Hutchinson, Alan; Spencer, Howard E. An appraisal of the fishery and wildlife
resources of the Batt-Brunswick regional planning unit. Augusta, ME: Maine
Department of Inland Fisheries and Game. December 1974.

Hutchinson, Alan; Spencer, Howard E. An appraisal of the fishery and wildlife
resources of eastern Penobscot Bay planning unit. Augusta, ME: Maine Depart-
ment of Inland Fisheries and Game. February 1974.

Hutchinson, Alan; Spencer, Howard E. An appraisal of the fishery and wildlife
resources of the greater Portland regional planning unit. Augusta, ME: Maine
Department of Inland Fisheries and Game. January 1975.

Hutchinson, Alan; Spencer, Howard E. An appraisal of the fishery and wildlife
resources of the York County planning unit. Augusta, ME: Maine Department of
Inland Fisheries and Game. January 1975.

Hutchinson, Alan; Spencer, Howard E. An appraisal of the fishery and wildlife
resources of the Washington County zone planning units. Augusta, ME: Maine
Department of Inland Fisheries and Game. February 1975.

Maine coastal inventory of fish and wildlife. A series of 29 maps. Augusta, ME:
Maine State Planning Office, Department of Resources and Department of Inland
'Fisheries and Wildlife. 1:48,000.

Maine transportation map. Augusta, ME: Maine Department of Transportation;
1979. 1/8 inch = I mile.

Maine unique wildlife ecosystem concept plan. Newton Corner, ME: U.S. Fish and
Wildlife Service. May 1979.

Murphy, Robert Cushman. Serial atlas of the marine environment; Folio 14:
Distribution of north Atlantic pelagic birds. New York, NY: American Geo-
graphical Society. 1967.

New Hampshire coastal zone study of land and water use and vegetative cover. New
Hampshire Office of Comprehensive Planning; September 1975. 1 inch = 1 mile.

New Hampshire coastal zone study of coastal zone boundaries. Concord, NH: New
Hampshire Office of Comprehensive Planning; September 1975. 1 inch = 1 mile.

New Hampshire coastal zone study areas of particular concern. Concord, NH: New
Hampshire Office of Comprehensive Planning; September 1975. 1 inch = 1 mile.

New Hampshire coastal zone study of land and water use capabilitv. Concord, NH:
New Hampshire Office of Comprehensive Planning; September 1975. 1 inch
1 mile.

New Hampshire coastal resources management program (draft document). Concord,
NH: New Hampshire Office of Comprehensive Planning. 1978.

New Hampshire highway map and tourist guide. Concord, NH: New Hampshire Divi-
sion of Economic Development; 1979. 3/16 inch = 1 mile.

New Hampshire unique wildlife ecosystem concept plan. Newton Corner, ME: U.S.
Fish and Wildlife Service. September 1979.

Normandeau Associates, Inc. An oil pollution prevention abatement and manage-
ment study f or Penobscot Bay, Mai ne. Vol ume I : Chapters 1-5. South Gardiner,
ME. December 1978. Available from: State of Maine Department of Environ-
mental Protection, Division of Oil Conveyance Services, Augusta, ME.

Squires, Hubert J. Serial atlas of the marine environment; Folio 12: Distribu-
tion of decapod crustacea in the northwest Atlantic. New York, NY: American
Geographical Society. 1966.

Stafford Rockingham Regional Council. Inventory and designation of geographic
areas of particular concern. Concord, NH. September 1975.

U.S. Department of the Interior. Final environmental statement for proposed
1977 outer continental shelf oil and gas lease sale offshore of the north
Atlantic states. Volumes I-V. OCS sale No. 42. New York, NY. 1977.

PART 5

MIDDLE ATLANTIC ZONE

5.1 INTRODUCTION

For best results, much of the preparatory information in parts 1, 2, and 3
should be read before using the maps or using the information in this part. This
part presents some of the physiographic, land-use, and geographic features of the
Middle Atlantic Zone and the characteristics and habits of some of the major
biological resources.

5.1.1 Physical Description

The Middle Atlantic Zone (figure 5) comprises approximately 35 percent of
the study area, and extends from Cape Cod, Massachusetts, to Cape Charles,
Virginia, on the southern tip of the Delmarva Peninsula (grid reference DR19 to
VR17), a total distance of 965 kilometers (600 miles).

The ecological inventory of the Middle Atlantic Zone is covered by portions
of the following USGS 1:250,000-scale maps:

- Providence, RI; MA; CT; NY
- Hartford, CT; NY; NJ; MA (includes portion of Albany, NY; CT;
MA; NH; VT)
- New York, NY; NJ; CT
- Newark, NJ; PA; NY
- Wilmington, DE; NJ; PA; MD
- Salisbury, MD; DE; NJ; VA
- Baltimore, MD; PA; VA; WV
- Washington, DC; MD; VA
- Richmond, VA; MD
- Norfolk, VA; NC
- Eastville, VA; NC; MD.

The Middle Atlantic Zone has a temperate climate, but the temperature of
nearshore waters and waters of the larger estuaries and bays is influenced by the
cold Labrador Current and the warm Gulf Stream. The coastline is characterized
by numerous long, high-energy, sandy beaches in the north and low-profile barrier
island and beach dune systems in the south. Extensive marshes and estuaries are
located behind the barrier islands.

The Middle Atlantic Zone is divided into several major sections: Southern
New England Coast, New York Bight, Delaware Bay and Delaware River, Delmarva
Shore, and the Chesapeake Bay. The Southern New England Coast section has an
irregular coastline with several large islands, two large bays, and four major
sounds. The major subdivisions of this section are Nantucket, Rhode Island, and
Block Island Sounds, and Long Island Sound. The New York Bight and the Delmarva

F U L T 0 1
52@ - ..... .
NANTUCKET, RHODE ISLAND,
. ...... I I A 1A 9CK ISLAND SOUNDS
IT4
son River_'--,
-I:lo,G'-Hud A.
4 Long Island
1 0 t. @Zl
-11. .'L,T...,'Sound
r7-
tkC 0 @,'N
SOUTHERN NEW
-ENGLAND COAST
CLI

South Shore of Lo an
ng Isl d

-10 NEW YORK BIGHT

y 0" 'Jurl New Jersey Shore

T-1

DELAWARE BAY - DELAWARE RIVER

A. 11.
DELMARVA SHORE

CHESA EAKE BAY

T. 0

y D J,

Figure 5. Major sections and subsections of the Middle Atlantic Zone.

Shore sections are fronted by wide, sandy, high-energy barrier island beaches
behind which lay estuarine bays and marshes. The New York Bight is subdivided
into the Long Island South Shore, the Hudson River estuary, and the New Jersey
Shore. Two large estuarine embayments, the Delaware Bay and the Chesapeake Bay,
are characterized by extensive marshes along their shores, and both bays have
increasing salinity gradients downstream to their mouths.

The estuaries and shallow coastal waters of the Middle Atlantic Zone are
highly valued ecosystems that cover an estimated 19,425 square kilometers
(7,500 square miles). Estuaries, such as the Chesapeake Bay have considerable
influence on sport and commercial fisheries. Of several hundred fish and shell-
fish in the Middle Atlantic Zone, only about 35 species are presently of signifi-
cant commercial value.

The rivers, bays, and inlets in the zone are surrounded by highly productive
forested and nonforested wetlands. A majority of the terrestrial habitat in this
zone consists of oak and pine forests, although other main habitats are present,
such as farmlands, pastures, and urban areas.

5.1.2 Special Land-Use Areas

A total of 312 special land-use areas (natural, historical, cultural, rec-
reational, or multiple-use) have been identified in the Middle Atlantic Zone (see
table 8).

Of these land-use areas, 56 are Federally owned, 239 are state owned, and
the remaining 17 are private areas. Within the Middle Atlantic Zone only the
Brigantine Wilderness is designated as a Class I air quality area. More than 66
percent of the areas are significant recreationally, but these areas include
refuges and hunting areas in addition to forests, parks, and open spaces.
Approximately 50 percent of the areas are significant natural areas and range
from remote islands important as rooker 'ies to managed hunting areas. Thirty-one
areas have historic or cultural significance. Because of scale limitations, all
of the historic sites in the urban areas of the Middle Atlantic Zone have not
been shown on the maps.

5.2 RESOURCES OVERVIEW

The following paragraphs summarize the various species in the Middle
Atlantic Zone. Only the more important species of the zone have been shown on
the inventory maps due to scale limitations.

5.2.1 Species With Special Status

Thirty-eight species in the M.iddle Atlantic Zone are listed as Federal or
state threatened or endangered species (table 9). These species include five
plants, four fish, nine reptiles, three amphibians, ten birds, six marine mam-
mals, and one land mammal; five plants legally protected in New York also are
listed. Only those species with known distributions are mapped. Several of
these species are of particular note because they occur throughout the Middle
Atlantic Zone.

Table 8. Fish and Wildlife Service land-use
designations for the Middle Atlantic Zone.

Ownership/Administration Special significance

Private/ Natural/ Historic/
Name Federal State Local Ecological Cultural Recreational

MASSACHUSETTS

Nantucket Island National Wildlife
Refuge X X
Nantucket State Forest X X X
Nomans Land Island National
Wildlife Refuge X X
Martha's Vineyard State Forest X X X
Penikese Island Wildlife Sanctuary X X
Crane Wildlife Management Area X X X
Ram Island Wildlife Sanctuary X X
Fort Phoenix State Beach X X X
Demarest Lloyd Memorial State Park X X X
Horseneck Beach State Park X X
Freetown-Fall River State Forest X X X
Fall River Wildlife Management Area X X X
Dighton Rock State Park X X
Massasoit State Park X X
Watson Pond State Park X X

RHODE ISLAND

Sapowet Management Area X X X
Ten Mile River State Park X X
Lincoln Woods State Park X X
Dyerville State Park X X

continued

Table 8 (continued).

Ownership/Administration Special significance

Private/ Natural/ Historic/
Name Federal State Local Ecological Cultural Recreational

RHODE ISLAND (cont'd)

Squantum Woods State Park x x
J.L. Curran Park x x
Meshanticut State Park x x
E.J. Fay Field x x
Haines Memorial State Park x x x
Colt State Park x x x
Prudence Island Management Area x x
Goddard Memorial State Park x x x
Cocumscussoc State Park x x
Hope Island Management Area x x
Gould Island Management Area x x
Marsh Meadows Wildlife Reserve x x
Dutch Island Management Area x x
Fort Wetherill St4te Park x x
Norman Sanctuary x x
Sachuest Point National Wildlife
Refuge x x
Fort Adams State Park x x
Brenton Point State Park x x
Scarborough State Beach x x
Galilee Bird Sanctuary x x
Fishermans Memorial State Park x x
Roger W. Wheeler Memorial Beach x x
East Matunuck State Beach x x
Great Swamp Management Area x x

continued

Table 8 (continued).

Ownership/Administration Special significance

Private/ Natural/ Historic/
Name Federal State Local Ecological Cultural Recreational

RHODE ISLAND (cont'd)

South Shore Management Area x x
Trustom Pond National Wildlife Refuge x x
Block Island National Wildlife Refuge x x
Block Island State Beach x x
Ninigret Conservation Area x x
Ninigret National Wildlife Refuge x x
Ln Kimball gird Sanctuary x x
Burlingame State Park x x
Burlingame Management Area x x
Indian Cedar Swamp Management Area x x
Carolina Management Area x x
Woody Hill Management Area x x

CONNECTICUT

Pachaug State Forest x x x
Assekonk Swamp State Forest x x x
Bluff Point State Park x x
Fort Griswold State Park x x
Stoddard Hill State Park x x
Fort Shantok State Park x x
Harkness Memorial State Park x x
Rocky Neck State Park x x
Nehantic State Forest x x x
Dart Island State Park x x

continued

Table 8 (continued).

Ownership/Administration Special significance

Private/ Natural/ Historic/
Name Federal State Local Ecological Cultural Recreational

CONNECTICUT (cont'd)

Hurd State Park x x
George D. Seymour State Park x x
Haddam Island State Park x x
Haddam Meadow State Park x x
Brainard Homestead State Park x x
Gillette Castle State Park x x
Selden Neck State Park x x
co Salt Meadow National Wildlife Refuge x x
Cockaponset State Forest x x x
Chatfield Hollow State Park x x
Hammonasset Beach State Park x x
Trimountain State Park x x
Wharton Brook State Park x x
Quinipiac River State Park x x
Sleeping Giant State Park x x
Naugatuck State Forest x x x
Silver Sands State Park x x
Osbornedale State Park x x
Sherwood Island State Park x x

NEW YORK

Planting Fields Arboretum State Park x x
Oyster Bay National Wildlife Refuge x x
Caumsett State Park x x

continued

Table 8 (continued).

Ownership/Administration Special significance

Private/ Natural/ Historic/
Name Federal State Local Ecological Cultural Recreational

NEW YORK (cont'd)

Target Rock National Wildlife Refuge X X
Sunken Meadow State Park X X
Nissequogue River State Park X X
Brookhaven State Park X X
Wildwood State Park X X
Ln Conscience Point National Wildlife
to Refuge X X
Elizabeth Alexandra Morton National
Wildlife Refuge X X
Orient Beach State Park X X
Hither Hills State Park X X
Montauk Point State Park X X
Amagansett National Wildlife Refuge X X
Fire Island National Seashore X X X
Wertheim National Wildlife Refuge X X
Smith Point County Park X X
Connetquot River State Park X X
Bayard Cutting Arboretum State Park X X
Heckscher State Park X X
Seatuck National Wildlife Refuge X X
Robert Moses State Park X X
Captree State Park X X
Gilgo State Park X X
Belmont Lake State Park X X
Bethpage State Park X X

continued

Table 8 (continued).

Ownership/Administration Special significance

Private/ Natural/ Historic/
Name Federal State Local Ecological Cultural Recreational

NEW YORK (cont'd)

Massapequa State Park x x
Jones Beach State Park x x
Hempstead Lake State Park x x
Valley Stream State Park x x
Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge x x
Martin Van Buren National Historic
Cn Site x x
Bristol Beach State Park x x
Clermont State Park x x
Mills Memorial State Park x x x
Margaret Lewis Norrie State Park x x
Vanderbilt Mansion National Historic
Site x x
Franklin Delano Roosevelt Home
National Historic Site x x
Hudson Highlands State Park x x
Bear Mountain State Park x x
Harriman State Park x x
Stony Point State Park x x
Haverstraw Beach State Park x x
Rockland Lake State Park x x
Hook Mountain State Park x x
Nyack Beach State Park x x
Tallman Mountain State Park x x
Statue of Liberty National Monument x x

continued

Table 8 (continued).

Ownership/Administration Special significance

Private/ Natural/ Historic/
Name Federal State Local Ecological Cultural Recreational

NEW YORK-NEW JERSEY

Gateway National Recreation Area x x x x

NEW JERSEY

Palisades state Park x x
Cheesequake State Park x x
Allaire State Park x x
Manasquan Fish and Wildlife Manage-
ment Area x x x
Butterfly Pond Fish and Wildlife
Management Area x x x
Colliers Mills Fish and Wildlife
Management Area x x x
Manchester Fish and Wildlife
Management Area x x x
Whitings Fish and Wildlife
Management Area x x x
Forked River Game Farm x x
Island Beach State Park x x
Barnegat Lighthouse State Park x x x
Barnegat National Wildlife Refuge x x
Manahawkin Fish and Wildlife
Management Area x x x
Stafford Forge Fish and Wildlife
Management Area x x x

continued

Table 8 (continued).

Ownership/Administration Special significance

Private/ Natural/ Historic/
Name Federal State Local Ecological Cultural Recreational

NEW JERSEY (cont'd)

Bass River State Forest x x x
Penn State Forest x x x
Wharton State Forest x x x
Green Bank State Forest x x x
Swan Bay Fish and Wildlife Manage-
ment Area x x x
Port Republic Fish and Wildlife
Management Area x x x
Great Bay Fish and Wildlife Manage-
ment Area x x x
Brigantine National Wildlife Refuge/
Brigantine Wilderness* x x
Absec6n Coastal Wetlands x x
Tuckahoe-Corbin City Fish and Wild-
life Management Area x x x
Peaslee Fish and Wildlife Management
Area x x x
Marmora Coastal Wetlands x x
Cape May Point State Park x x
Higbee Beach-Pond Creek Wildlife
Management Area x x x

Class I air quality area.

continued

Table 8 (continued).

-Ownership/Administration Special_significance

Private/ Natural/ Historic/
Name Federal State Local Ecological Cultural Recreational

NEW JERSEY (cont'd)

Beaver Swamp Fish and Wildlife
Management Area X X X
Dennis Creek Fish and Wildlife
Management Area X X X
Belleplain State Forest X X X
Menantico Ponds Fish and Wildlife
Management Area X X X
Heislerville Fish and Wildlife
Management Area X X X
Edward G. Bevan Fish and Wildlife
Management Area X X X
Egg Island Fish and Wildlife
Management Area X X
Fortescue Fish and Wildlife
Management Area X X X
Nantuxent Fish and Wildlife
Management Area X X X
Clarks Pond Fish and Wildlife
Management Area X X X
Dix Fish and Wildlife Management
Area X X X
Mad Horse Creek Fish and Wildlife
Management Area X X X
Maskell's Mill Fish and Wildlife
Management Area X X X

continued

Table 8 (6ontinued).

Ownership/Administration Special significance

Private/ Natural/ Historic/
Name Federal State Local Ecological Cultural Recreational

NEW JERSEY (cont'd)

Supawna Meadows National Wildlife
Refuge x x
Fort Mott State Park x x

PENNSYLVANIA

Tinicum National Environmental Center x x

DELAWARE

Brandywine Creek State Park x x
Brandywine Springs State Park x x
Walter S. Carpenter State Park x x
Fort Delaware State Park x x
Lums Pond State Park x x
Augustine Wildlife Area x x x
Appoquinimink Wildlife Area x x x
Blackbird State Forest x x x
Blackiston Wildlife Area x x x
Woodland Beach Wildlife Area x x x
Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge x x
Little Creek Wildlife Area x x x
Norman G. Wilder Conservation Area x x
Killen Pond State Park x x
Milford Neck Wildlife Area x x x

continued

Table 8 (continued).

Ownership/Administration Special significance

Private/ Natural/ Historic/
Name Federal State Local Ecological Cultural Recreational

DELAWARE (cont'd)

Prime Hook National Wildlife Refuge x x
State Wildlife Area x x x
State Forest Owens Tract x x x
Ellendale State Forest x x x
Redden State Forest x x x
Cape Henlopen State Park x x
Gordon Pond Wildlife Area x x x
a%
Ln Delaware Seashore State Park x x
Nanticoke Wildlife Area x x x
Trap Pond State Park x x
Assawoman Wildlife Area x x x

DELAWARE-MARYLAND

Chesapeake and Delaware Canal
Wildlife Area x x

MARYLAND

Wicomico State Forest x x x
Johnson Wildlife Management Area x x x
Pocomoke State Forest x x x
Sinepuxent Bay Wildlife Management
Area x x x

continued

Table 8 (continued).

Ownership/Administration Special significance

Private/ Natural/ Historic/
Name Federal State Local Ecological Cultural Recreational

MARYLAND (cont'd)

Assateague State Park x x
Pocomoke River Wildlife Management
Area x x x
E.A. Vaughn Wildlife Management
Area x x x
Pocomoke Sound Wildlife Management Area x x x
Cedar Island Widlife Management Area x x x
Martin National Wildlife Refuge x x
Janes Island State Park x x
Fairmount Wildlife Management Area x x x
Wellington Wildlife Management Area x x x
Deal Island Wildlife Management Area x x x
Ellis Bay Wildlife Management Area x x x
Fishing Bay Wildlife Management Area x x x
Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge x x
Taylors Island Wildlife Management
Area x x x
Lecompte Wildlife Management Area x x x
Linkwood Wildlife Management Area x x x
Idylwild Wildlife Management Area x x x
Seth State Forest x x x
Martinak State Park x x
Tuckahoe State Park x x
Mill Creek Wildlife Sanctuary x x

continued

Table 8 (continued).

Ownership/Administration Special significance

Private/ Natural/ Historic/
Name Federal State Local Ecological Cultural Recreational

MARYLAND (cont'd)

Wye Oak State Park X X
Matapeake State Park X X
Eastern Neck National Wildlife Refuge X X
Remington Farms Wildlife Reserve X X
Millington Wildlife Management Area X X X
Elk Neck State Park X X
Elk Neck State Forest X X X
Susquehanna National Wildlife Refuge X X
Susquehanna State Park X X
Rocks State Park X X
Gunpowder Falls State Park X X
Gwynnbrook Wildlife Management Area X X X
Soldiers Delight Natural Environment
Area X X X
Patapsco Valley State Park X X
Fort McHenry National Monument and
Historic Shrine X X
Severn Run Natural Environment Area X X X
Sandy Point State Park X X
Jonas Green State Park X X
Patuxent Wildlife Research Center X X
Rosaryville State Park X X
Merkle Wildlife Management Area X X X
Bowen Wildlife Management Area X X X

continued

Table 8 (continued).

Ownership/Administration Special significance

Private/ Natural/ Historic/
Name Federal State Local Ecological Cultural Recreational

MARYLAND (cont'd)

Calvert Cliffs State Park x x
Chancellor's Point Wildlife Preserve x x
Point Lookout State P,ark x x
Cedarville Natural Resource Manage-
ment Area x x x
Doncaster State Forest x x x
Cn Smallwood State Park x x
CO Myrtle Grove Wildlife Management Area x x x
Piscataway Park x x
Fort Washington National Park x x

MARYLAND-VIRGINIA

Assateague Island National Seashore x x x
Chincoteague National Wildlife
Refuge x x

VIRGINIA

Wallops Island National Wildlife
Refuge x x
Metomkin Island Nature Conservancy
Refuge x x
Cedar Island Nature Conservancy Refuge x x

continued

Table 8 (continued).

Ownership/Administration Special significance

Private/ Natural/ Historic/
Name Federal State Local Ecological Cultural Recreational

VIRGINIA (cont'd)

Parramore Island Nature Conservancy
Refuge x x
Revel Island Nature Conservancy Refuge x x
Sandy Island Nature Conservancy Refuge x x
Hog Island Nature Conservancy Refuge x x
Rogue Island Nature Conservancy Refuge x x
01 Cobb Island Nature Conservancy Refuge x x
to Godwin Island Nature Conservancy Refuge x x
Wreck Island Natural Area Nature
Conservancy Refuge x x
Mockhorn Island Waterfowl Management
Area x x x
Ship Shoal Island Nature Conservancy
Refuge x x
Mink Island Nature Conservancy Refuge x x
Myrtle Island Nature Conservancy Refuge x x
Smith Island Nature Conservancy Refuge x x
Fisherman Island National Wildlife
Refuge x x
Parkers Marsh Natural Area x x
Saxis Marsh Waterfowl Management Area x x
George Washington Memorial Parkway x x
Grist Mill Historic Park x x
Mason Neck National Wildlife Refuge x x
Marumsco National Wildlife Refuge x x

continued

Table 8 (continued).

Ownership/Administration Special significance

Private/ Natural/ Historic/
Name Federal State Local Ecological Cultural Recreational

VIRGINIA (cont'd)

Featherstone National Wildlife Refuge x x
Manassas National Battlefield Park x x
Conway-Robinson State Forest x x x
Prince William Forest P4rk x x
Quantico Marine Base Wildlife
Management Area x x x
Fredericksburg and Spotsylvania
CD National Military Park x
Lands End Wildlife Management Refuge x x x
George Washington Birthplace
National Monument x x
Westmoreland State Park x x
State Forest Research Farm x x
Richmond National Battlefield Park x x
Chickahominy Wildlife Management
Area x x x
State Forest Nursery x x
York River State Park x x
Colonial National Historical Park x x
Jamestown National Historic Site x x
Plum Tree Island National Wildlife
Refuge x x
Pocahontas State Forest x x x
Pocahontas State Park x x
Presquile National Wildlife Refuge x x

continued

Table 8 (continued).

Ownership/Administration Special significance

Private/ Natural/ Historic/
Name Federal State Local Ecological Cultural Recreational

VIRGINIA (cont'd)

Petersburg National Battlefield x x
Charles C. Steirly Heron Rookery x x
Chippokes Plantation State Park x x
Hog Island Wildlife Management Area x x x
Ragged Island Wildlife Management Area x x x
Nansemond National Wildlife Refuge x x
Seashore State Park and Natural Area x x x

concluded

Table 9. Species with special status in the Middle Atlantic Zone.

Federal State
Map
No. Species Endangered Threatened Endangered Threatened

FISH

110 Shortnose sturgeon x
111 Atlantic sturgeon VA NJ
116 American shad NJ
200 Maryland darter x

AQUATIC REPTILES AND
AMPHIBIANS

201 Green sea turtle x
202 Loggerhead sea turtle x
203 Hawksbill turtle x
204 Atlantic ridley turtle x
205 Leatherback turtle x

MARINE MAMMALS

257 Right whale x
Sei whale x
Humpback whale x
Blue whale x
Fin whale x
Sperm whale x

PLANTS

308 Prickly pear cactus*
309 Trailing arbutus*
318 Ebony spleenwort*
319 Orchids*
320 Golden club*

Species is legally protected in New York, but has not been specifically designated
as a threatened or endangered species.

continued

Table 9 (continued).

Federal State
Map
No. Species Endangered Threatened Endangered Threatened

BIRDS

406 Least tern NJ
407 Roseate tern NJ
412 Black skimmer NJ
437 Great blue heron NJ
441 Yellow-crowned night heron NJ
505 Bald eagle X
506 Osprey NY, NJ
507 Peregrine falcon X
508 Cooper's hawk NJ
510 Marsh hawk NJ

TERRESTRIAL REPTILES
AND AMPHIBIANS

607 Bog turtle NY, NJ, MD
609 Eastern tiger salamander NJ, MD
6.21 Pine barrens tree frog NJ
622 Northern pine snake NJ
623 Corn snake NJ
624 Timber rattlesnake NJ
625 Southern gray tree frog

TERRESTRIAL MAMMALS

722 Delmarva fox squirrel X

concluded

The shortnose sturgeon (110) is an anadromous species which ranges from Cape
Cod to Florida and overwinters in coastal marine waters or in deep high-salinity
portions of estuaries. Once abundant in inland waters and coastal streams,
sturgeon is now scarce everywhere. During the early spring, the shortnose
sturgeon migrates upstream to low-salinity areas where it spawns near the fresh-
water and brackish water interface. The developmentpatterns of the larval and
juvenile sturgeon are unknown.

The Maryland darter (200), a Federally endangered fish species, is found in
only two creeks in Maryland: Deer Creek (grid reference UU98) and Swan Creek
(grid reference VU07).

Several species of sea turtles frequent the Middle Atlantic Zone during
their northward summer migration. The loggerhead turtle (202) nests along the
sandy ocean beaches in the southern portion of the zone. This species also is
believed to be extending its nesting range northward to Long Island. Adult green
sea (201) and leatherback (205) turtles are found occasionally in shallow bay
waters, but only immature Atlantic ridley turtles (204) are reported in mid-
Atlantic coastal waters. The hawksbill turtle (203) rarely is observed in the
Middle Atlantic Zone.

Six whale species of special status infrequently are reported in mid-
Atlantic waters during their migrations between wintering and summering areas.
The humpback, right, and fin whales are common coastal migrants while the sei,
blue, and sperm whales usually occur far offshore in deep water. The fin whale,
the most common baleen whale observed, tends to concentrate along the Atlantic
coast during the winter,

Bald eagles (505) are permanent residents in the Middle Atlantic Zone and
also migrate through the area. Migrant eagles may overwinter or nest in the
southern portions of this zone, but after breeding, they return in the summer to
northern coastal states or to Canada. Most eagle nests are built in tall trees
adjacent to marshes or tidal rivers.

The peregrine falcon (507) is an endangered species which migrates along the
entire coastal region. The peregrine falcon no longer breeds in the Middle
Atlantic Zone due to the effects of pollution, but a management program is
underway whereby falcons reared in captivity are released in the Middle Atlantic
Zone to reestablish a breeding population. Peregrine falcon migration begins in
mid-September and peaks in October; some migrants only remain for short periods
while a few overwinter in the zone.

Although the osprey is not listed as an endangered species for the Middle
Atlantic Zone, it is considered to be a species of concern. Previously abundant,
during the last 20 to 30 years the number of osprey has substantially declined.
A major southward movement of ospreys occurs along the coast in fall; in spring,
the birds return to their nests in northern marshes and along rivers and bays.

The Delmarva fox squirrel (722) presently exists only in portions of the
Delmarva Peninsula, where it prefers small woodlots which contain large trees and
sparse understory.

5.2.2 Aquatic Resources

The aquatic organisms in the Middle Atlantic Zone are both abundant and
diverse due to the extensive and highly productive estuaries and marshes. Brief
descriptions of the life histories of the major commercially, recreationally,
and ecologically important aquatic organisms which occur in the Middle Atlantic
Zone are provided below. This summary discusses those species which were not
covered previously in the Resources Overview of the North Atlantic Zone (see part
4.2).

Invertebrates

Oysters, clams, and bay scallops are permanent residents of estuaries and
form a major component of the Middle Atlantic Zone fishery. The eastern oyster
is the most valuable shellfish in the Middle Atlantic Zone, and the Chesapeake
Bay contributes a large portion of the commercial harvest. Oysters prefer
salinities between 5 and 15 parts per thousand and water depths of from 2 to
8 meters (8 to 25 feet). Their abundance in high-salinity areas is limited by
predatory oyster drills and protozoan parasites. Oysters spawn during the
summer, and the eggs hatch after 6 to 14 days; the free-swimming larvae settle
where they can attach to a.suitable hard substrate, such as old oysterbeds. They
reach marketable size within 3 to 5 years, depending on latitude, and are har-
vested in the fall and winter.

The hard clam, or quahog, is another major commercial mollusk species,
especially in New York. It is found in waters of greater than 15 parts per
thousand salinity in sandy and shelly substrate. Hard clams spawn in the summer,
and after 1 to 2 weeks the planktonic larvae settle mainly in shallows and
eelgrass and develop into sessile adults. They reach commercial size within 2 to
3 years and may be harvested throughout the year, but mainly during the summer.

The soft shell clam is distributed widely in estuaries with sandy mud
substrate in less than 6-meter (20-foot) depths. Spawning occurs in the late
summer, and after a 2-week planktonic stage, the juveniles attach to sand grains.
The soft shell clam grows to commercial size in approximately 2 years. The
species is harvested throughout the year, although most harvesting occurs in the
summer.

The bay scallop is found in shallows and eelgrass beds. It spawns in the
early summer and the planktonic larvae settle in approximately 10 days. Adults
can be harvested within 1 year. Harvesting usually begins after the spawning
season and continues through the summer and fall until the adult stock is
depleted.

Another sessile species, the surf clam, is found in nearshore coastal
waters. Unlike other bivalves, the commercially important surf clam is
restricted to ocean waters generally of less than 46 meters (150 feet); it
generally is more abundant in coarse sediment. This species spawns in the summer
and fall and reaches commercial size in 5 to 6 years. Surf clams are harvested
throughout the year and provide approximately 60 percent of all clam meat used in
the United States.

The blue crab, a common inhabitant of estuarine and coastal waters of the
Middle Atlantic Zone, supports a substantial recreational fishery and the
largest commercial crabbing industry in the United States. The harvest is mainly
from spring to fall.

The life history of the blue crab is completed in waters of varying salin-
ity; male crabs prefer lower salinities than do the females. Blue crabs migrate
to low-salinity waters in the spring and mate in late spring to early fall when
the female is in the soft crab stage of molt. Gravid females migrate to high-
salinity waters, generally at the mouths of major estuaries, to hatch their
young. The crab larvae and juveniles move inshore to the low-salinity waters of
estuaries to feed and mature. Seasonal hibernation by subadult and adult crabs
occurs in offshore waters or at the mouths of major estuaries such as the
Chesapeake Bay.

Fish

a. Anadromous species. Anadromous species, such as American shad, alewife,
blueback rring, white perch, striped bass, and Atlantic sturgeon, migrate from
the ocean through the estuaries to spawn in brackish or freshwater rivers. The
juveniles of these species use the estuaries of the Middle Atlantic Zone as
nursery areas.

The American shad, alewife, and blueback herring are important sport, com-
mercial, and forage species. These fish migrate throughout the zone during the
spring, but the migrations are more prolonged and occur later in the season at
higher latitudes. The American shad is the first of these fish to appear in
coastal waters; it returns to its hatching area in the beginning of March and
spawns during the spring in tidal freshwaters along the shallow flats of mainstem
rivers. Adults leave the rivers and estuaries by early summer, but the young
remain in the low-salinity nursery ground and gradually move downstream until
late fall when they move out to sea. The alewife is next to appear, migrating up
the estuary to small freshwater streams to spawn during the spring. Adults
return to the lower estuary during the summer and leave by late summer. The
juveniles swim downstream slowly through the estuarine nursery areas until they
migrate out to sea in the fall. The blueback herring is the last to appear,
spawning in tidal freshwater and brackish water tributaries over clean, swept
sand and gravel beginning in April. The remainder of the blueback herring's life
cycle is similar to the alewife's life cycle. These herring species are recrea-
tionally and commercially fished when they migrate in the spring.

Some or all of the adult populations of white perch and striped bass live
within the saline portions of an@ estuary, but the entire population migrates to
freshwater to spawn. The white perch is found mainly in estuaries; some discrete
populations inhabit particular tributaries. In March, perch migrate from their
winter grounds in deep portions of estuaries to tidal fre-shwater tributaries,
where they spawn in the shallows throughout the spring. After spawning, the
adult perch scatter throughout the rivers and bays while the juveniles mature in
the low-salinity nursery areas. During the summer, they collectively move down-
stream to their wintering grounds.

The striped bass is found mainly in the ocean during its nonspawning sea-
sons, although large indigenous populations are located in the Hudson River and

Chesapeake Bay. The migration and spawning of the striped bass are similar to
the migration and spawning of the white perch, but spawning is restricted to only
a few tidal freshwater rivers. During summer, adults disperse to feed in estu-
arine waters; juveniles remain in nursery grounds characterized by less than 6
parts per thousand salinity. As the young mature, they gradually move down-
stream. Fishing for striped bass occurs mainly in the spring and fall in
temperate coastal and estuarine waters.

The abundance of Atlantic sturgeon has declined in recent years. This
species, once commercially important and abundant at the turn of the century, is
presently classified as endangered in Virginia and threatened in New Jersey. In
other states, sturgeon is fished commercially during its spring and fall migra-
tions. Atlantic sturgeon migrates from ocean and deep river overwintering
grounds in April and May to spawn at the brackish water and freshwater interface.
The juvenile sturgeon is believed to spend a number of years in the estuaries
before migrating to the ocean in the summer and fall with the adults.

b. Catadromous species. The American eel is widely distributed throughout
the mid-Atlantic estuaries. The adults migrate from the rivers and estuaries in
the late summer and fall to spawn, presumably in the Sargasso Sea during the
winter, and then die. After' hatching, larvae move in the direction of the North
American continent. Juveniles arrive in the estuaries in mid-spring to grow and
mature for several years. Eels are active throughout the shallows, primarily
during the night. During the winter, eels are believed to move downstream to
deep water. The eel catch is taken from March to December, but the catch is most
productive in the fall.

C. Estuarine-dependent species. Many species are estuarine-dependent,
that is, some stage of their life history is spent within an estuary. Estuarine-
dependent species make up the majority of the ecologically, recreationally, and
commercially important fisheries within the Middle Atlantic Zone. Species such
as the Atlantic menhaden, weakfish, spot, Atlantic croaker, northern kingfish,
silver perch, bluefish, and summer and winter flounder use the estuaries exten-
sively as spawning, nursery, or feeding grounds, but they also are found as
adults along the Continental Shelf.

The drum family is the major est uar i ne- dependent fish group in the Middle
Atlantic Zone, with major representatives being the weakfish, spot, and Atlantic
croaker.

Weakfish, the most widely distributed drum in the Middle Atlantic Zone,
spawns in the more saline portions of estuaries and in coastal waters during the
late spring and summer. The young move upstream to low-salinity nursery grounds
in the shallows, marshes, and seagrass beds.

Spot is found mainly in the southern portion of the Middle Atlantic Zone.
It spawns offshore during the late fall and winter; in early spring, the juve-
niles move to low-salinity estuarine nursery grounds in shallows, marshes, and
seagrass beds. The adults are distributed widely in the Chesapeake Bay and
Delmarva Shore estuaries from early summer to fall.

Atlantic croaker occurs mainly from New Jersey southward. Adults spawn
offshore from August through December and migrate into the bays in early spring,

although not as far upstream as spot. In mid-summer and early fall the adults
return to the offshore spawning grounds. The young enter the shallows or marshes
of estuaries from late summer to early winter.

Weakfish, spot, and Atlantic croaker support an important commercial and
recreational fishery from the spring through the fall; best yields for spot and
weakfish occur in the late summer and fall, and the best yield for the croaker is
in the spring. Major fishing areas tend to be in the high-salinity portions of
the bays and in coastal waters.

The menhaden is the most valuable finfish in the Middle Atlantic Zone and
has the highest commercial yield of any finfish or shellfish. This species
spawns in the ocean during the winter; the prejuveniles enter the estuaries in
the beginning of March, and they remain there throughout the summer. Juveniles
initially inhabit low-salinity nursery areas, but move slowly downstream to the
high-salinity portions of the estuary as they develop. Adults stay in the high-
salinity bays most of the summer, and emigrate to the sea in October with the
juveniles. The important menhaden fishery extends mainly from March through
December.

Bluefish is found predominantly in ocean waters throughout most of the year.
After being spawned in the ocean during the summer, the juveniles enter into all
portions of the estuaries where the mature. The adults also move inshore during
the summer, although they are not found in as low salinities as the juveniles.
Bluefish is of first importance as a recreational fishery and of second impor-
tance as a major commercial species. The largest bluefish catches generally
occur in the late summer and early fall.

Summer and winter flounder also are recreationally and commercially impor-
tant estuarine-dependent species. Adult summer flounder overwinters and spawns
offshore. Adults and juveniles spawned in the fall move inshore during the
spring, with the juveniles moving inshore mainly in the southern portion of the
zone; both adults and juveniles return offshore in the late summer and fall. The
summer flounder is fished throughout the year. The recreational fishery for this
species occurs inshore during spring to fall, and the offshore commercial fishery
occurs during winter and early spring. The winter flounder, however, moves
inshore during the fall, overwinters in the bays, and spawns in the shallows
during January through March. As the water warms in the spring, the adults
migrate to deeper estuarine or nearshore waters where they summer, while the
juveniles remain in the estuaries.

Cunner is an important sport species found on hard substrate and near
wharves or ledges to depths of 73 meters (240 feet). The cunner overwinters in
deeper waters and moves inshore during the spring and summer to spawn.

d. Oceanic species. Several offshore species occasionally occur in lower
estuaries, but are more often found in coastal waters where they use estuarine-
dependent species as food. These species, which include scup, black sea bass,
and Atlantic mackerel, are of recreational and commercial importance. These
oceanic species move nearshore in the late spring and summer. The scup inhabits
nearshore waters from April to October during which time it spawns. In the fall
and winter, it moves offshore and to the south. The major commercial fishery
occurs in the fall through early spring when the adults are concentrated in

offshore wintering grounds. An active sport fishery and some commercial activity
occur in the nearshore summering grounds. The black sea bass has a life history
similar to the scup, moving nearshore and spawning in the spring and summer and
moving offshore and southward in the winter. The Atlantic mackerel spawns in the
spring and early summer over most of the mid-Atlantic Continental Shelf. It is
found in nearshore waters from late spring through late fall, concentrating in
areas north of the Delaware Bay.

Tautog is a sport fish normally found inshore to depths of 18 meters
(60 feet). It is a groundfish which occurs over hard bottoms and near wrecks and
jetties. Tautog overwinters in deeper waters and moves inshore during the spring
and summer for spawning.

For more extensive information, the reader should refer to the Development
of Fishes of the Mid-Atlantic Biqht (U.S. Department of Interior, 1978) and to
the Coastal and Offshore Environmental Inventory, Cape Hatteras to Nantucket
@hoals (University of Rhode Island, Marine Experiment Station, 1973). Informa-
tion on the commercial harvest and value of aquatic species is summarized in
Current Fisheries Statistics, which is published by the Department of Commerce,
National Marine Fisheries Service.

Mammals

Marine mammals are not abundant in the Middle Atlantic Zone, and most of
these species inhabit the offshore waters instead of the nearshore waters.
Information on marine mammals is limited to occasional sightings and strandings.

5.2.3 Terrestrial Resources

Although much of the Middle Atlantic Zone is urbanized, open stretches of
the coast are characterized by sandy beaches or narrow barrier islands vegetated
with dunegrass, shrubs, and sometimes hardwoods. Inland portions of the coastal
zone, however, contain oak-pine forests interspersed with farmlands, pastures,
developments, and wetlands. Marshes usually occur on the landward side of
barrier islands around many of the bays and along the tidal portion of most
rivers. Salt marshes, with large areas of cordgrass, salt hay, and rushes, are
the most abundant, although freshwater and brackish marshes are common locally.
Marshes, undeveloped shorelines, bays, rivers, and forests constitute some of
the more valuable wildlife areas in the zone and provide breeding and concentra-
tion grounds for colonial nesting birds, waterfowl, and furbearers.

Many wildlife refuges (table 8) have been established to serve as important
sanctuaries in the coastal zone. These refuges are vital to the protection and
long-term maintenance of the Atlantic region's avifauna and provide important
habitats for other wildlife species, including amphibians, reptiles, and fur-
bearing animals, many of which are permanent residents of the zone.

Birds

The deeply indented coastline of the Middle Atlantic Zone with its numerous
rivers, bays, and estuaries profoundly influences the migratory patterns of
birds. The primary migratory route for birds in the Middle Atlantic Zone is the
Atlantic flyway, which consists of several small corridors such as the Atlantic

shoreline, Hudson River, Delaware Bay, Chesapeake Bay, and Potomac River fly-
ways. The Atlantic flyway is used by large numbers of waterfowl, shorebirds, and
landbirds as they migrate through or overwinter in the coastal marshes, bays,
rivers, and ponds within this zone. Several coastal localities and refuges are
important concentration points for birds in their north-south migrations.

About 380 species of birds have been reported to frequent the coastal lands
and offshore waters of the Middle Atlantic Zone.

a. Shorebirds. Shorebirds of the Middle Atlantic Zone include plovers,
oystercatchers, gulls, terns, and skimmers. Shorebirds generally occur in beach
areas, but also are common in marshes and mudflats; gulls and terns frequently
breed on dredge spoil banks because the banks are more remote than their histor-
ical breeding grounds. Increased beachfront development and recreational use
have contributed to the loss of suitable nesting sites for several of the nesting
beach birds, such as black skimmers and least terns. Nevertheless, over 130,000
breeding pairs of the most common shorebirds are estimated to reproduce in this
zone during the warmer months. The most abundant shorebirds, in terms of pair
estimates, which breed in major portions of this zone include the herring gull
(28,000 pairs), common tern (20,000 pairs), and least tern (5,000 pairs). Other
species of shorebirds breed in the Middle Atlantic Zone in colonies in limited
localities; these species are discussed only for specific sections of the zone.
Although shorebirds are migratory, many northern species also overwinter in the
zone. Flocks migrate north from early May to the beginning of June, and south
from early August to early October.

b. Wading birds. Wading birds, particularly herons, egrets, and ibises,
are among the most conspicuous birds in this zone. They are prolific breeders
and are widespread throughout the Middle Atlantic Zone; furthermore, they are
expanding their range. Wading birds were at one time nearly extirpated by plume
bunters and egg collectors. These species usually nest colonially in marshes, or
more often, in shrubs and trees on coastal islands and on the mainland. Some
colonies contain thousands of breeding pairs of many different species, while
other colonies have a few dozen pairs of a single species. Estimates indicate
that over 30,000 breeding pairs of the most common species nest in this zone.
The most abundant wading birds, in terms of pair estimates, nesting in this zone
are the snowy egret (9,000 pairs), black-crowned night heron (6,000 pairs),
glossy ibis (5,000 pairs), and great egret (2,000 pairs). These and other
species arrive about mid-March and nest from early May to mid-July. In the fall
they begin their migration to winter in the south.

Other birds which are common breeding residents of the coastal marshes
throughout the Middle Atlantic Zone are the American coot, common gallinule,
clapper rail, Virginia rail, sora rail, and king rail. The king rail and
gallinule are freshwater species. Sora rails and coots prefer freshwater marshes
for nesting; however, they frequently use brackish and salt marshes during migra-
tion. The other rails breed in salt marshes.

C. Waterfowl. Approximately, 30 species of waterfowl are found in the
Middle Atlantic Zone. Waterfowl areas shown on the accompanying inventory maps
represent the most important concentration areas within the zone. In the Chesa-
peake Bay region, for example, specific areas shown to be inhabited by dabbling

ducks, diving ducks, geese, and swans are those which consistently harbor over
1,000 individuals.

Waterfowl, such as dabbling and diving ducks and geese, seasonally frequent
the zone on their annual migratory flights along the Atlantic flyway. Represen-
tative dabbling ducks include mallard, pintail, American widgeon, green-winged
teal, gadwall, shoveler, and black duck. Of these, mallard and black duck are
the most abundant. Lesser scaup, redhead, canvasback, and ring-necked ducks are
the most common diving ducks. The Canada goose far outnumbers other geese, with
the snow goose and brant being next in importance. Large numbers of whistling
swans also use this zone for migrations and wintering.

Dabbling ducks and Canada geese prefer the freshwater or brackish water
areas of the coastal region while diving ducks, including mergansers, brants,
loons, grebes, and cormorants, use the salt marshes, open waters, and nearshore
areas extensively. Wood ducks are rare visitors to coastal areas; however, they
commonly breed in inland swamps and along forested streams throughout the Middle
Atlantic Zone. By early May, Canada goose goslings have hatched, and during June
and early July, broods of other waterfowl hatch.

The peak of the fall migration for waterfowl is during October and November,
when the waterfowl fly from their northern breeding grounds to their southern
wintering areas. In spring, flights occur,from March to early May as the birds
return north. In particular, brants and snow geese follow the ocean coast.

The wintering migratory waterfowl population in the Middle Atlantic Zone
(table 10) fluctuates markedly from year to year in response to many factors,
including habitat conditions, productivity, and harvest pressures. Many of the
waterfowl which overwinter in the zone have traveled a thousand miles or more.

Annually, over 1 million ducks and thousands of geese are harvested by
hunters in the Middle Atlantic Zone. Migratory waterfowl, such as canvasbacks,
mallards, wood ducks, and Canada geese, are particularly sought by hunters.
Mallards appear to be the most hunted species. Hunting mortality causes a
temporary 15- to 25-percent reduction in the total waterfowl population. The
waterfowl population usually is restored during the next breeding season. Hunt-
ing pressures tend to concentrate waterfowl in large bodies of water, refuges, or
other inaccessible areas which generally are closed to recreational activities
or hunting.

d. Raptors. Many hawks and owls breed, migrate through, or winter in the
Middle Atlantic Zone. Owls generally occur inland while hawks prefer coastal
areas, marshes, and bays. Hawks generally follow low ridges and the coast during
their migrations.

e. Seabirds. Seabirds do not commonly nest in the Middle Atlantic Zone,
although they are known to winter offshore, usually beyond the three-mile limit.
Occasionally, some seabirds, such as alcids, gannets, storm petrels, and shear-
waters will fly or rest close to shore for short periods of time.

f. 'Songbirds and others. Numerous bird species breed, migrate through, or
winter in the Middle Atlantic Zone. These birds occupy many types of habitats:
farmlands, woodlands, wetlands, suburban areas, and even high-rise buildings in

Table 10. Minimum wintering populations of migratory waterfowl
in the Middle Atlantic Zone (Massachusetts through North Carolina).

Species 1969 1970 1971 1972 1973 1974 1975 1976 1977

Mallard 106,500 83,200 759400 74,700 90,400 102,500 779485 106,144 154,850
Black duck 2719600 224,300 2019300 216,900 2259700 200,400 189,513 2319987 227,390
Gadwall 2,800 3,100 1,700 3,300 4,300 10,800 10$442 17,660 27,005
Widgeon 52,400 22,900 29,300 30,400 26,000 359400 489035 59,633 41,154
Teal 119100 99100 35,200 26,700 12,200 279100 249745 249460 149946
Pintail 69,300 479200 44,800 309800 28,000 49,900 40,219 67,507 63,875
Redhead 23,300 35,400 29,800 20,000 27,700 149100 19,085 419050 76,310
Canvasback 1241,700 89,800 789900 789900 999700 106,200 1029630 1369936 126,135
Scaup 2579800 2689400 312,600 2029300 206,300 3029600 336,097 212,665 2409399
Goldeneye 67,300 379300 45,400 46,000 35$500 29,500 30,019 53,756 33,206
Bufflehead 44,200 51,000 24,500 40,000 37,000 52,700 39,992 59,004 64,211
co Ruddy duck 39,400 36,100 50,600 28,100 419400 46,500 54,490 18,816 429359
r-3 Eider 45,500 549700 249700 449900 28,100 62,500 46,805 453,896 40,348
Scoter 48,000 83,100 199,700 1359000 45,000 299600 19,660 449574 969529
Oldsquaw 4,600 13,200 11,300 249500 9,800 7,300 9,802 11,917 16,280
Snow goose 62,800 299300 489400 81,000 59,100 95,200 70,209 116,777 126,964
Canada goose 650,500 7479200 644,900 657,500 671,700 699,400 730,614 7289441 8659968
Brant 1309900 1069500 1513000 73,300 41,900 87,600 88,418 1279003 73,605
Whistling swan 62,000 559000 589200 629700 56,800 639900 1549685 78,012 76,136

SOURCE: (BLM, 1979).

coastal cities. The species diversity of landbirds as a group is great and
includes flycatchers, larks, swallows, jays, crows, chickadees, titmice, nut-
hatches, creepers, wrens, mockingbirds, thrushes, vireos, warblers, blackbirds,
finches, sparrows, and woodpeckers.

Indigenous landbirds use the Atlantic flyway as a migratory route. Breaks
in the coastline of the Middle Atlantic Zone, formed by the complex series of
wide estuaries and bays found there, sometimes constitute a barrier to landbirds
migrating along the coast. During adverse weather conditions, birds will con-
centrate in large numbers at the land margins of these water bodies to wait for
favorable flying conditions. Landbird migrations in the zone are the greatest
from mid-April to mid-May and from late August to late October.

Mammals

Many mammals of the Middle Atlantic Zone are recreationally and commer-
cially valuable. Important species which are common throughout the zone, and
which are hunted for sport, include the whitetail deer (the most important big
game animal), eastern cottontail, gray squirrel, and eastern fox squirrel. All
of these animals prefer upland areas: deer occur in immature woods and edge
habitats, eastern cottontails use brushy cover, and squirrels reside in mature
oak forests.

The muskrat is the most abundant of the commercially valuable furbearers in
the Middle Atlantic Zone and is found in freshwater and salt marshes. The
muskrat breeding season extends from January to October and several litters may
be produced each year. The river otter also is commercially trapped and is
widely distributed along the banks of streams and lake margins. Otters normally
bear young in mid-April to early May. Mink is an important commercial species in
streams and marshes. Minks mate from mid-February to early March and the young
are born in April and May. Other important furbearers, common to the Middle
Atlantic Zone and commercially valuable, are the raccoon, opossum, longtail
weasel, striped skunk, gray fox, and red fox.

5.3 SOUTHERN NEW ENGLAND COAST (GRID REFERENCE DR19 TO BR55)

The northeasternmost section of the Middle Atlantic Zone extends from
Monomoy Island, Massachusetts, to Montauk Point on Long Island, New York. The
Southern New England Coast has been divided into two subsections: the Nantucket,
Rhode Island, and Block Island Sounds, and the Long Island Sound. This section
was previously glaciated; therefore, the coastline is irregular and consists of
numerous large offshore islands, barrier beaches, bays, and drowned river
valleys. Beaches in the Southern New England Coast section generally are sandy,
but several beaches are rocky, high-energy systems. Small protected coastal
marshes also are characteristic of this section. Elevations on the mainland
generally are less than 60 meters (200 feet) while elevations of the offshore
islands usually are less than 30 meters (100 feet). Undeveloped upland areas
generally consist of deciduous forest.

This section is a transition area between the cold waters of the North
Atlantic Zone and the warmer waters of the Middle Atlantic Zone. The transition
occurs because the section is affected by the Labrador Current and the Gulf
Stream. An offshore temperature gradient extends eastward from Monomoy Island

between the two water currents, creating a demarcation line between cold water to
the north and warm water to the south. This temperature gradient exists from
about mid-June to late September, and effectively separates the marine biota of
the two zones. As the ocean waters cool in the fall, the temperature differences
diminish. Because of the geographic orientation of the coastline in this
section, the resource discussions provided below follow north-south UTM grid
swaths.

5.3.1 Nantucket Sound, Rhode island Sound, and Block Island Sound (Grid Refer-
.ence DR19 to BR55)

Aquatic Resources

The seasonal hydrographic phenomenon of these sounds has a profound in-
fluence on the finfish in this subsection. During the fall and winter, the
general movement of fish is from north to south, with northern species wintering
as far south as Cape Hatteras once the waters become cool and then returning to
the north in the spring as the waters become warm. Warm water fish migrate to
Florida and sometimes to the Gulf coast.

a. Widespread species. This subsection contains significant shellfish
beds whicfi support a large commercial fishery. Important economic species
include the eastern oyster, bay scallop, surf clam, hard clam, and soft shell
clam. Lobster populations in this section, near the southern limit of. their
range, generally are low and are not considered to be of commercial importance.
In contrast, blue crabs are more numerous in this subsection than farther north,
but blue crabs are not as commercially significant here as they are in the
southern section of the Middle Atlantic Zone, especially in the Chesapeake Bay..

Finfish of importance in these ' sounds include striped bass, bluefish,
tautog, cunner, scup, winter flounder, black sea bass, and bluefin tuna. Scup,
black sea bass, and bluefin tuna are summer visitors while the others occur year-
round. Several traditionally high-concentration areas for various species of
fish are shown on the accompanying maps, but these species can be expected to
inhabit the open water throughout the area.

Anadromous and freshwater fish species have been shown on the maps in
representative streams. Instream species include blueback herring, alewife,
American shad, Atlantic herring, brook trout, rainbow smelt, Atlantic tomcod,
white and yellow perch, largemouth and smallmouth bass, and chain pickerel.

Seal crawlouts or nesting areas are important habitats throughout the
section.

b. Geographic inventory. Muskeget Island (grid reference CR97) is the only
gray seal rookery in the United States and occurs at the southern limit of the
seal's range. Other breeding areas for this species occur much farther north in
Canada.

One area of special significance in this subsection is the Atlantic salmon
migration and spawning area located in the Pawcatuck River between grid refer-
ences BR85 and BR65.

Terrestrial Resources

Terrestrial and biotic resources of this subsection are protected by
numerous parks and management areas.

a. Widespread species. Important bird concentration areas are scattered
throughou .t the section and are identified below. Mammals are distributed evenly
in the area, but occur in such limited numbers that their densities are not
significant.

b. Geographic inventory. Between grid references DR26 and CR67 are several
shorebird and wading bird nesting areas as well as waterfowl migratory areas.
The most significant portion of this interval is Muskeget Island (grid reference
CR97) which supports shorebirds, marsh hawks, short-eared owls, and the only
known population of beach meadow voles. This species of vole has been proposed
as an endangered species.

Between grid references CR56 and BR95 are other important shorebird and
wading bird areas; several areas with osprey nests also are shown. A special
interest area is Bird Island (grid reference CS51), which supports approximately
40 percent of the U.S. breeding population of roseate terns (900 pairs). The
three largest colonies of this species represent approximately 95 percent of the
breeding population.

The next interval of importance (grid reference BR85) is the Block Island
area. Because of its remoteness Block Island supports a variety of terrestrial
species, including wading birds, shorebirds, migrating waterfowl and songbirds,
and marsh hawks. The endangered peregrine falcon is a common visitor to Block
Island during its migration. This island is one of the few areas the falcon is
known to use regularly. Also, the only known population of the Block Island
meadow vole is found on the island. This vole also has been proposed for
inclusion on the Federal endangered species list.

5.3.2 Long Island Sound (Grid Reference BR55 to XA02)

This subsection encompasses the Long Island Sound and adjacent shoreline of
Connecticut and New York, as well as the northern shore of Long Island. The Long
Island Sound estuary is a semi-enclosed body of water measuring 145 kilometers
(90 miles) long and 24 kilometers (15 miles) wide. The sound opens to Block
Island Sound and the Atlantic Ocean on the east, and is fed by the East River, a
part of the Hudson estuary, on the west (figure 5). Long Island Sound is a
moderately stratified estuary dominated by strong tidal currents and freshwater
inflow on its northern side. Several rivers (the largest being the Connecticut
River) drain into the sound from the north shore, but most of this water is
rapidly exchanged with the Atlantic Ocean. The bays which separate the northern
and southern tips of eastern Long Island, principally Flanders, Great Peconic,
Little Peconic, and Gardiners Bays, also are included as a part of this section.

Aquatic Resources

a. Widespread species. Throughout Long Island Sound, the occurrence of the
major commercially and recreationally important organisms is dependent on sea-
sonal changes in water temperature. Sessile invertebrates, such as bay scallops,

oysters, and hard and soft clams, are located in beds throughout the Long Island
Sound region. Oysters are one of the most valuable commercial fisheries in the
Long Island Sound estuary.

Several fish species are year-round residents, including the winter floun-
der, one of the most abundant fish, tautog, and cunner. The latter two species
are mainly fished for recreation. Coldwater species, such as cod and pollock,
move into the sound from waters during the winter while more temperate water
species, such as bluefish, scup, summer flounder, striped bass, and weakfish,
inhabit the area during the summer. Anadromous fish, such as American shad,
blueback herring, alewife, and the endangered shortnose sturgeon inhabit the
sound and coastal tributaries during their spawning migrations.

b. Geographic inventory. The eastern end of the Long Island Sound subsec-
tion (gri'd reference BR55) provides winter habitat for cod and pollock popula-
tions, which generally inhabit cold offshore bottom waters. This area represents
the southernmost point where large numbers of pollock occur inshore. Cod move
offshore in March and April and pollock leave in June.

The Connecticut River (grid reference YA27) is a major anadromous fish
spawning stream. The Federally endangered shortnose sturgeon migrates up this
river; in 1977, the total adult population in the river was estimated at 450
fish. Alewife, American shad, rainbow smelt, and American tomcod also migrate up
the Connecticut River to spawn.

The Peconic-Gardiners Bay Complex (grid references YA03 to YA35) is one of
the more important northern centers for concentrations of weakf i sh. Weakf i sh use
this complex as a spawning, nursery, and feeding ground. Shellfish also are
abundant in this complex; some of the major mid-Atlantic coast bay scallop beds
are located in the shallows and eelgrass beds of this area. Hard clams and
oysters also are abundant.

Although other shallow water, hard bottom areas have important commercial
oyster populations, Oyster Bay (grid reference XA23) is one of the more produc-
tive areas. Much of the oyster fishery in Long Island Sound, including Oyster
Bay, is maintained by hatchery seed production and intensive bed management.

Terrestrial Resources

a. Widespread.species. The characteristic upland habitats on Long Island
are the pitch pine and scrub oak forests and the extensive tidal wetlands which
occur throughout the coastal areas. Several common wading bird and shorebird
species inhabit the wetland areas during the spring and summer months. These
species, and estimates of nesting pairs, include great black-backed gull (1,400
pairs), herring gull (5,400 pairs), common tern (3,100 pairs), least tern (1,400
pairs), roseate tern (800 pairs), black-crowned night heron (600 pairs), snowy
egret (200 pairs), and glossy ibis (30 pairs).

b. Geographic_inventory. An especially important wildlife area of Long
Island, between grid references YA15 and YA55, contains many species, including
nesting wading birds, shorebirds, songbirds, and ospreys. During fall and early
winter, many songbirds and wintering hawks reside near the sound. A majority of
the great black-backed and herring gulls of the zone nest in this locality. In

addition, the bog turtle, which is an endangered species in New York, breeds in
this area. Peregrine falcons are known to frequent the area to the west (grid
reference XA52) during migrations.

In spring, northern Nassau County (grid reference XA12 to XA31) is the focal
point for many migratory birds, especially songbirds; several raptors nest in the
county on a seasonal basis. In winter, many ducks and geese remain in the bays
and marshes. Osprey, an endangered species in New York, also nests in this area.

5.4 NEW YORK BIGHT (GRID REFERENCE BR55 TO WUOO)

This section encompasses the exposed outer coast from Montauk Point, New
York, to Cape May, New Jersey, and the Hudson River. The New York Bight has been
divided into three subsections: the South Shore of Long Island, the Hudson
River, and the New Jersey Shore.

5.4.1 South Shore of Long Island (Grid Reference BR55 to WV98)

The South Shore of Long Island, from Montauk Point on the east to Sea Gate
on the west, is dominated by barrier islands which protect an extensive system of
bays and marshes on their landward side. This system includes Jamaica, Great
South, Moriches, and Shinnecock Bays. The biotic resources for this subsection
are keyed geographically using north-south UTM grid swaths.

Aquatic Resources

a. Widespread species. The South Shore of Long Island is an extremely
critical area for spawning and nursery grounds as well as beds for major commer-
cial and recreational shellfish and finfish, such as hard clam, bay scallop, soft
shell clam, Atlantic menhaden, weakfish, striped bass, winter and summer floun-
der, and bluefish. Other fishery species are the surf clam, scup, Atlantic
mackerel, and two coldwater species, cod and pollock, which move inshore during
the summer. Species of special status which inhabit these coastal waters include
six marine mammals, five sea turtles, and one fish (table 9). At the interface
between the complex and the ocean, lobsters and mussels inhabit rocky areas.

b. Geographic inventory. Cod and pollock generally are coldwater, offshore
bottom species, but during the fall individual schools move inshore. Both
species may remain through the winter; cod move offshore in March and April and
pollock leave in June. Montauk Point (grid reference BR65) is the southernmost
area where large numbers of adult pollock occur nearshore.

The eastern portion of Long Island's South Shore, from Montauk Point to
Moriches Inlet (grid reference BR65 to XA81), harbors an abundance of marine
species, such as bluefish, striped bass, and black sea bass, which move inshore
during the spring and summer. These species are not only of commercial value,
but they also are of even greater recreational importance. Adult bluefish
inhabit nearshore waters, but the eastern portion of the South Shore of Long
Island is one of the few places along the Atlantic coast where bluefish can be
caught from shore. Striped bass occur and are harvested along the entire Long
Island South Shore. However, after adults spawn during the spring in the Hudson
River, their largest summer concentrations are along the eastern portion of the
subsection.

Great South Bay (grid reference XA30 to XA71), the largest bay along the
Long Island South Shore, yields almost 50 percent of the nation's harvest of hard
clams and contains major concentrations of bay scallops in eelgrass beds. Soft
shell clams also are found in intertidal muds and gravels.

The surf clam, one of the major commercial shellfish in the subsection, has
extensive beds from 3 to 16 kilometers (2 to 10 miles) offshore along the entire
Long Island South Shore and between the shoreline and 27 meters (90 feet) along
the western and central portions of the shore from Moriches Bay to the Lower Bay
(grid reference XA81 to WV89).

During the summer, the western coastal waters of Long Island's South Shore
from Fire Island Inlet to Lower Bay (grid reference XV49 to WV89) contain impor-
tant concentrations of Atlantic mackerel and black sea bass.

Terrestrial Resources

A significant portion of the tidal wetlands in New York occur in this
subsection. Undeveloped uplands to the north are dominated by pitch pine and
scrub oak forests. Although major portions of this area are urbanized, important
concentrations of migratory and breeding wildlife still use the natural cover of
the area.

a. Widespread species. The bays and inlets along the western portion of
the Long Island South Shore are important nesting, stopover, and wintering areas
for shorebirds, wading birds, and waterfowl. The most common species of shore-
birds and wading birds, and their nesting pair estimates, are the great black-
backed gull (400 pairs), herring gull (9,000 pairs), common tern (7,000 pairs),
least tern (1,000 pairs), snowy egret (1,000 pairs), great egret (300 pairs),
black-crowned night heron (900 pairs), and glossy ibis (900 pairs).

b. Geographic inventory. In the fall, Robert Moses State Park (grid
reference XV49) has one of the most spectacular concentrations of migratory birds
on Long Island. When northwest winds prevail, large flights of falcons,
flickers, swallows, and landbirds rest at the park.

Nassau County (grid reference WV99 to XV39) is an especially important area
for spring and fall migrating wading birds, shorebirds, waterfowl, and song-
birds. Migrating birds often congregate in this area during periods of adverse
weather to wait for more favorable conditions.

5.4.2 Hudson River (Grid Reference XC02 to WV88)

The Hudson River,, including New York harbor and the Lower Bay, is a tidal
estuary which extends from the Atlantic Ocean to Troy, New York (grid reference
XC03), a distance of 250 kilometers (155 miles). The river has four distinct
reaches. The northernmost reach of the river in the study area, from Troy
downstream to Beacon (grid reference XC03 to WA89), is freshwater with a small
tidal current. From Beacon downstream to the channel widening at Stony Point
(grid reference WA89 to WA86), tidal currents are sluggish in the very deep,
narrow channel; brackish water seldom penetrates north of Beacon. Downstream,
from Stony Point to the New York-New Jersey border (grid reference WA86 to WA39),
the river becomes a broad and shallow complex, which includes Tappan 'Zee, Croton,

and Haverstraw Bays (grid reference WA86 to WA84); mixing of lighter freshwater
with heavier seawater tends to trap nutrients in this reach during most of the
year. The high-salinity, lower portion of the estuary, from the New York-New
Jersey border to the river mouth (grid reference WA39 to WV89), is narrow, deep,
and dominated by strong tidal currents. The biotic resources of this subsection
are keyed geographically using east-west UTM grid swaths.

Aquatic Resources

a. Widespread species. As a result of the large salinity gradient
(27 parts per thousand to zero) and habitat diversity in the Hudson River, many
groups of organisms inhabit the river during part or all of their life history.
Important anadromous species in the Hudson River include striped bass, American
shad, blueback herring, alewife, tomcod, smelt, white perch, and the endangered
shortnose sturgeon. All of these fish migrate upstream during the spring.

b. Geographic inventory. The Hudson River from Troy downstream to Pough-
keepsie (grid reference XC03 to WB81) is inhabited by resident freshwater species
such as catfish, sunfish, walleye, and freshwater bass. This reach and its
tributaries is an important spawning, nursery, and feeding area for the anadro-
mous species listed above. In particular, the American shad spawns in the
shallows; the center of its peak spawning area is known as The Flats (grid
reference WB85). Because The Flats is a critically important spawning area, it
is closed to commercial fishing. Deep water occurs in this reach of the Hudson
(grid reference WB82 to WB83) and may serve as an overwintering area for the
endangered shortnose sturgeon. The only record in New York of a designated rare
species, the pearl roach, was reported in the Roeliff Jansen Kill (grid reference
WB96).

From Poughkeepsie to Haverstraw Bay (grid reference WB81 to WA86), the river
changes from a freshwater regime to a medium-salinity estuary. Few resident
freshwater species inhabit the mainstem of the river, although they are abundant
in the tributaries. Bluefish, weakfish, and blue crab are present in the main
channel area. Anadromous species use the littoral zone of the river as well as
its tributaries for spawning, nursery, and feeding areas. Striped bass spawning
is most intense in the Hudson River between Beacon and Peekskill (grid reference
WA89 to WA87). The stretch from Beacon to Haverstraw Bay (grid reference WA89 to
WA86) is relatively deep and may also provide overwintering habitat for shortnose
and Atlantic sturgeons.

The Haverstraw-Croton-Tappan Zee Bay complex (grid reference WA86 to WA84)
is a large, but nutrient rich, shallow water region. This complex is of critical
importance as a nursery area for both estuarine-dependent organisms and anadro-
mous species. It also is the last riverine feeding ground for young anadromous
species before they migrate to sea; therefore, it serves as an important concen-
tration area in the fall. Extensive shellfish beds and blue crab concentrations
also are found in this area of the river.

The Hudson River, adjacent to New York City, mainly serves as a migration
route for anadromous species, as well as juvenile and adult estuarine-dependent
species which inhabit the upstream reaches of the river. Hard clams and soft
shell clams, however, are present in the lower estuary, particularly in Sandy
Hook Bay (grid reference WV78).

Terrestrial Resources

The forested uplands adjacent to the Hudson River Valley are characterized
by mixed forests consisting of oak and other northern hardwoods. Narrow belts of
tidal wetlands are found along brackish portions of the river.

a...Widespread species. Although the Hudson River Valley is used by many
birds for migration and breeding purposes, there are no known localities which
have exceptionally large concentrations. Shorebird, wading bird, and marsh bird
breeding sites along the river are not extensive.

b. Geographic inventory. Numerous hawks can be observed during migration
at Hook Mountain (grid reference WA95) near Upper Nyack.

Waterfowl rest and overwinter in the southern portion (grid reference WA94
to WA81) of the area. Reptiles, particularly the five-lined skink and northern
fence lizard, are known to concentrate at Anthony's Nose (grid reference WA87).

5.4.3 New Jersey Shore (Grid Reference WV88 to WUOO)

The New Jersey Shore, which extends from Sandy Hook to Cape May, is charac-
terized by a high-energy sandy beach on the north and extensive estuaries protec-
ted by barrier islands along the coast to the south. Many of the barrier beaches
have well-developed, but fragile, dunes and ridges. The biotic resources of this
subsection are keyed geographically using east-west UTM grid swaths.

Aquatic Resources

a. Widespread species. Several important shellfish, found in the coastal
bays and nearshore ocean waters of New Jersey, include the hard clam, bay scal-
lop, oyster, and blue crab. Oyster and blue crab provide a summer recreational
fishery in the ocean bays. Surf clams are another important component of the
nearshore ocean fishery and are found along the entire coast, especially in areas
with coarse sandy sediment.

The extensive estuaries provide spring and summer nursery and feeding areas
for many species, including American eel, Atlantic menhaden, white perch,
striped bass, weakfish, spot, Atlantic croaker, northern kingfish, silver perch,
summer flounder, and bluefish. Winter flounder occurs in the estuaries during
the winter. Menhaden is a valuable commercial finfish species in New Jersey
waters and is caught within 4.8 kilometers (3 miles) of the entire coast from
spring through fall. Many other recreationally and commercially important
estuarine-dependent finfish are harvested from spring through fall in bay and
nearshore ocean waters. In the winter, offshore migration to deep water makes
the finfish less abundant in coastal waters. New Jersey has -a three-mile inshore
limit where it is illegal to trawl for striped bass, so it is not of commercial
importance within the coastal zone.

Most of the commercial and some of the recreational fishery of New Jersey
occurs in Continental Shelf waters. Several species such as butterfish, scup,
summer flounder, black sea bass, and Atlantic mackerel move inshore during the
summer and are fished recreationally and commercially.

Six marine mammals, five sea turtles, and one fish species are considered
threatened or endangered (subsection 5.2.1) and may be found in the New Jersey
coastal waters.

b. Geographic inventory. The loggerhead turtle is the most common turtle
with spec ial status along the New Jersey coast; digs and crawls have been re-
ported at Sandy Hook (grid reference WV87).

Striped bass is concentrated in the northern coastal waters of the New
Jersey Shore from Point Pleasant to Atlantic City (grid reference WV83 to WU55).
Offshore of Point Pleasant to Barnegat Light (grid reference WV83 to WV80),
lobsters inhabit rocky substrates.

Several major shellfish beds are within the ocean bays of the northern half
of the state. Oysters are of little commercial value in the ocean bays, but
several seed beds are scatiered throughout Toms River and the Mullica River (grid
reference WV72 and WU47).

Hard clams inhabit the inlets and bays along the New Jersey coast between
Barnegat Bay and Cape May (grid reference WV71 and WUOO). Bay scallops are found
in the rooted seagrass beds of Barnegat Bay and Little Egg Harbor (grid reference
WV70 and WU68).

Nesting by the loggerhead turtle recently has been confirmed at Ocean City,
New Jersey (grid reference WU34).

One of the two major New Jersey surf clam beds, the most valuable commercial
fishery in the state, is 3 to 19 kilometers (2 to 12 miles) off the northern New
Jersey coast in water depths of 15 to 37 meters (50 to 120 feet). The second
major surf clam bed is in southern New Jersey, offshore of Wildwood (grid refer-
ence WU11), in water depths of 11 to 37 meters (35 to 120 feet). These two surf.
clam beds support the bulk of the U.S. clam fishery.

Terrestrial Resources

Barrier beaches and marshes are characteristic of most of the New Jersey
coastline. Hardwood forests, farmlands, and the unique pine barrens are impor-
tant upland habitats. The pine barrens are extensive throughout southern New
Jersey, but occur most often in the central interior. This unique area is
characterized by a rich bird, reptilian and amphibian, and mammal community.

a. Widespread species. The New Jersey Shore provides seasonal, overwinter-
ing, and year-round habitats, as well as stopover sites for migratory birds.

During the spring and summer the New Jersey coast is an important nesting
area for shorebirds; with the exception of the Delmarva Shore, the New Jersey
Shore contains the highest total population of breeding shorebirds in the Middle
Atlantic Zone. More than 43,000 nesting pairs of shorebirds are estimated to
inhabit the coast. Common nesting species and estimated nesting pairs include
common tern (4,300 pairs), least tern (1,800 pairs), herring gull (5,800 pairs),
laughing gull (31,000 pairs), and black skimmer (1,000 pairs). This laughing
gull population is the largest in the Middle Atlantic Zone.

The New Jersey Shore also harbors the highest total of breeding wading birds
in the Middle Atlantic Zone; however, the total amount of breeding is small.
Major wading bird species and estimated nesting pairs include snowy egret (28,000
pairs), glossy ibis (2,800 pairs), little blue heron (200 pairs), black-crowned
night heron (1,400 pairs), and yellow-crowned night heron (140 pairs). Wading
birds arrive in mid-March, and nesting typically is underway by early May and
completed by mid-July. Most wading birds remain in the region until mid-fall,
when they migrate south.

The New Jersey Shore is a major migratory route for thousands of ducks and
geese in spring and fall; many ducks and geese also overwinter in the sheltered
.bays on the coast.

b. Geographic inventory. Several important protected wildlife habitats
have been established along the New Jersey Shore. A major converging area for
migrating waterfowl in winter, Long Beach Island (grid reference WU67 to WU79) is
where thousands of brant concentrate in the intracoastal waterway.

Barnegat National Wildlife Refuge (grid reference WU68) is a major stopover
point for peregrine falcons during their migrations.

Bald eagles are of major concern along the New Jersey Shore area since none
is known to have recently bred successfully here. Approximately ten bald eagle
sightings were made in 1977 and 1978, and most of these were in the Mullica
River-Brigantine National Wildlife Refuge area (grid reference WU57), which is
an important wintering area for bald eagles along the New Jersey coast.

At Brigantine National Wildlife Refuge (grid reference WU56), large numbers
of waterfowl occur in the fall, and concentrations of shorebirds, wading birds,
and warblers occur in the spring. During October this refuge also harbors 90
percent of the Atlantic coast population of brant. Many waterfowl species may
remain through mid-December, and on some occasions the waterfowl population has
surpassed 150,000 individuals at Brigantine National Wildlife Refuge. During
January and February, diving ducks, rough-legged hawks, short-eared owls, a few
whistling swans, peregrine falcons, and large groups of sea ducks are known to
inhabit this area. Substantial shorebird populations also occur, and black skim-
mers nest here in large numbers. The threatened roseate tern tends to concen-
trate only at Brigantine National Wildlife Refuge.

Osprey is endangered in New Jersey because its population level has declined
in the last few decades; less than 100 pairs of osprey now nest in New Jersey.
Most osprey pairs are in Cape May County (grid reference WU34 to WU01). These
birds migrate south in fall; migration usually begins in late August. The major
wading birds nesting area for most of the New Jersey Shore is at Stone Harbor,
New Jersey (grid reference WU22), which contains over 2,600 nests.

In the fall, Cape May, New Jersey (grid reference WUOO), probably has the
largest concentration of landbirds of any other area on the Atlantic coast. In
early August, tree swallows typically begin to arrive in large numbers. By mid-
August, numerous kingbirds from the northeastern states and Canadian provinces
arrive. Common flicker flights are spectacular from late September to early
October. Other migrants to the New Jersey Shore include over one dozen raptor
species, American woodcocks, American robins, and eastern bluebirds. By

December, the flights decline; however, many birds remain during the winter
months.

5.5 DELAWARE BAY AND DELAWARE RIVER (GRID REFERENCE WV25 TO VT99)

The Delaware River estuary extends from the limit of tidal influence at
Trenton, New Jersey (grid reference WV25), to the mouth of the Delaware Bay
between Cape May, New Jersey, and Cape Henlopen, Delaware (grid reference VT99).
The Delaware River and the Delaware Bay form a highly productive and diverse
system. The biotic resources of this section are keyed geographically using
east-west UTM grid swaths.

Aquatic Resources

a. Widespread species. Several anadromous species, including shortnose
and Atlantic sturgeon, American shad, alewife, blueback herring, white perch,
and striped bass, migrate along the entire length of the Delaware estuary during
spring spawning runs. The endangered shortnose sturgeon is distributed through-
out the estuary, below Trenton.

b. Geographic inventory. The upstream portion of the estuary from Trenton,
New Jersey (grid reference WV25), south to Wilmington, Delaware (grid reference
VU59), is populated by freshwater species such as sunfish, catfish, bullhead, and
bass and provides spawning and nursery areas for anadromous species.

South of Wilmington (grid reference VU59), numerous marshes, creeks, and
shallows along Delaware Bay are major nursery grounds for estuarine-dependent
species such as the blue crab, Atlantic menhaden, several drum species, bluefish,
and summer and winter flounder. Adults of these species inhabit the lower parts
of the river, but the species are more abundant south of grid reference VU74.

Commercially important invertebrates, such as blue crab, American oyster,
hard clam, mussel, whelk, and lobster occur in the lower portions of the estuary
(downstream from grid reference VU65). Blue crab, the major commercial species
in the Delaware Bay, is commercially fished throughout the bay during the entire
year; in the summer, crab is fished recreationally in shallow water areas.
Oysters are another major fishery in the Delaware Bay. Delaware and New Jersey
maintain seed beds (grid references VU65, VU64, VU62, and VU74) and planting
grounds (grid references VU72, VU73, and VU93). The area from grid reference
VU56 to Cape May Canal (grid reference WU01) is an area of high oyster set. The
potential exists to double oyster seed production in the bay, if the oyster drill
can be controlled in this area.

Hard clams prefer salinities greater than 20 parts per thousand; therefore,
major beds for this species are found in the lower portion of the Delaware Bay
(grid references VU73, VU72, VU71, VU70, VT89, and VU91). Mussels, whelks, and
lobsters also inhabit the lower bay; lobsters, in particular, are found mainly at
the Delaware breakwater off Cape Henlopen (grid reference VT99).

Terrestrial Resources

Terrestrial habitats along the Delaware River consist primarily of salt-
water and freshwater marshes, hardwood forests, and farmlands. The Delaware Bay
has several significant areas for plant and wildlife resources.

a. Widespread species. The most common shorebird species in the Delaware
Bay area include greater and lesser yellowleg, short-billed dowitcher, pectoral,
least, stilt, semipalmated, and western sandpiper, marbled godwit, and black-
necked stilt, as well as many gulls and terns. Several unusual tern species in
the Delaware Bay area include the royal, caspian, roseate, and black terns.
Occasionally, black-headed and little gulls gather here, but few birds nest in
the Delaware Bay and no major colonies are known to exist. Also, a large
resident population of loons and grebes remains in the Delaware Bay throughout
the year.

b. Geographic inventory. White Clay Creek (grid reference VU39) is an
unpolluted and undeveloped waterway containing diverse fauna and rare flora such
as the purple fringeless orchid. The creek is considered to be a prime location
for songbird diversity on a year-round basis, and serves as a habitat for the
rare bog turtle.

The largest deer concentration in Delaware occurs at Whitely Farms (grid
reference VU39), where populations are estimated at 300 head per 688 hectares
(1,700 acres).

A large concentration of the rare orchid, the pink lady's slipper, can be
found in bloom during May at Moccasin Woods (grid reference VU38) in northern
Delaware.

From spring to fall, many species of wading birds occupy marsh habitats
thr6ughout the Delaware Bay area; however, the only major nesting site occurs at
Pea Patch Island (grid reference VU58) where more than 7,000 pairs of wading
birds nest, including little blue heron (600 pairs), cattle egret (4,000 pairs),
great egret (250 pairs), snowy egret (1,000 pairs), Louisiana heron (50 pairs),
black-crowned night heron (400 pairs), yellow-crowned night heron (50 pairs),
and glossy ibis (700 pairs). This is the largest breeding population of cattle
egret in the Middle Atlantic Zone. Pea Patch Island is one of the larger
heronries in the northeastern United States and is considered to be a unique
breeding area of national significance.

An important shorebird habitat in northern Delaware is located at Thousand
Acre Marsh (grid reference VU47).

The only known major breeding site of the eastern tiger salamander, an
endangered species in Maryland, is found at grid reference VU35.

Woodland Beach Wildlife Area (grid reference VU55) is an important stopover
place for peregrine falcons. The Delaware Bay is a nesting site for the endan-
gered bald eagle. Only one of the three major wintering areas for the bald eagle
in the section occurs in New Jersey at grid reference VU85 along the Delaware
Bay.

One pair of adult eagles usually nests at Bombay Hook National Wildlife
Refuge (grid reference VU64) from early December to about mid-May. Bombay Hook
also is a prime stopping place for peregrine falcons, ducks, and Canada geese.
The Canada goose population in this area peaks at 50,000 birds. Many of the more
than 300 species of birds identified at the refuge breed here. Many mammals

common to coastal areas also reside here, such as deer, squirrel, fox, muskrat,
and a few otter.

One of New Jersey's major ornithological events is the large concentration
of snow geese in the Delaware Bay near Fortescue, New Jersey (grid reference
VU84), in late March. The snow geese arrive in early November and remain until
the ice forces them to migrate south. They reappear in late February and remain
until early April.

Peregrine falcons migrate through and stopover at Little Creek Wildlife
Area (grid reference VU63). Farther to the south, at Higbee Beach, New Jersey
(grid reference WU01), is one of the most productive muskrat areas in the
country. More than one lodge per acre has been counted on the several hundred
acres of Pond Creek Meadow.

Delaware's most abundant growth of the rare pitcher plant and the last
remaining large concentrations of Atlantic white cedar in the Delaware River
Basin are found at Beaver Dam Branch (grid reference VU60).

5.6 DELMARVA SHORE (GRID REFERENCE VT99 TO VS10)

The Delmarva Shore encompasses portions of Delaware, Maryland, and Virginia
and extends from Cape Henlopen, Delaware (grid reference VT99), in the north to
Cape Charles, Virginia (grid reference VS10), in the south. This section is
physically and biologically similar to the New Jersey Shore (subsection 5.4.3).
The Delmarva Shore is characterized by a system of barrier islands which protect
an extensive estuarine-tidal marsh system. The biotic resources of this section
are keyed geographically using east-west UTM grid swaths.

Aquatic Resources

a. Widespread species. The Delmarva bays are an important habitat for
invertebrate species such as hard clams, blue crabs, and oysters.

Finfish, such as the American eel, Atlantic menhaden, white perch, striped
bass, weakfish, spot, Atlantic croaker, northern kingfish, silver perch, summer
and winter flounder, and bluefish, use the estuaries of the Delmarva Shore in the
spring and summer as juvenile nursery areas. With the exception of winter
flounder, these estuaries also are used as adult summer feeding grounds. These
species, excluding the menhaden, are all of recreational and commercial impor-
tance. The menhaden, fished exclusively as a commercial species, is the most
valuable finfish with the highest pound yield of any commercial species along the
Delmarva coast. Recreationally and commercially important oceanic fishes such
as black sea bass, scup, and Atlantic mackerel also occur in the coastal waters
of the Delaware Bay during the summer.

Offshore, the same endangered and threatened species that were discussed in
the Resources Overview (subsection 4.2.1) occur, including the six marine mam-
mals, five sea turtles, and two fishes. The fishes include the Federally listed
shortnose sturgeon and the Virginia-listed Atlantic sturgeon.

b. Geographic inventory. Maryland waters (grid reference VT95 to VT70)
contain the major surf clam beds along the Delmarva Shore. These beds are mainly

from 5 to 113 kilometers (3 to 70 miles) offshore, in water depths of 6 to
33 meters (18 to 110 feet).

The coastal bays of Virginia south of Chincoteague (grid reference VS59 to
VS10) contain major oyster concentrations. The oysters present in Chincoteague
Bay (grid reference VT71 to VS69) are mainly the result of seeding and trans-
planting. This effort is being undertaken since the present natural reproductive
rates are too low to sustain a harvestable population. The ocean beaches in the
Chincoteague-Wallop Island area (grid reference VS69) provide potential nesting
habitat for the threatened loggerhead turtle.

Terrestrial Resources

a. Widespread species. The many marshes, inlets, and bays of the Delmarva
Shore provide excellent habitats for a large variety of species, especially
migrating birds. The many small bays and barrier islands provide protective
havens for thousands of waterfowl and other waterbirds. Peak spring migrations
occur between late February and the end of March and in the fall from mid-October
to mid-December. Noteworthy species that traverse the coastal flyway include
brant, snow geese, white-winged scoters, red-breasted mergansers, red-throated
loons, double-crested cormorants, northern gannets, common loons, horned grebes,
Canada geese, black ducks, mallards, and greater and lesser scaup. Other regular
winter visitors are common and king eiders.

Songbirds are most abundant along the Delmarva Shore section from spring
through fall, and many birds nest here.

b. Geographic inventory. In Delaware, large shorebird migrations occur
during May and from the first of August to early October. The most common
species and nesting pair estimates include laughing gull (33,500 pairs), royal
tern (4,700 pairs), common tern (4,700 pairs), herring gull (3,200 pairs), black
skimmer (2,800 pairs), and Forster's tern (1,400 pairs). Cape Henlopen State
Park (grid reference VT98) is an important area for shorebirds, gulls, water-
birds, and landbirds.

The Rehoboth Bay (grid reference VT97) area harbors the most productive
nesting colony of ospreys in Delaware, where in 1975, 16 nests produced 21 young.
Many shorebirds, waterfowl, and other waterbirds also winter here.

Many waterfowl overwinter at Assawoman Wildlife Area (grid reference VT95)
and principal migration stopovers occur in May for waterbirds, shorebirds, war-
blers, and other landbirds.

Wading birds are common along the Delmarva coast during the warmer months,
but are not as abundant as shorebirds; nor do they concentrate in nesting colo-
nies in as high numbers as do shorebirds. Few wading birds nest in coastal
Delaware or Maryland; however, in Maryland, the cattle egret (960 pairs) and
snowy egret (500 pairs) are common.

Ocean City, Maryland (grid reference VT94), is an important area for shore-
birds, whose peak numbers occur May through September; in September arid October
migratory seabirds and passerines arrive. Many of these birds also nest here.

Assateague Island National Seashore (grid reference VT94 to VS69) and
Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge (grid reference VT70 to VS69) are impor-
tant for migrating peregrine falcons, herons, shorebirds, and migratory land-
birds. Many brant and snow geese and thousands of ducks overwinter here. During
August, September, and April, there are numerous shorebirds, and in the summer
some ducks, terns, gulls, and songbirds nest in this. area. Chincoteague also is
famous for its wild ponies, which are believed to be descendants of a Spanish
herd shipwrecked in the 1500's.

Along the Delmarva coast, the Delmarva fox squirrel is found only on Assa-
teague Island (grid reference VT94 to VS69).

Shorebirds nest on the many barrier islands along the southern, or Virginia
portion (grid reference VS69 to VS10), of this section. Some sites have high
densities of nesting pairs.

Most breeding of wading birds in this section takes place in the Virginia
portion of the Delmarva peninsula (grid reference VS69 to VS10). The most common
nesting species, and estimates of nesting pairs, are snowy egret (3,000), black-
crowned night heron (1,800), cattle egret (1,300), Louisiana heron (700), great
egret (500), and glossy ibis (500).

Cobb Island (grid reference VS33) is a significant shorebird nesting site on
the Atlantic coast, particularly for gulls and terns, due to the large size of
colonies and the diversity of the nesting species found here.

At Cape Charles, Virginia (grid reference VS10), many landbirds concentrate
in the fall for short periods before migrating south. Most of the species common
to the Middle Atlantic Zone can be found here at some time of the year, including
flycatchers, swallows, chickadees, nuthatches, wrens, thrushes, vireos, war-
blers, and sparrows. Cape Charles also is a stopover area for many migrating
hawks and tree swallows.

Fisherman Island National Wildlife Refuge (grid reference VS10) harbors
nearly all of the nesting royal terns in the Middle Atlantic Zone, as well as
large populations of many other species.

5.7 CHESAPEAKE BAY (GRID REFERENCE UU99 TO VR17)

The Chesapeake Bay is the largest estuary in the United States. The bay
extends a distance of 290 kilometers (180 miles) from Conowingo Dam on the
Susquehanna River (grid reference UU99) southward to the mouth of the bay at Cape
Henry and Cape Charles (grid reference VR17). This complex also contains numer-
ous estuarine tributaries such as the Chester, Choptank, Patuxent, Nanticoke,
Potomac, Pocomoke, Rappahannock, York, and James Rivers. The total surface area
of the bay is approximately 11,400 square kilometers (4,400 square miles). The
biotic resources of the Chesapeake Bay are keyed geographically using east-west
UTM grid swaths unless otherwise noted.

Aquatic Resources

The Chesapeake Bay has a great diversity and abundance of aquatic organisms
because of its large size, nutrient input, high productivity, and unique
physical-chemical characteristics.

a. Widespread species. A variety of organisms inhabit the various salinity
gradients of the Chesapeake Bay. Some organisms complete only part of their life
history in the bay. Phytoplankton and rooted aquatic vegetation are important
energy producers in the Chesapeake estuary. These plants occur throughout the
estuary, but their distribution (table 11), is influenced by water salinity,
substrate, or tidal inundation.

In addition to the abundant plant life, the biota include such freshwater
organisms as the white and channel catfish and the brown bullhead; estuarine-
dependent species such as Atlantic menhaden, Atlantic croaker, spot, weakfish,
bluefish, and summer and winter flounder; truly estuarine species, including
blue crabs, oysters, hard and soft clams, killifishes, silversides, anchovies,
hogchoakers; marine species such as black sea bass, scup, northern puffer,
sheepshead, spadefish, cobia, and cownose ray; and diadromous species such as
American eel, striped bass, white perch, American shad, blueback herring, ale-
wife, and Atlantic and shortnose sturgeon. The Atlantic sturgeon, designated by
Virginia as an endangered species, is found throughout the Chesapeake Bay during
its spring spawning runs; the shortnose sturgeon, a Federally endangered
species, is rarely encountered in the Chesapeake Say. Stocks of American shad
have become depleted within the Chesapeake Bay. As a result, commercial fishing
for this species was banned in Maryland during the 1980 season.

b. Geographic inventory. The regional geographic distribution of aquatic
organisms in the Chesapeake Bay is determined by water salinity. This geographic
inventory, therefore, is based on those salinity differences; few grid refer-
ences are included because the positions of salinity gradients change with vary-
ing freshwater inflow and other factors.

The nontidal and tidal freshwater portions of the Chesapeake Bay (0 to 5
parts per thousand) contain major spawning.or nursery areas for numerous species
of fish, such as the anadromous herrings. The American shad spawns in shallow
tidal flats of bay tributaries from March to May. The alewife spawns in small
nontidal freshwater streams during late March and April, but the blueback herring
spawns in tidal freshwater tributaries during April and May. White perch spawns
in the shallow tidal freshwater tributaries in the spring. The striped bass, one
of the most important fisheries in the bay, is more restrictive in its spawning
distribution and prefers specific tidal freshwater rivers. The importance of the
Chesapeake Bay to the entire East Coast striped bass population cannot be under-
stated since a majority of this species spawns in the bay.

Although many fish inhabit the freshwater portions of the bay, the channel
catfish prefers the upper Potomac River (grid reference UT07) and the Susquehanna
Flats area (grid reference VU06). Similarly, although juvenile spot, weakfish,
and croaker are found in nursery areas throughout the bay, they are concentrated
mainly in the tidal freshwater (grid reference VU27 to UU95, UT07 to UT04, VU14
to VU03) and in major tributaries where similar salinities are found.

The middle-salinity portion of the bay (5 to 15 parts per thousand) contains
many of the truly estuarine shellfish species; these species make up a majority
of the valuable Chesapeake harvest. Oysters are distributed widely throughout
the bay. Because oyster populations in the bay have declined, Maryland and
Virginia transplant oysters or spat from highly productive areas to areas of the
bay with low densities. The James River between Jamestown and Newport News (grid

Table 11. Rooted aquatic vegetation in the Chesapeake Bay.

Species Distribution a

Marsh Plants

Pickerelweed 1 (deep open water)
Yellow waterlily 1 (deep open Water)
River bulrush 1 (shallow margins)

Rosemallow 1 and 2 (shallow margins)
Phragmites 1 and 2 (shallow margins)
Wildrice 1 and 2 (shallow margins)
Big cordgrass 1 (intermediate depth)

Narrowleaf cattail 2 and 3 (headwaters, protected areas)
Olney three-square 2 and 3 (all areas) 4 (poorly drained
depressions)
Common three-square 3 (shallow margins)
Dwarf spikerush 3 (mudflats)
White waterlily 3 (ponds, creeks)
Hightide bush 4 and 5 (high margins)
Salt meadow cordgrass 4 and 5 (well-drained meadows)
Salt marsh cordgrass 4 and 5 (well-drained meadows and
tide flats)
SaItgrass 4 (all areas) 5 (poorly drained
depressions)

Rooted Aquatic Plants Percentage of the total water area

Wildcelery Less than 15 percent
Eurasian watermilfoil Less than 15 percent
Waterweed Less than 15 percent
Sago pondweed Entire bay
Redheadgrass Greater than 5 percent
Widgeongrass Greater than 5 percent
Eelgrass Greater than 5 percent

SOURCE: Lippson, 1973.
a key: 1 = Freshwater estuaries river marsh
2 = Brackish water estuaries river marsh
3 = Fresh estuarine bay marsh
4 = Brackish estuarine bay marsh
5 = Salt estuarine bay marsh

reference US51 to UR78) is a major seed production area which supplies oyster
spat for most commercial beds in the Chesapeake Bay.

Soft clams also are abundant in the middle-salinity portion of the estuary.
Commercial concentrations in Maryland occur between the Potomac and Chester
Rivers (grid reference UT70 to UU73, east to west). Many of the known winter
flounder spawning areas occur in the mid-estuary portions (grid references VU16,
VU72, UU91, UT99, UT97, VT13, UT74, and UT71) where these fish move to channel
waters during February and March.

The high-salinity portions of the Chesapeake Bay (higher than 15 parts per
thousand) harbor the blue crab, another major recreationally and commercially
important species in the bay. Blue crab spawn near the mouth of the Chesapeake
Bay during late summer and early fall, and to a lesser extent, in the spring.
Virginia has set aside a portion of the area around Norfolk, Cape Charles, and
Cape Henry (grid reference UR89 to VR18 to VS10) as a sanctuary for blue crab
spawning. In Virginia, blue crab harvesting is permitted throughout the year,
but in Maryland it is restricted to the nonwinter months.

The high-salinity areas of the bay also have the highest commercial and
recreational yield for many finfish species, including several marine species,
menhaden, and drum. Menhaden, the most valuable finfish in the bay, comprises
the majority of the total commercial fishing poundage; it is harvested mainly in
the lower bay from March through December. The menhaden fishery consists mostly
of immature fish. The highest commercial and recreational yield of spot,
croaker, weakfish, silver perch, spotted seatrout, black and red drum, and
northern and southern kingfish occurs in the high-salinity portions of the Chesa-
peake Bay where the adults tend to concentrate.

Terrestrial Resources

The uplands of the Chesapeake Bay have a great variety of habitats for many
wildlife species. In addition to pine flatwoods and oak forests in the upland
areas, bottomland hardwood forests occupy the flood plains of major rivers, while
numerous salt, brackish, and freshwater marshes are common on the shores of the
bay.

a. Widespread species. The cypress-gum swamp forest reaches its northern
limit in the Maryland portion of the bay.

The Chesapeake Bay is a major wildlife habitat for the Middle Atlantic Zone,
especially for birds. More than 75 percent of the Atlantic flyway waterfowl
population, about 550,000 ducks and 350,000 geese, winter in the tidewater areas
of the bay.

Most of the bald eagles found in the Chesapeake Bay area are permanent
residents, although a small number of these eagles may fly northward -in summer.
Between 1972 to 1977, the number of active eagle nests sighted in the bay area
increased from 59 to 77. In 1977, 47 young were hatched as compared to 13 in
1970. With one or two exceptions, no other active nests occur in the mid-
Atlantic region.

100

The Delmarva fox squirrel presently exists only in portions of the Delmarva
Peninsula. Its population has not been established for the Eastern Shore of the
Chesapeake Bay.

The Chesapeake Bay has many resident wading birds, although the total number
of nesting pairs (6,000) is lower than adjacent coastal areas. The bay is a
major nesting area in the Middle Atlantic Zone for the great blue heron. In the
bay area, the most common nesting wading bird species and their nesting pair
estimates are great blue heron (2,000 pairs), snowy egret (1,200 pairs), great
egret (1,000 pairs), black-crowned night heron (900 pairs), cattle egret (500
pairs), Louisiana heron (200 pairs), glossy ibis (150 pairs), and yellow-crowned
night heron (42 pairs).

The Chesapeake Bay is an annual stopping point for more than 1 million
migrating waterfowl. Hundreds of thousands of ducks and geese and thousands of
swans migrate, stopover, or overwinter in many of its bays, rivers, and marshes.
Local concentrations of diving ducks, including canvasback, are scattered
throughout the upper Chesapeake Bay.

The most numerous and widely distributed dabbling ducks which winter in the
bay are mallards and black ducks. Lesser scaups, old squaws, surf scoters, and
white-winged scoters are the most abundant ducks. These species of waterfowl
breed and nest in the Chesapeake Bay area between late-March and mid-June. Wood
ducks are usually rare visitors to coastal areas; however, a few thousand wood
ducks inhabit and breed in inland wooded swamps and along wooded streams of the
bay.

More than 500,000 Canada geese migrate to the bay annually. They begin to
arrive by the end of September and generally leave during the period between the
end of February and April. Snow geese and swans arrive in early October.

Shorebirds arrive in the bay from the beginning of May to mid-June; they
generally depart during the period from the end of July to early October. Major
nesting species and maximum nest counts include herring gull (100 pairs), common
tern (1,000 pairs), least tern (700 pairs), black skimmer (50 pairs), Forster's
tern (100 pairs), and great black-backed gull (30 pairs).

A number of bird migration routes converge at the Chesapeake Bay. Major
flights of whistling swan, American widgeon, canvasback, ruddy duck, and other
waterfowl occur along the Susquehanna River and Chesapeake Bay. Brant and snow
geese follow the ocean coast along with many other waterbirds. Ring-billed and
Bonaparte's gulls and a number of waterfowl species use the Potomac River as a
flyway. Hawks generally follow low ridges and the coast during their migrations.

Muskrats are the most abundant furbearing species and are a commercially
valuable furbearer in the bay. Over 400,000 muskrats are harvested annually.
The largest muskrat populations occur in the brackish water marshes of the lower
Eastern Shore. River otters also are widely distributed throughout the streams,
rivers, and marshes of this area.

The beaver has been reintroduced in the bay area through stocking programs
and natural immigration. The beaver's range includes most of the bay's western

101

shore tributaries, and two separate populations inhabit the upper and central
portions of the Eastern Shore.

b. Geographic inventory. Two known peregrine falcon hacking areas are on
Aberdeen Proving Ground and Carrol Island (grid reference UU85).

Other species of special value in the Chesapeake Bay area include the
eastern tiger salamander, which is now found in Maryland only at a few breeding
ponds in Kent County (grid reference VU34).

Many species of songbirds concentrate in the fall at Eastern Neck National
Wildlife Refuge (grid reference UU92). These species include flycatchers, jays,
thrushes, vireos, and sparrows. In addition to songbirds, ospreys and many other
species may be found at Eastern Neck, including waterfowl, great blue herons,
shorebirds, Delmarva fox squirrels, deer, and nutria. Of the approximately 1,450
breeding pairs of osprey throughout the Chesapeake Bay, the ospreys at Eastern
Neck have maintained their population levels. These birds nest during the summer
months and migrate south for the winter. Thousands of monarch butterflies also
frequent portions of this area during their migration in August.

Many shorebirds occur during the May through October period at Sandy Point
State Park (grid reference UU72). It is also a concentration point for waterfowl
and songbirds and represents the most productive bird-watching spot on the
western shore of the Chesapeake Bay. It is an excellent locale for observing
hawk flights in April and in late-October.

In winter, whistling swan is common in the areas of the Choptank River (grid
reference UT97), while brant winters primarily along bays below the Little Chop-
tank River (grid reference UT96).

The largest great blue heron rookery in the Middle Atlantic Zone is on
Nanjemoy Creek (grid reference UT05), and it often contains up to 750 nests.
Herons nest during mid-March to mid-July in colonies which range from a few to
many pairs of birds. Although most migrate southward, a limited number of herons
overwinter in this area.

Important wildlife species in Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge (grid
reference VT05) include the bald eagle, Delmarva fox squirrel, whitetail and sika
deer, nutria, and many waterfowl. In mid-November, peaks of 85,000 ducks and
100,000 Canada geese may be found on this 4,775-hectare (11,800-acre) refuge.
Nutria is an introduced species and prefers marsh habitats in the middle portions
of the bay. Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge has about 8,900 nutria. Nutria
is a prolific species which generally produces two to three litters per year.

Lower Hooper Island (grid reference UT93) is a concentration point in the
fall for an unusually large number of migrating sharp-shinned hawks, American
kestrels, and common flickers.

Point Lookout State Park (grid reference TT81) is an important observation
point for waterfowl. In addition, thousands of migrating flycatchers, thrushes,
vireos, warblers, and sparrows stopover at this park during their fall migration.

102

Presquile National Wildlife Refuge (grid reference TS93 and US03) is an
important land-use area, since many warblers breed at the refuge, including
prothonotary, yellow-throat, black and white, prairie, pine, hooded, Kentucky,
and northern parula. Numerous other songbirds, whitetail deer, waterfowl, bob-
white, turkey, red fox, muskrat, otter, and a variety of butterfly species also
seek protection at this site.

103

5.8 LIST OF SOURCES FOR THE MIDDLE ATLANTIC ZONE

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Benton, Daniel. The peregrine falcon--another innocent victim for the endan-
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Boyce Thompson Institute for Plant Research, Inc. An atlas of the biologic
resources of the Hudson Estuary. Yonkers, NY. 1977.

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Briggs, Philip T. The sport fisheries for scup in the inshore waters of eastern
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107

New Jersey official highway map and guide. New Jersey Department of 'Transporta-
tion and U.S. Department of Transportation, Federal Highway Administration.
Trenton, NJ. 1979. 1/4 inch = 1 mile.

New Jersey rules and regulations concerning natural areas and the natural areas
system. Docket No. DEP 065-77-12. Trenton, NJ: New Jersey Department of
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New Jersey unique wildlife ecosystem concept plan. Newton Corner, MA: U.S.
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New York State coastal boundaries. Albany, NY: New York State, Department of
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New York State Coastal Management Program. New York State coastal management
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New York State Department of Environmental Conservation Division of Fish and
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fish and wildlife populations in the coastal zone of Long Island. Albany, NY;
1976.

New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, Division of Land
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New York State Department of Environmental Conservation. Artificial reef sites.
Albany, NY. 1975.

New York unique wildlife ecosystem concept plan. Newton Corner, MA: U.S. Fish
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Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Resources, Office of Resources Manage-
ment. Pennsylvania coastal zone management program. Harrisburg, PA. 1977.

Pennsylvania unique wildlife ecosystem concept plan. Newton Corner, MA: U.S.
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Perrone, Steve, editor. Guide to New Jersey wildlife management areas. Trenton,
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108

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110

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PART 6

SOUTH ATLANTIC ZONE

6.1 INTRODUCTION

For best results, much of the preparatory information in parts 2, and 3
should be read before using the maps or using the information in this part. This
part presents some of the physiographic, land-use, and geographic features of the
South Atlantic Zone and the characteristics and habits of some of the major
biological resources.

6.1.1 Physical Description

The South Atlantic Zone (figure 6) extends from Cape Henry, Virginia,
southward to Garden Cove, Florida (grid reference VR18 to NU88). This zone
includes the 64-kilometer (40-mile) coastal area of Biscayne Bay, which orig-
inally was part of Terrell's Southern Florida Zone. The South Atlantic Zone
extends for a distance of about 1,610 kilometers (1,000 miles) and comprises
approximately 45 percent of the Atlantic coast study area. The sections within
the zone are the Pamlico Sound Complex, Virginia-Carolina Coast, Sea Islands,
East Florida, and Biscayne Bay. The Virginia-Carolina Coast section is sub-
divided into two subsections: the seaward shore from Cape Henry, Virginia, to
Cape Lookout, North Carolina, and the coastal zone from Cape Lookout, North
Carolina, to Winyah Bay, South Carolina. One of the main environmental factors
affecting this zone is the fusing of the Florida Current with the Antilles
Current to form the Gulf Stream.

The ecological inventory of the South Atlantic Zone is covered by portions
of the following USGS 1:250,000-scale maps:

- Norfolk, VA; NC
- Eastville, VA; NC; MD
- Manteo, NC
- Rocky Mount, NC
- Beaufort, NC
- Florence, SC; NC
- Georgetown,-SC; NC
- James Island, SC
- Augusta, GA; SC
- Savannah, GA; SC
- Brunswick, GA
- Jacksonville, FL; GA
- Daytona Beach, FL
- Orlando, FL
- Fort Pierce, FL
- West Palm Beach, FL
- Miami, FL.

112

.... ... . .....
... ... ..... ..

PAMLICO SOUND COMPLEX,'.

..... ..... ...
Seaward Shore, Cape Henry
.. .... to Cape ookout
A

0
VIRGINIA-CAROLINA
CO ST

...... ....
Cape Lookout to Winyah Bay

. ...... .......

...... .... SEA ISLANDS

0-,

EAST FLORIDA

BISCAYNE BAY

Im^mme a moon=
eC 7CapeHenryT@
okou@
7@77to

Figure 6. Major sections and subsections of the South Atlantic Zone.

113

The northern section of the South Atlantic Zone, extending from Cape Henry
to Cape Lookout, is characterized by long, narrow barrier islands with wide sandy
beaches which protect broad sounds rimmed with seagrass beds and tidal marshes.
This section receives relatively large amounts of freshwater inflow.

From Cape Lookout to the St. John's River, the barrier islands are short,
the bays are narrow, and tidal marshes occupy a greater portion of the bays. The
beaches are broad and consist of white sand.

The Sea Islands section of South Carolina and Georgia is characterized by
numerous irregularly shaped islands which protect some of the most expansive
tidal marshes in the world. These marshes are highly dissected by coastal plain
rivers and distributaries which contribute considerable amounts of freshwater.

The barrier islands of the East Florida section are long and narrow and
generally front high-salinity lagoons. Freshwater inflow from the coastal plain
is scant.

The South Atlantic Zone, with the exception of southern Florida, lies within
southeastern evergreen forests dominated by flatwood pines consisting mostly of
longleaf pine in the uplands and slash pine in poorly drained areas. These
forests are succeeded by such hardwoods as oaks, hickory, and magnolia, and many
inland areas have predominantly upland hardwoods or transitional forests of
hardwood and pine. Typical riverine communities consist of cypress-gum associa-
tions with baldcypress and water tupelo being the dominant trees and epiphytic
"Spanish moss" on the flood plain. Scattered throughout the mid-portion of the
South Atlantic Zone are savannahs consisting of open stands of pine or cypress
with a thick, herbaceous understory scattered in large areas of grassland.

In southern Florida, the Continental Shelf becomes narrow and high-relief
coral reefs begin to dominate the nearshore coastal zone. Southeastern evergreen
forests give way to subtropical broadleaved evergreen forest. The Biscayne Bay
section has a low-lying, swampy coastline with characteristic mangrove communi-
ties. The area is dominated by the marine influence of the Atlantic Ocean,
because freshwater inflow is highly variable.

6.1.2 Special Land-Use Areas

Within the South Atlantic Zone, a total of 160 special land-use areas
(table 12) have been identified, including 12 aquatic preserves in Florida.

Of the 160 special land-use areas, 43 are under Federal jurisdiction, 110
are under state jurisdiction, and the remaining 7 are privately owned areas.
Three national wildlife refuges are designated as Class I air quality areas.
Over two-thirds of the areas are significant as natural areas and include parks,
remote islands, and estuaries which are important to nesting birds and fish, and
also wildlife management or hunting areas. More than half of the areas are
recreationally significant, ranging from refuges, forests, estuaries, and parks
to open space and hunting areas. A few areas are designated as having historic
or cultural significance. Because of scale limitations, all of the historic
sites in the urban areas of the South Atlantic Zone have not been shown on the
maps.

114

Table 12. Fish and Wildlife Service land use
designations for the South Atlantic Zone.

Ownership/Administration Special significance

Private/ Natural/ Historic/
Name Federal State Local Ecological Cultural Recreational

VIRGINIA

Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge x x
Trojan Waterfowl Management Area x x x
Pocahontas Waterfowl Management Area x x x

VIRGINIA-NORTH CAROLINA

Ln Mackay Island National Wildlife
Refuge x x
Great Dismal Swamp National Wild-
life Refuge x x

NORTH CAROLINA

Northwest River Marsh Game Land x x x
North River Game Land and Bear
Sanctuary x x x
Dismal Swamp State Park x x x
Merchants Millpond State Park x x x
Chowan Swamp Game Land x x x
Bertie Game Lands x x x
Georgia-Pacific Game Land x x x
Scuppernong Game Lands x x x
Bull Bay Game Land and Bear
Sanctuary x x x

continued

Table 12 (continued).

Ownership/Administration Special significance

Private/ Natural/ Historic/
Name Federal State Local Ecological Cultural Recreational

NORTH CAROLINA (cont'd)

Pettigrew State Park X X
New Lake Game Lands and Bear Sanctuary X X X
Dare Game Land and Bear Sanctuary X X X
Fort Raleigh National Hi-storic Site X X
Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge X X
Mattamuskeet National Wildlife Refuge X X
Gull Rock Game Land and Bear
Sanctuary X X X
Swanquarter National Wildlife Refuge/
Swanquarter Wilderness* X X
Pungo National Wildlife Refuge X X
Texas Gulf Game Land X X X
Goose Creek State Park X X
Big Pocosin Game Land X X X
Goose Creek Game Land X X X
Tuscarora Game Land X X X
Croatan National Forest X X X
Lukens Island Game Land X X X
Cedar Island National Wildlife Refuge X X
Jarrett Bay Game Land and Bear
Sanctuary X X X

Class I air quality area.

continued

Table 12 (continued).

Ownership/Administration Special significance

Private/ Natural/ Historic/
Name Federal State Local Ecological Cultural Recreational

NORTH CAROLINA (cont'd)

Barbours Hill Waterfowl Management
Area x x x
Wright Brothers National Memorial x x
Jockey's Ridge State Park x x
Cape Hatteras National Seashore x x x
Cape Lookout National Seashore x x
Fort Macon State Historic Park
and Recreation Area x x x
Theodore Roosevelt Natural Area x x
Hammocks Beach State Park x x x
White Oak River Impoundment Game Land x x x
Hofmann State Forest x x x
Angola Bay Game Land x x x
Holly Shelter Game Land x x x
Catfish Lake Game Land x x x
Carolina Beach State Park x x x
Penderlea Game Land x x x
Moores Creek National Military Park x x
Green Swamp Game Land and Bear
Sanctuary x x x

SOUTH CAROLINA

Buist Game Management Area x x x
Myrtle Beach State Park x x

continued

Table 12 (continued).

Ownership/Administration Special significance

Private/ Natural/ Historic/
Name Federal State Local Ecological Cultural Recreational

SOUTH CAROLINA (cont'd)

Waccamaw Game Management Area x x x
Brookgreen Gardens x x x
Huntington Beach State Park x x
Samworth Game Management Area x x x
Walker Farm Game Management Area x x x
Hobcaw Barony Forest Research Center x x
Belle Isle Gardens x x
co Kilsock Game Management Area x x x
Wildhorse Game Management Area x x x
Moultrie Game Management Area x x x
Santee National Wildlife Refuge x x
Santee-Cooper Game Management Area x x x
Hatchery Game Management Area x x x
Francis Marion National Forest x x x
Little Ocean Bay National Natural
Landmark x x
Guilliard Lake Natural Area, National
Natural Landmark x x
Little Wambaw Swamp Area, National
Natural Landmark x x
Hampton Plantation State Park x x
Santee Delta Game Management Area x x x
Santee Coastal Reserve Game Manage-
ment Area x x x

continued

Table 12 (continued).

Ownership/Administration Special significance

Private/ Natural/ Historic/
Name Federal State Local Ecological Cultural Recreational

SOUTH CAROLINA (cont'd)

Cape Romain National Wildlife Refuge/
Cape Romain Wilderness* X X
Bushy Park X X X
Cypress Gardens X X
Bull Island Natural Area X X
Four Holes Swamp Wilderness Area X X
Coast Experiment Station X X
Givhans Ferry State Park X X
Colleton State Park X X
Fort Sumter National Monument X X
Middleton Gardens X
Mateeba Gardens X X
Edisto Beach State Park X X
Bear Island Game Management Area X X X
Hunting Island State Park X X
Saint Phillips Island National
Natural Landmark X X
The Island Wildlife Preserve X X
Pinckney Island National Wildlife
Refuge X X
Cypress Creek Game Management Area X X X
Palachucola Game Management Area X X X
Webb Game Management Area X X X
Turtle Island Game Management Area X X X
Tybee National Wildlife Refuge X X

continued

Table 12 (continued).

Ownership/Administration Special significance

Private/ Natural/ Historic/
Name Federal State Local Ecological Cultural Recreational

SOUTH CAROLINA-GEORGIA

Savannah National Wildlife Refuge x x

GEORGIA

Fort Pulaski Nation.al Monument x x
Skidaway Island State Park x x
Wassaw Island National Wildlife
Refuge x x
Ossabaw Island State Heritage
Preserve x x
Richmond Hill State Park x x
Harris Neck National Wildlife Refuge x x
Blackbeard Island National Wildlife
Refuge/Blackbeard Island Wilderness x x
R.J. Reynolds State Wildlife Refuge x x
Sapelo Island National Estuarine
Sanctuary x x
Sapelo Island Natural Area x x x
Lewis Island Natural Area x x x
Altamaha State Waterfowl Management
Area x x x
Wolf island National 'Wildlife Refuge/
Wolf Island Wilderness* x x
Brunswick Pulp and Paper Company
Public Hunting Area x x x

continued

Table 12 (continued).

Ownership/Administration Special significance

Private/ Natural/ Historic/
Name Federal State Local Ecological Cultural Recreational

GEORGIA (cont'd)

Fort Frederica National Monument x x
Jekyll Island State Park Authority x x
Cumberland Island National Seashore x x
Crooked River State Park x x
Santa Maria State Park x x

FLORIDA

Nassau Wildlife Management Area x x x
Fort Clinch State Park Aquatic Preserve x x x
Fort Clinch State Park x x x
Nassau River-Saint Johns River
Marshes Aquatic Preserve x x
Little Talbot Island State Park x x
Kingsley Plantation Historic Memorial x x
Yellow Bluff Fort Historic Memorial x x
Fort Caroline National Memorial x x
Guana River Wildlife Management Area x x x
Castillo de San Marcos National
Monument x x
Anastasia State Park x x
Frank B. Butler State Park x x
Fort Matanzas National Monument x x
Ravine Gardens State Park x x
Pellicer Creek Aquatic Preserve x x

continued

Table 12 (continued).

Ownership/Administration Special significance

Private/ Natural/ Historic/
Name Federal State Local Ecological Cultural Recreational

FLORIDA (cont'd)

Faver-Dykes State Park x x
Washington Oaks Gardens State Park x x
Flagler Beach State Park x x
Bulow Plantation Ruins Historic
Memorial x x
Tomoka Marsh Aquatic Preserve x x
Tomoka State Park x x
New Smyrna Sugar Mill Historic
Memorial x x
Turtle Mound Historic Memorial x x
Mosquito Lagoon Aquatic Preserve x x
Canaveral National Seashore x x x
Merritt Island National Wildlife
Refuge x x
Saint Johns National Wildlife Refuge x x
Banana River Aquatic Preserve x x
Indian River-Malabar to Sebastian-
Aquatic Preserve x x
Sebastian Inlet State Park x x
Pelican Island National Wildlife
Refuge/Pelican Island Wilderness x x
Indian R ,iver-Vero Beach to Fort
Pierce-Aquatic Preserve x x
Pepper Beach State Park x x
Fort Pierce Inlet State Park x x

continued

Table 12 (continued).

Ownership/Administration Special significance

Private/ Natural/ Historic/
Name Federal State Local Ecological Cultural Recreational

FLORIDA (cont'd)

Jensen Beach to Jupiter Inlet
Aquatic Preserve x x
North Fork, Saint Lucie Aquatic
Preserve x x
Hobe Sound National Wildlife Refuge x x
Jonathan Dickinson State Park x x
Loxahatchee River-Lake Worth Creek
Aquatic Preserve x x
Loxahatchee National Wildlife Refuge x x
Hugh Taylor Birch State Park x x
Jbhn U. Lloyd Beach State Park x x
Biscayne Bay Aquatic Preserve x x x
Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park x x x
Biscayne National Monument x x x
John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park x x x

concluded

6.2 RESOURCES OVERVIEW

The following paragraphs summarize the various species in the South Atlan-
tic Zone. Only the more important species of the zone have been shown on the
inventory maps due to scale limitations.

6.2.1 Species With Special Status

Fifty-eight state and Federally listed threatened or endangered species
occur in the South Atlantic Zone (table 13). These species include five plants,
two fish, twelve reptiles, one amphibian, twenty-two birds, seven marine mam-
mals, and nine land mammals. Table 13 also summarizes the status of those
species with distributions that were sufficiently documented to be mapped.
State-listed species are given only when they are not superseded by a Federal
designation. Many of these species occur in the Middle Atlantic Zone and have
been discussed previously in this report. Several widely distributed endangered
species are particularly important in the South Atlantic Zone. A brief descrip-
tion of their life histories is presented below.

The loggerhead turtle (202) is the most common sea turtle in the South
Atlantic Zone, and it can be found mainly during the late spring and summer in
ocean waters, bays, marshes, or rivers. Mating pairs migrate inshore in March
and April. Nesting may occur on the sand or soil of the ocean beaches throughout
the zone; significant sites in the northern portion of this zone are occupied
from mid-May to mid-August and in Florida from May to September. The female
loggerhead turtle nests nocturnally at intervals of 2 or 3 years, often returning
to the same beach. During the breeding season, a turtle may lay from two to five
clutches, each clutch consisting of 70 to 150 eggs; incubation takes from 12 to
55 days. After the nesting season, most of the population disperses.

The green sea (201) and leatherback (205) turtles also nest in the South
,Atlantic Zone, but these species, as well as the Florida manatee (251), are found
mostly in Florida. The green sea turtle may nest only every 2 to 3 years during
May through August; seven clutches may be laid in 1 year, with each clutch
containing an average of 134 eggs. The leatherback turtle also nests every 2 to
3 years; nesting occurs from April to July. Six clutches may be laid in a
season, and each clutch usually consists of from 80 to 85 eggs.

The Florida manatee prefers warm sluggish rivers, shallow estuaries, and
saltwater bays. In the winter, it is confined to the southern half of Florida.
No well-defined breeding season occurs; manatee calves are born and nursed in the
water. The manatee reproductive rate is one calf per adult female every 2 to 2.5
years.

The primary breeding populations of the bald eagle (505) in the South
Atlantic Zone are in South Carolina and Florida, although individuals migrate and
winter along the entire southeast coast. The numbers of bald eagles have been
reduced in Florida due to the heavy use of pesticides and the removal of loblolly
pine trees, which are the preferred nesting trees along coastal lakes, rivers,
and shores.

The peregrine falcon (507) is a Federally endangered species which migrates
along the coastal areas of this zone, and it is particularly prominent along

124

Table 13. Species with special status in the South Atlantic Zone.

Federal State
Map
No. Species Endangered Threatened Endangered Threatened

FISH

110 Shortnose sturgeon x
Ill Atlantic sturgeon VA FL

AQUATIC AMPHIBIANS AND REPTILES

201 Green sea turtle x
202 Loggerhead sea turtle x
203 Hawksbill turtle x
204 Atlantic ridley turtle x
205 Leatherback turtle x

MARINE MAMMALS

251 Florida manatee x
257 Right whale x
Sei whale x
Humpback whale x
Blue whale x
Fin whale x
Sperm whale x

PLANTS

302 Spleenwort GA
303 Spider lily GA
304 Pond bush GA
305 Watermilfoil GA
306 Hooded pitcher plant GA

BIRDS

406 Least tern FL
407 Roseate tern FL
416 American oystercatcher FL
438 Wood ibis (Wood stork) FL
440 Little blue heron*
443 Florida sandhill crane FL
444 Louisiana heron*

*Species of "special concern"; legally protected in Florida.

continued

125

Table 13 (continued).

Federal State
Map
No. Species Endangered Threatened Endangered Threatened

BIRDS (cont'd)

445 Limpkin*
446 Roseate spoonbill*
447 Snowy egret*
448 Magnificent frigate bird FL
449 Reddish egret*
505 Bald eagle X
506 Osprey FL
507 Peregrine falcon X
511 Southeastern American
kestrel FL
512 Florida burrowing owl*
535 Brown pelican X
552 Red-cockaded woodpecker X
554 Bachman's warbler X
565 Dusky seaside sparrow X
566 White-crowned pigeon FL

TERRESTRIAL AMPHIBIANS AND
REPTILES

602 Eastern indigo snake X
603 American alligator X X
608 Gopher tortoise SC FL
616 Florida gopher frog FL
617 Atlantic salt marsh
watersnake X FL
618 American crocodile X X
619 Florida Keys mole skink FL
620 Miami black-headed snake FL

TERRESTRIAL MAMMALS

717 Black bear FL
735 Pallid beach mouse FL
736 Sherman's fox squirrel FL
737 Florida mouse FL
738 Florida panther X
739 Goff's pocket gopher FL
740 Key Largo wood rat FL
741 Lower keys cotton rat FL
742 Key Largo cotton mouse FL

concluded

126

high-energy beaches. This species is not known to breed in the South Atlantic
Zone.

The brown pelican (535) ranges from North Carolina to south Florida; it
prefers to nest in large colonies on sandy beaches or in trees and shrubs.

Coastal plain pinewoods of the southeastern United States are the preferred
habitats of the endangered red-cockaded woodpecker (552); it inhabits mature
southern pine forests, particularly those dominated by longleaf pine. The red-
cockaded woodpecker is widely distributed in the South Atlantic Zone, although it
is not as prominent in the Biscayne Bay section. South Carolina, Georgia, and
northern Florida presently have the highest populations of this species.

The American alligator (603) lives in freshwater rivers, swamps, and
marshes throughout the southern half of the South Atlantic Zone.

The American crocodile (618) is found in North America only in extreme
southern Florida. The crocodile is found primarily in coastal swamps and rivers,
where females often use the same nesting mounds for several years. Nest prepara-
tion takes place in April, and 20 to 80 eggs are laid in late April or early May.
The young usually hatch by early August, but, in the Florida Bay area, for
example, only 50 percent of the nests are successful. The other eggs fail to
hatch each year due to predation or low nest temperatures.

6.2.2 Aquatic Resources

The estuaries of the South Atlantic Zone are not as extensive as some of
those in the Middle Atlantic Zone, but they occur in greater numbers. The
numerous marshes in the zone contribute to the great diversity and abundance of
aquatic organisms along the South Atlantic coast.

Brief descriptions of the life histories of the major commercially, recre-
ationally, and ecologically important aquatic organisms which occur within the
South Atlantic Zone are provided below. This summary discusses those species
which were not covered previously in the Resources Overview parts of the North
and Middle Atlantic Zones (parts 4.2 and 5.2).

Invertebrates

Shellfish, such as oysters, bay scallops, and hard and soft clams, complete
their entire life cycles within the estuaries of the South Atlantic Zone. The
bay scallop is an important South Atlantic Zone fishery because it provides an
annual harvest; it spawns in the fall and is harvested the following winter.

Shrimp and blue crab are the most economically valuable fishery species in
the zone. Shrimp is the most important commercial fishery in the South Atlantic
Zone. White and brown shrimp comprise a majority of the catch throughout most of
the zone except in North Carolina where pink and brown shrimp are the major
species. All three species spawn offshore in ocean waters, but white shrimp
sometimes spawns nearshore. White and pink shrimp spawn from mid-spring to fall;
the juveniles move into the South Atlantic Zone estuaries from late spring
through the fall. Brown shrimp spawns during the late fall and winter and the
juveniles then enter the estuaries during the winter and early spring. Juveniles

127

of all three species use the shallows, marshes, and seagrass beds of the low-
salinity portions of the estuaries as nursery areas; when mature, they gradually
move to the more saline portions of the estuaries. A portion of the juvenile
white and pink shrimp populations may overwinter in the estuaries and then spawn
offshore the following spring as adults. Brown shrimp moves offshore to spawning
grounds during the fall. Because of this rapid life cycle, shrimp is an impor-
tant annual crop in the South Atlantic Zone. Shrimp harvesting occurs mainly
from May through December; the peak period is from July through October.

Two important tropical species are the spiny lobster and stone crab. The
spiny lobster is common in southern Florida waters of the South Atlantic Zone.
This species is usually found in 1.5 to 12 meters (5 to 40 feet) of water during
the late summer and fall. It is caught out to 55 meters (180 feet) off the
Florida Keys and is the most valuable fishery of that area. Juveniles are found
nearshore in grassy areas and under rocks and sponges. As they mature, they move
into deeper water where they live among rocks, coral reefs, and large sponges.

The stone crab is found in southern Florida in a variety of habitats; young
crabs live in shoreline rubble and on pilings, and adults reside in burrows in
shallow bays, marshes, and ocean waters. The stone crab is fished from October
through May. Only the claws of this species generally are harvested; these claws
can be regenerated by the stone crab.

Fish

a. Freshwater species. Freshwater species, including catfish and bull-
head, whiie bass, and numerous sunfish (redbreast, bluegill, warmouth, large-
mouth bass, and black crappie), occur in the upper reaches of tidal estuaries, in
nontidal rivers, and in lakes.

Sunfishes are a major freshwater family of the upper tidal and nontidal
freshwater rivers of the South Atlantic Zone. These species are of major recrea-
tional importance, and they are found in a variety of habitats including rivers,
ponds, and reservoirs. From spring to mid-surmner, the sunfish constructs its
nest, spawns, and then guards the nest until the young hatch. Similarly, catfish
and bullhead, including the white and channel catfish and brown, yellow, and flat
bullhead, are found in a variety of freshwater habitats. These fish also con-
struct nests, spawn, and remain at their nests during the spring and early
summer. These species are of large recreational importance and comprise the
major freshwater commercial fishery in the South Atlantic Zone.

b. Anadromous species. Anadromous fishes in the South Atlantic Zone are
similar to those of the Middle Atlantic Zone, but differ in their distributions.
The hickory shad, for example, is common throughout the South Atlantic Zone;
however, the alewife is not abundant south of South Carolina. Hickory shad
migrate from nearshore ocean waters and lower estuaries to spawn in -tidal fresh-
water during April through June. The adults return to the ocean shortly after
spawning, but the juveniles emigrate from the upper estuarine nursery grounds in
the early summer.

Spawning migrations of several South Atlantic Zone anadromous species begin
earlier in the year than those of Middle Atlantic Zone species. Striped bass,
white perch, American shad, hickory shad, blueback herring, alewife, and

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Atlantic sturgeon migrate from the ocean or lower estuaries to spawn in fresh and
brackish water rivers of the South Atlantic Zone in the spring. Juveniles of
these species use the estuaries as nursery areas.

c. Estuarine-dependent species. Species such as Atlantic menhaden, weak-
fish, spotted seatrout, spot, Atlantic croaker, southern, northern, and gulf
kingfish, silver perch, red and black drum, bluefish, summer and southern floun-
der, and striped and white mullet use the estuaries extensively as spawning,
nursery, or feeding grounds, but also are found as adults along the Continental
Shelf. These estuar i ne -dependent species comprise a majority of the ecolog-
ically, recreationally, and commercially important fishery within the South
Atlantic Zone. Menhaden ranks third in economic value in the zone, but it is
first in terms of volume yield.

The drum family is the dominant estuarine-dependent group of the South
Atlantic Zone; its major representatives are spot, Atlantic croaker, weakfish,
spotted seatrout, southern and gulf kingfish, and red and black drum. The
spotted seatrout has a life history similar to that of the weakfish. It spawns
from mid-spring through the summer in lower estuaries, deep channels, and near-
shore ocean waters. Spotted seatrout juveniles develop in tidal river nursery
areas and gradually move downstream as they mature. Adults inhabit both inshore
and estuarine waters in -the spring through fall but swim offshore during the
winter in the northern part of the zone and reside in estuaries throughout the
year in Florida. The southern and gulf kingfish spawn mainly offshore from
mid-spring through summer. Juvenile southern kingfish mature in estuaries and
the coastal surf zone in shallow water, while juvenile gulf kingfish prefer the
shallow, open surf of the ocean. Similarly, adult southern kingfish inhabit
high-salinity areas, estuaries, and ocean surf and the gulf kingfish is found
mainly along the ocean beach. Both of these species tend to move into deeper
waters during winter.

In the northern section of the zone, black drum spawns along the ocean coast
and estuarine waters during spring while in the southern section, spawning occurs
during the winter. The juveniles occupy the upper reaches of bays and tidal
creeks and move to deeper waters when they mature. Adults generally are found on
sandy bottoms along the coast and in the lower part of the estuaries from spring
to early winter, but they move to deep oceanic water during the winter.

Adult red drum is found close to shore and in the lower portion of estuaries
during the spring through mid-fall and spawns in nearshore coastal waters during
the fall and early winter. Juveniles mature in estuaries in shallow, quiet
water. Red drum overwinter in deep ocean waters, and adults spend the greater
portion of the year offshore.

The southern and summer flounder are the most common commercial and recrea-
tional flounders in the South Atlantic Zone. Southern flounder spawns offshore
during the fall and winter and migrates inshore and into the bays during spring.
Juveniles mature in the estuaries throughout the year.

Striped and white mullet are two of the more abundant and widespread species
in the South Atlantic Zone. They occupy shallow freshwater and saltwater areas
from spring to fall; striped mullet is more abundant in the northern sections of
the zone than white mullet. Adult mullet migrates offshore in fall and spawns on

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the Continental Shelf during the winter. Juvenile and adult mullet arrive
inshore in the spring; both groups inhabit estuaries and ocean beaches.

d. Oceanic species. Many commercially and recreational 1Y important
pelagic species occasionally occupy the lower, high-salinity parts of the estu-
aries, especially as juveniles. Adults are most often found in coastal waters
where they use estuarine-dependent species as a food. These species include the
temperate-water black sea bass and scup and the tropical tarpon, pompano, Spanish
and king mackerel, little tunny, sailfish, jack, snapper, grouper, cobia, pig-
fish, white grunt, snook, and ladyfish. Most of these species occur in the
northern portion of the zone from spring through fall and occupy Florida waters
year-round. Many juvenile tropical species use the lagoonal waters along the
Florida coast as nursery areas during the summer.

Pompano and tarpon are two tropical marine species of significance in the
zone, particularly because of their recreational importance. Adult pompano
usually is found near inlets and along sandy beaches; they are more abundant in
the southern section of the zone. During the spring and summer, the species
tends to spread northward along the entire south Atlantic coast, at which time it
spawns, probably in the offshore environment. The juveniles move inshore and are
found along low-energy ocean and lower estuarine beaches throughout the summer.
In the fall, as the waters cool,, the species moves southward and offshore. The
adult tarpon is usually found in estuaries or within a few miles of land. Tarpon
spawns during the late spring and summer, but where it spawns is not known.
Tarpon larvae are found throughout the estuaries, young juveniles occur mainly in
shallow pools and small tidal creeks. As the juveniles increase in size, they
move toward the Atlantic Ocean.

The king and Spanish mackerel spawn offshore from mid-spring to early fall.
The young of both species@ occur close to shore, and juvenile Spanish mackerel
also occupy lagoonal nursery grounds. Spanish mackerel adults occur inshore
while the king mackerel generally is found farther offshore. Both species prefer
high-relief, rocky, or coral habitats.

The little tunny spawns offshore from February through November; it is found
at water depths ranging from 18 to 61 meters (60 to 200 feet) during April
through August. Little tunny prefers rocky or coral habitat.

The sailfish concentrates off Florida during November through February, but
migrates north and spawns during the spring and summer.

Snappers, including the lane, silk, mutton, gray, vermilion, red, and
yellowtail, are a high-relief, hard bottom family. These species spawn during
the summer in rock and coral habitats. The juveniles move inshore and into the
lagoonal nursery areas. Although they are fished all year, the best fishing is
generally in the spring and fall.

Groupers, including the gag, the speckled hind, and the Nassau, the black,
red, and warsaw grouper, and the jewfish, are bottom species usually found on
rock and coral substrates off Florida. These fish are hermaphroditic and gener-
ally spawn offshore; the young fish tend to occur inshore, although they move
offshore as they mature.

130

Additional information on life histories of various species can be obtained
from the report Development of Fishes of the Mid-Atlantic Bight (U.S. Department
of Interior (DOI), 1978). Data on commercial fisheries is updated in Current
Fisheries Statistics for the appropriate states and published by the U.S.
Department of Commerce, National Marine Fisheries Service.

6.2.3 Terrestrial Resources

A distinctive feature of much of the South Atlantic Zone is the large
barrier island estuary, consisting of a series of dunes with a wide band of salt
marsh between the outer barriers and the mainland. These estuaries contain
numerous tidal creeks and sounds and algal-rich mudflats. Inland areas consist
of pine forests, scattered grasslands, and upland hardwoods. Baldcypress and
water tupelo dominate riverine communities. Marshes, rivers, and forests con-
stitute some of the more valuable wildlife areas in the zone.

The diversity of wildlife associated with the various habitats in the South
Atlantic Zone is large. The greatest concentrations of upland wildlife are found
in areas that are refuges from hunting and that have restricted public access.
The variety of wildlife in the South Atlantic Zone includes herons, egrets, and
other waterbirds, ospreys, hawks, clapper rail, turkeys, numerous waterfowl,
small birds, whitetail deer, squirrels, rodents, and endangered wildlife species
such as the bald eagle, brown pelican, and alligator.

Birds

The avian population is the most conspicuous segment of the wildlife com-
munity of the South Atlantic Zone. The zone is a major migratory route for many
birds. Waterbirds, waterfowl, and shorebirds traverse the zone in large numbers
during spring and fall. Freshwater ponds are used extensively by several species
of waterbirds for nesting, feeding, and resting, and the ponds also attract wood
ducks and other waterfowl, turkey, deer, and squirrels.

a. Shorebirds. Large numbers of shorebirds nest in this zone, mainly on
the isolated islands, spoil banks, and remote or protected beaches. Some of the
common colonial nesting shorebirds are laughing gulls, herring gulls, ring-
billed gulls, common terns, royal terns, black skimmers, sandwich terns, and
Forster's terns. The American oystercatcher and Wilson plover nest along the
coastline.

Shorebirds migrate north from mid-April to mid-May and arrive in the South
Atlantic Zone from early August to mid-October; in southern sections of the zone,
shorebird flights start a week earlier in spring and the birds arrive a week
later in fall. Gulls, terns, and skimmers nest in bare sandy areas where they
lay from one to four eggs. Colony sites often are used as resting and roosting
areas prior to migration.

b. Wading birds. Wading birds nest in large colonies in the freshwater
marshes and saltwater bays. This group includes the great egret, cattle egret,
snowy egret, Louisiana heron, black-crowned night heron, glossy ibis, and white
ibis. These birds usually occupy dense thickets of shrub and low trees. Most
species lay from one to five eggs per clutch, and birds start nesting during late
March to early April. Most of these birds migrate to more southern sections of

131

the Atlantic coast in winter. The greatest abundance of cattle egret in the
United States occurs in the South Atlantic Zone. Brown pelicans nest in the
southern section of the zone.

C. Waterfowl. The establishment of wildlife refuges in the zone has
greatly benefited migrating waterfowl of which the most common species are the
Canada goose, lesser scaup, pintail mallard, black duck, canvasback, redhead,
and ring-necked duck. Mallard and black duck populations have declined due to
excessive hunting. The open estuaries and marshes are used by migratory water-
fowl in the winter for feeding and resting.

Peak flights for waterfowl occur from mid-February to the end of March and
from late October to mid-December.

d. Raptors. Raptors found within the South Atlantic Zone include vultures,
kites, and owls, which are common predators that nest along the coast. The
swallow-tailed kite is restricted to the southern sections.

e. Seabirds. Large numbers of seabirds such as petrels, shearwaters,
gannets, and jaegers, annually migrate just offshore along the southeast coast.

f. Songbirds and others. Hardwood uplands harbor large populations of
small songbirds and a substantial population of pileated woodpeckers. Popular
upland game birds are the bobwhite, turkey, and mourning dove.

Groups of migrating songbirds are not as large as groups of other birds,
because few wide river valleys or other topographic features exist in the South
Atlantic Zone to channel their movement as compared to the Middle Atlantic Zone.
Migrations peak during late March to early May and from early September to early
November; however, in the southern sections of the South Atlantic Zone, flights
start a week earlier in spring and the birds arrive a week later in fall.

Mammals

Upland pine-hardwood stands support large populations of deer and gray
squirrel and some black bear. Furbearers common throughout the zone are raccoon,
opossum, red and gray fox, mink, otter, bobcat, and beaver.

6.3 PAMLICO SOUND COMPLEX (GRID REFERENCE VR16 TO UP63)

The Pamlico Sound Complex extends from south of Cape Henry, Virginia, to
Cape Lookout, North Carolina, and consists of a series of sounds which are
protected behind long barrier islands with few inlets from the ocean. The
important sounds, which include Currituck, Albemarle, Pamlico, and Core Sounds,
are fed by numerous coastal plain rivers, the larger of which are the Chowan,
Roanoke, Alligator, Pamlico, Tar, and Neuse Rivers. The ent1re sound complex is
an estuary with salinities increasing from freshwater, in the rivers and Curri-
tuck Sound, to seawater at the ocean inlets. The biotic resources of this
section are keyed geographically using east-west UTM grid swaths.

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Aquatic Resources

a. 'Widespread species. Expansive tidal marshes and seagrass beds rim the
estuarine complex and contribute a large amount of nutrients and energy to the
system. Eelgrass is the main seagrass species, especially from Beaufort to
Morehead City, and it is often replaced in the winter by shoalgrass.

Several shellfish which occur throughout the Pamlico Sound Complex are
commercially important. These shellfish include brown, white, and pink shrimp,
and blue crab.

The Pamlico Sound Complex contains an abundance of finfish species because
of its diverse habitats and high-nutrient and high-energy input. Within the
freshwater portions of the Pamlico Sound Complex, several catfish, sunfish, and
bass species constitute an important commercial and sport fishery.

Several anadromous species within this section are fished both commercially
and recreationally during their spring spawning migrations. These species
include the American shad, alewife, blueback herring, hickory shad, striped
bass, and Atlantic sturgeon. Alewife is the most abundant species from Pamlico
Sound and north, whereas blueback herring is most abundant to the south. The
shortnose sturgeon, a Federally endangered anadromous species, is believed to
inhabit the Pamlico Sound Complex.

Several estuarine or est uar i ne -dependent commercially important species
which occur throughout the Pamlico Sound include brown, white, and pink shrimp,
blue crab, oyster, Atlantic menhaden, Atlantic croaker, spot, weakfish, spotted
seatrout, white perch, bluefish, summer and southern flounder, striped and white
mullet, and American eel. Although these species either spawn in the ocean or
within sounds and rivers, their juveniles use the shallows, marshes, and seagrass
beds of the low-salinity portions of the estuaries as nursery areas. North
Carolina has designated several areas as primary nursery grounds where it is
unlawful to use trawl nets or dredges to catch fish. Primary nursery grounds are
defined as those areas where initial postlarval development occurs, and they
generally are located in low-salinity estuaries where populations uniformly con-
sist of early juvenile forms. The boundaries of these numerous areas are
described in "North Carolina Fisheries Regulations for Coastal Waters" (North
Carolina Department of Natural Resources and Community Development, 1980).

b. Geographic inventory. Lake Drummond (grid reference UR65), in the
northern drainage basin of the Pamlico Sound Complex, is part of the Great Dismal
Swamp and contains numerous species of catfish, sunfish, and bass. Lake Drummond
is an especially significant area because it harbors a habitat for the rare
swampfish.

Currituck Sound (grid reference VR13 to VR30) contains numerous species of
catfish, sunfish, and bass which are similar to those found in Lake Drummond.

Albemarle Sound and its tributaries, the Chowan, Roanoke, Perquimans,
Little, Pasquotank, and Alligator Rivers (grid reference VR03 to VQ24 and west),
are major summer concentration areas for several estuarine-dependent species
such as bluefish, spot, Atlantic croaker, weakfish, spotted seatrout, southern

133

flounder, and blue crab. These species are significant recreational and commer-
cial resources.

The Albemarle Sound system also is of major importance because anadromous
species use it to spawn and mature. The upper Roanoke (grid reference TQ99) and
Meherrin (grid reference UR23) Rivers are major striped bass spawning streams in
the South Atlantic Zone. Blueback herring, alewife, hickory and American shad,
striped bass, and white perch also concentrate in these rivers during their
spring spawning runs, and they support an active commercial and recreational
fishery. Almost 75 percent of the North Carolina striped bass fishery, and
nearly all of the white perch fishery, take place in Albemarle Sound.

Pamlico Sound (grid reference VQ56 to UP97 and west) is primarily a high-
salinity estuary. Extensive ruppia beds are found in Pamlico Sound. Oysterbeds,
many of which are seeded, rim the mainland side in the shallows. The brown,
pink, and white shrimp, the most valuable fishery in the state, also are har-
vested to a large extent in Pamlico Sound in the summer and fall. Brown shrimp
generally comprises 66 percent of the North Carolina catch, pink shrimp comprises
25 percent, and white shrimp comprises the remainder. Commercial concentrations
of numerous estuarine-dependent species, including blue crab, bluefish, Atlantic
croaker, spot, weakfish, spotted seatrout, and summer and southern flounder, are
located on the seaward side of the sound. Several threatened and endangered sea
turtles occasionally are found inside the sound, including the green, logger-
head, and Atlantic ridley turtles.

The Pamlico (grid reference UQ61 and upstream) and Neuse (grid reference
UP68 and upstream) Rivers which empty into Pamlico Sound provide spawning and
nursery grounds for the four major herring and shad species. The Neuse River is
an important sport fishing area for herring and shad, especially the hickory
shad.

Core Sound (grid reference UP87 to UP64) forms the southern border of the
Pamlico Sound Complex and is a high-salinity estuary. Core Sound provides a
major habitat for bay scallop, hard clam, and oyster. The bay scallop fishery in
Core and -Bogue Sound to the south (see subsection 6.4.2) is one of the more
important fisheries in the South Atlantic Zone. The major commercial concentra-
tions of menhaden and striped and white mullet within the Pamlico Sound Complex
also are harvested in Core Sound. Menhaden, the highest volume fishery in North
Carolina, is fished in Core Sound from April through September. Thread herring
often is caught with the menhaden and is an important part of the fishery.

Terrestrial Resources

In the coastal area of Pamlico Sound, the major habitat types occur in
portions of the tidewater and the. inner coastal plain. The tidewater area
consists of a series of peninsulas, estuaries, and tidal basins and lakes.
Freshwater marshes also abound, which contain cattail, bulrush, and sawgrass as
the dominant species. Black needlebrush dominates the numerous salt marshes
which border the Pamlico Sound Complex.

The inner coastal plain is characterized by Carolina Bays and forested areas
containing such species as baldcypress, white cedar, sweetgum, ash, and bay.
Numerous wooded swamps, locally known as pocosins, are scattered throughout the
section.

134

a. Widespread species. The tidal creeks provide protective and isolated
areas and food for large concentrations of migratory species, particularly
shorebirds, waterfowl, and other waterbirds. The common species are gulls,
terns, skimmers, egrets, herons, and snow geese.

b. -Geographic inventory. A unique natural area in the northern portion of
the Pamlico Sound section is the Great Dismal Swamp (grid reference UR76 to
UR73). Several cypress trees in the Great Dismal Swamp are estimated to be at
least 1,500 years old. Approximately 88 species of birds nest in the swamp, and
at times large flights of up to 10,000 pine siskins and 1 million robins have
been sighted. During the winter, millions of blackbirds roost in trees near the
Virginia-North Carolina border. Many mammal species inhabit this area (black
bear, deer, bobcat, mink, otter, and gray fox), and bird life is particularly
abundant.

The Currituck Banks area (grid reference VR25 to VR22), in the general
locale of Mackay Island, attracts about 15 percent of the waterfowl in the
Atlantic flyway during the fall, winter, and spring. These banks also are an
important habitat for many other plant and animal species.

Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge (grid reference VR15) is characterized by
beach, dunes, brackish marshes, and waters near the mouth of the Chesapeake Bay.
These ecosystems provide a haven for thousands of transient and wintering water-
fowl and migrating shorebirds. Winter bird populations are smaller than popula-
tions in the spring or fall. In recent years, record populations have been
reported for a numer of species, including gannets, red-throated loons, whis-
tling swans, snow geese, gadwall, Forster's tern, jaegers, and Swainson's
thrushes. In late November, as many as 20,000 whistling swans may fly over the
refuge in a two-day period; several thousand swans also stop over for short
periods of time.

At nearby Mackay Island National Wildlife Refuge (grid reference VR14),
seasonal concentrations of waterfowl include hundreds of canvasbacks, thousands
of American widgeons, and 40,000 American coots.

The Dare-Game Land and Bear Sanctuary (grid reference VQ28 to VQ23) provides
habitat for many game animals and is the northernmost limit in the United States
for the American alligator. Within the game lands, this reptile inhabits Mill-
tail and Whipping Creeks and the Alligator River.

Pungo National Wildlife Refuge (grid reference UQ55 to UQ54), to the west,
is a wintering area for some 30,000 Canada geese, thousands of snow geese and
whistling swans, and 12 different duck species. Wood ducks nest here and produce
as many as 400 young annually.

One-fifth of the North American population of whistling swans typically
spend the winter at Mattamuskeet National Wildlife Refuge (grid reference VQ03 to
UQ82), which contains North Carolina's largest natural lake. The concentrations
of swans, geese, and ducks are as large here as anywhere in the southeastern
United States. The shallow waters of this lake provide ideal feeding grounds for
all types of waterfowl. More than 100,000 ducks, comprising over 12 common South
Atlantic Zone species, frequent this large freshwater body. The endangered bald

135

eagle and peregrine falcon also frequent this area in winter, and scores of
osprey nest on the western end of the lake. Small numbers of the endangered red-
cockaded woodpecker also nest here in mature loblolly pine stands.

Swanquarter National Wildlife Refuge (grid reference UQ91 to UQ472), border-
ing Pamlico Sound, is an important habitat for wintering waterfowl, and contains
a larger number of diving ducks than Mattamuskeet. This area, representing one
of the northernmost habitats for the American alligator, also is host throughout
the year to red-cockaded woodpeckers. Bald eagles and peregrines occupy this
area in winter.

Although beavers are not abundant in the coastal area of Pamlico Sound, they
are commonly found between grid references UP59 and UP39.

Cedar Island National Wildlife Refuge (grid reference UP77 to UP76) is a
significant black duck nesting area. The refuge is an important feeding, nest-
ing, and breeding area for waterbirds. Nesting birds include over 400 pairs of
herons, up to 2,000 roseate terns, 500 laughing gulls, and 100 Forster's terns.
This area is recognized as a potential breeding area for the endangered brown
pelican, which rarely breeds in North Carolina.

6.4 VIRGINIA-CAROLINA COAST (GRID REFERENCE VR18 TO PG67)

The Virginia-Carolina Coast section encompasses the exposed outer coast
from Cape Henry, Virginia, to Winyah Bay, South Carolina. The Virginia-Carolina
Coast has been divided into two subsections: the Seaward Shore, Cape Henry to
Cape Lookout, and Cape Lookout to Winyah Bay. The biotic resources for this
section are keyed geographically using east-west UTM grid swaths.

6.4.1 Seaward Shore, Cape Henry to Cape Lookout (Grid Reference VR18 to UP52)

The seaward shore of the Pamlico Sound Complex, extending from Cape Henry,
Virginia (grid reference VR18), to Cape Lookout, North Carolina (grid reference
UP52), is characterized by a series of long, narrow islands, which are occa-
sionally interrupted by inlets. This section of the south Atlantic coast is
known as the Outer Banks.

Aquatic Resources

The Outer Banks are a transition zone between temperate fish species of the
Middle Atlantic Zone and those of the subtropical sections of the southern South
Atlantic Zone. Thus, this subsection consists of waters with a mixture of
temperate Middle Atlantic Zone species and several tropical migrants.

a. Widespread species. Many oceanic, estuarine-dependent, and anadromous
species occur along this coastal section. Fish and shellfish tend to concentrate
in several localities on this coast; these areas are used i_ntensively for commer-
cial and recreational purposes. Many tropical species occur in the warm offshore
waters of the Gulf Stream, which veers away from the south Atlantic coast between
Cape Lookout and Cape Hatteras.

Shrimp and menhaden are the two most valuable commercial fisheries in North
Carolina; brown, pink, and white shrimp are harvested from July through November.

136

Brown shrimp and pink shrimp comprise over 90 percent of the catch. Menhaden is
fished mainly from April through January.

The coastal waters from Cape Henry to Cape Lookout provide a habitat for six
threatened or endangered whales, five sea turtles, and one fish during spring and
fall migrations (see subsection 6.2.1).

b. Geographic inventory. The locality north of Cape Hatteras (grid refer-
ence VR18 to VP59) is a major winter trawl area for summer and southern flounder
and black sea bass as well as a spring trawl area for scup. Portions of this
northern reach, from approximately the Dare-Currituck county line (grid refer-
ence VR30) to Oregon Inlet (grid reference VQ55), and at Cape Hatteras (grid
reference VP59), also are significant commercial grounds for striped bass, weak-
fish, spotted seatrout, spot, and bluefish.

The main fishing ground for croaker, menhaden (combined with thread her-
ring), and shrimp is the area extending from Cape Hatteras to Cape Lookout (grid
reference VP59 to UP52). The loggerhead turtle nests along a large portion of
this coast from approximately 16 kilometers (10 miles) south of Oregon Inlet
(grid reference VQ54) to Cape Lookout (grid reference UP52). Cape Lookout is one
of the three turtle nesting concentration areas in North Carolina; these three
areas comprise about 80 percent of the turtle nesting population in the state.
In addition, king mackerel tends to concentrate at Cape Lookout (grid reference
UP52), seaward of the 18-meter (60-foot) contour.

Terrestrial Resources

Along the seaward shore of the Virginia-Carolina Coast, long barrier
islands provide the main terrestrial habitats. Islands in this section are
characterized by minimal vegetative cover. Perennial dune grasses and maritime
shrub thickets are found on most of the islands, but a few islands also contain
mature forests. Salt marshes fringe the protected mainland side of the islands.

a. Widespread species. The remote and undeveloped nature of the Outer
Banks attracts many wildlife species, especially birds. Waterbirds, waterfowl,
and shorebirds migrate along the coast in large numbers. Most of the colonial
birds which nest here are migratory, and they spend the winter farther south and
return in spring.

Local populations of gulls, terns, and skimmers are generally large and are
supplemented by migrants from the north. The most abundant shorebird nesters are
the royal tern and laughing gull; almost 10,000 nesting pairs of each species
breed annually along the seaward shore of the South Atlantic Zone. Common terns
also are fairly abundant. Other important species include black skimmer, least
tern, Forster's tern, sandwich tern, Wilson's plover, and American oyster-
catcher.

Ten species of colonial wading birds breed and nest along the seaward shore,
including great egret, snowy egret, Louisiana heron, black-crowned night heron,
yellow-crowned night heron, and glossy ibis.

Many waterfowl and landbird species inhabit the seaward shore during migra-
tory periods.

137

b . Geographic inventory. Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge (grid refer-
ence VQ5@ to VQ54) and Cape Hatteras National Seashore (grid reference VQ47 to
VP08) serve as primary winter,concentration areas for some 50 peregrine falcons.
Pea Island is a noted wintering area for snow geese, and hosts perhaps one-half
of the entire northeastern North American population of this species. The rare
brown pelican also occurs in this area, which represents the extreme northern
edge of the pelican's range. A large variety of shorebirds breed here, as well
as several hundred wading birds. These refuges also provide a harbor for otter,
muskrat, nutria, reptiles, and amphibians. As many as 500 sharp-shinned hawks
have been sighted in a single day.

Buxton Woods (grid reference VQ40) contains the only maritime forest on the
Outer Banks, and it is a relict of a much more extensive forest which existed in
historic times. The bald eagle is an occasional winter visitor, and nesting
populations of osprey, red-shouldered hawk, and swallow-tailed kite also occur
here. In addition, this area contains the only significant population of white-
tail deer found on the Outer Banks.

The northernmost breeding colony of brown pelicans in the eastern United
States and the only breeding colony in North Carolina occurs on the Pamlico Sound
Islands (grid reference VP08), where 100 to 200 adults nest from March through
July. Winter and resident populations of gulls, terns, herons, and egrets also
occur on these islands.

6.4.2 Cape Lookout to Winyah Bay (Grid Reference UP52 to PG67)

The southern portion of the Virginia-Carolina Coast from Cape Lookout to
Winyah Bay (grid reference UP52 to PG67) differs from the northern portion,
because it is comprised of short barrier islands with numerous inlets. Imme-
diately adjacent to these inlets are narrow estuarine bays and vast expanses of
tidal marsh. Three large rivers, the White Oak, New, and Cape Fear Rivers, and
several smaller rivers, empty into this coastal section.

Aquatic Resources

a. Widespread species. Several species such as oyster, hard clam, bay
scallop, and blue crab are permanent residents of the bays in this subsection.
These productive estuaries are also feeding, nursery, and in some cases spawning
grounds for numerous important commercial and recreational fish, including men-
haden, striped bass, croaker, weakfish, spotted seatrout, spot, bluefish, and
mullet. Important anadromous species include Atlantic sturgeon, alewife,
American shad, hickory shad, and blueback herring. These shellfish and finfish
are major components of the nearshore ocean fishery.

b. Geographic inventory. Back Sound and Bogue Sound (grid reference UP53
to UP03) are major bay fishery areas for menhaden, scallop, mullet, and blue
crab. Menhaden is harvested here mainly during April through SeptE!mber; thread
herring comprises a large portion of this fishery. The bay scallop beds of these
sounds together with the beds of Core Sound (grid reference UP87 to UP64) to the
north represent the major bay scallop areas in the South Atlantic Zone. On the
ocean side of these sounds, from Cape Lookout to Bogue Inlet (grid reference UP52
to UP03), major commercial and recreational concentrations of striped bass,

138

weakfish, spotted seatrout, spot, Atlantic croaker, striped and white mullet,
and bluefish are found.

Menhaden concentrates in ocean waters from Cape Lookout to Cape Fear (grid
reference UP52 to TN24), mainly from April through January. Black sea bass is
fished from Bogue Inlet (grid reference UP03) and south throughout the nearshore
area during the summer.

Several endangered or threatened species, including six whale species, five
sea turtles, and one fish, are found during spring and fall migrations along the
entire coast from Cape Lookout to Winyah Bay. The loggerhead turtle nests
extensively during the summer along the coast from Cape Lookout to Long Beach
(grid reference UP52 to QH55). Major loggerhead nesting areas are located at
Cape Lookout (grid reference UP52), Hammocks Beach (grid reference UP03), and the
area extending from Onslow Beach to Topsail Beach (grid reference TP92 to TP50).
These areas comprise 80 percent of North Carolina's loggerhead nesting
population.

The Cape Fear River (grid reference QH75 and upstream) is a spawning area
for anadromous species, including Atlantic sturgeon, alewife, American shad,
hickory shad, and blueback herring.

The ocean waters adjacent to Horry County, South Carolina (grid reference
QH24 to PH81), provide the major South Carolina commercial fisheries for Atlantic
sturgeon, bluefish, spotted seatrout, spot, and mullet.

Terrestrial Resources

Habitats in this subsection are similar to those found in the Pamlico Sound
Complex, that is, the section is characterized mainly by forests, salt marshes,
and beaches. Salt marshes are particularly well developed behind barrier islands
in the southern portion. In some upland areas, forests have reverted to savan-
nahs due to periodic fires which enhance the growth of herbaceous species. Many
abandoned rice fields have reverted to marshland and provide an excellent habitat
for wildlife.

a. 'Widespread species. The many marshes, inlets, and bays along the coast
in this subsection provide excellent habitats for a variety of species. Shore-
birds, wading birds, and waterfowl migrate along the coast and overwinter in many
of the bays and sounds. Wild turkey is common in a broad band of upland forests
paralleling the coast and several mammals, particularly deer, are recreationally
important.

b. Geographic inventory. Croatan National Forest (grid reference UP18 to
UP14) occupies over 123,887 hectares (306,000 acres) and provides sport hunting
opportunities for a variety of game animals. This forest contains Great Lake,
which has a shoreline that is considered to be one-of the better localities for
birds in North Carolina. Nesting birds in the forest include ospreys, herons,
double-crested cormorants, and warblers.

Abundant populations of alligator, several colonies of red-cockaded wood-
peckers, and nesting ospreys make the White Oak River and its marshes (grid
reference TP96 to TP95) an important habitat for wildlife.

139

The area around Orton Pond and Plantation (grid reference TN26) is a coastal
cypress pond containing a large number of American alligators. In addition, red-
cockaded woodpeckers have several nesting colonies and ospreys are known to nest
here. This locality also contains the only known breeding colony of' anhinga in
North Carolina.

The largest heronry in North Carolina is located in a well-developed mari-
time forest in the Bald Head - Battery- Smith Island area (grid reference TN25).
Approximately 3,000 to 4,000 nests containing nine species of heron, egret, and
ibis inhabit Battery Island. Habitat in this island-marsh complex is highly
diverse, and supports a large variety of birds and mammals. Bald Head, in
particular, is critically important to the thousands of birds that migrate along
the coast. Brown pelican is a permanent resident of this marsh.

A number of significant floral species occur here. These species include
rare and unique virgin tree stands and related climax communities. These species
are identified by a descriptor (Tree 307) on the accompanying maps and include
the following:

Grid Reference Feature

PH84 Crapemyrtle (large specimen)

PH70 American holly (large specimen); tree baccharis
and five-stamen tamarisk (large specimens)

PG69 Red buckeye (national champion)

PG58 Crown group of live oaks (group of 14 immense oaks
clustered in unique crown-shaped formation)
kG58@ Turkeyoak (large specimen)

PG28 Carolina ash (national co-champion); hawthorn and
planetree (large specimens)

PG28 Mature stand of baldcypress and water tupelo over
150 years old.

6.5 SEA ISLANDS (GRID REFERENCE PG67 TO MD66)

The Sea Islands section, extending from Winyah Bay, South Carolina (grid
reference PG67), to the Saint John's River in Florida (grid reference MD66)
derives its name from the numerous large, irregularly shaped barrier islands
which line the coast. Between these islands and the mainland is one of the
larger salt marsh systems in the world. Numerous rivers and sounds empty into
the marshes to form a complex series of waterways. These rivers and sounds
include the Pee Dee-Waccamaw River and Winyah Bay Complex; the Santee River;
Charlestown Harbor; the North and South Edisto Rivers; St. Helena, Port Royal,
Calibogue, Ossabaw, St. Catherine's, Sapelo, and Doboy Sounds; and Altamaha,
Savannah, Brunswick, Satilla, Cumberland, St. Mary's, Nassau, and St. John's
Rivers. The biotic resources of this section are keyed geographically using
east-west UTM grid swaths.

140

Aquatic Resources

These estuaries are extremely productive and contain high-energy and high-
nutrient inputs. Consequently, the estuaries support a diverse and abundant
aquatic population and are critical spawning and nursery areas for numerous
shellfish and finfish species.

a. 'Widespread species. Oysters and clams are permanent residents of these
estuaries. Species of commercial and recreational importance include brown and
white shrimp, blue crab, menhaden, spotted seatrout, weakfish, spot, Atlantic
croaker, southern, northern, and gulf kingfish, red and black drum, bluefish,
summer and southern flounder, and sheepshead. Adults may be found either in the
rivers and sounds or in the coastal waters.

Within the Sea Islands, shrimp and blue crab comprise the majority of the
total commercial fishery. Shrimp is the major fishery in terms of volume and
commercial value in South Carolina and Georgia. White shrimp comprises approx-
imately 70 percent of the fishery and brown shrimp comprises about 30 percent;
pink shrimp contributes a negligible portion to the total catch. Shrimp is
harvested from May to December with mature white shrimp comprising most of the
catch in May and June, young brown shrimp comprising most of the catch in June
through August, and young white shrimp comprising most of the catch from August
through December. Adult brown shrimp also is caught offshore June through
September.

Several anadromous species, including the Atlantic sturgeon, American and
hickory shad, blueback herring, alewife, and striped bass, migrate through this
section during spring to spawn. The alewife, however, occurs only in the north-
ern portion of this section. Other species occurring in the Sea Islands section
include freshwater species, such as black crappie, channel and white catfish,
redbreast sunfish, warmouth, bluegill, and largemouth bass, and oceanic species,
such as black sea bass, cobia, Spanish mackerel, tarpon, and pompano. Mullet,
which economically is one of the largest volume yield finfish in South Carolina,
cannot be commercially fished in Georgia waters.

Threatened and endangered aquatic organisms found along the Sea Islands
coast include one fish, five sea turtles, and seven marine mammals. The short-
nose sturgeon migrates up many of the coastal rivers, and the loggerhead turtle
nests along the Sea Islands ocean beaches. The Florida manatee rarely inhabits
the rivers, bays, and coastal waters of the Georgia and South Carolina Sea
Islands during the summer. This mammal is more common in Florida waters, partic-
ularly the St. John's River, which has been designated as a critical habitat for
the manatee.

b. Geographic inventory. Lake Moultrie and Lake Marion (grid references
NG88 and NH60 and vicinity) are famous for their landlocked striped bass, large-
mouth bass, and black crappie. These lakes are rated among the top ten fresh-
water fishing spots in the world. The nearby hatcheries rear striped bass, white
perch, and white bass, which are stocked in these lakes.

The most significant nesting area for loggerhead turtles in this section
extends from North Inlet to Bull Island (grid reference PG78 to PG23). Mating

141

pairs migrate inshore in March and April, and nesting occurs from mid-May to mid-
August.

Winyah Bay (grid reference PG68) and the Black, Pee Dee, and Waccamaw Rivers
which flow into the bay are major migration routes for several anadromous
sp ec i es. As a result, a large commercial and sport fishery has developed for
American shad, hickory shad, blueback herring, alewife, striped bass, and Atlan-
tic sturgeon. The season for sturgeon occurs offshore during March and April and
March through October in the bays and rivers. Winyah Bay (grid reference PG68)
may provide an overwintering area for the endangered shortnose sturgeon while the
Pee Dee-Waccamaw Rivers (grid reference PG69) may be its spawning ground.

The Santee estuary (grid reference PG66) contains the major hard clam bed
within the Sea Islands section. The Santee River is a migratory route for the
endangered shortnose sturgeon and may be a spawning ground for this species. The
river is also a major recreational and commercial fishing area for shad, herring,
and striped bass.

Although shrimp is harvested along the entire Sea Islands coast, one of the
most productive areas is the nearshore section from Bull's Bay to Tybee Island
(grid reference PG34 to NF13).

The Cooper (grid reference PG02) and Edisto (grid reference NG70) Rivers are
major recreational and commercial fishing grounds for shad, herring, and striped
bass. The South Edisto River (grid reference NF69) is a migratory route for the
endangered shortnose sturgeon. The inshore areas, including St. Helena (grid
-reference NF59), Port Royal (grid reference NF37), and Calibogue (grid reference
NF15) Sounds, are some of the most productive harvest areas for shrimp along the
Sea Islands coast.

In Georgia waters, striped bass distribution is spotty; this species is
confined to major rivers and adjacent estuaries and is not usually caught off the
ocean beaches. Presently, a striped bass management program is underway to
augment existing populations in the Savannah (grid reference NF04), Ogeechee
(grid reference MF92), and Altamaha (grid reference ME76) Rivers. The Savannah
River is important for providing the striped bass with a spawning habitat, and
the Altamaha River is a candidate for designation as a scenic river. In addition
to the striped bass migrations, the endangered shortnose sturgeon also migrates
up the Savannah, Ogeechee, and Altamaha Rivers.

The St. Mary's River (grid reference MD69) is a migratory route for the
endangered shortnose sturgeon.

The St. John's River (grid reference MD66 and upstream) is the most southern
river along the Atlantic coast that supports migrating and spawning anadromous
species. The Federally endangered shortnose sturgeon and the Atlantic sturgeon,
which is designated as threatened in Florida, rarely occur in this river. The
St. John's River is unusual because many oceanic fish are found in its upper
reaches. Several drum species, as well as sheepshead, southern flounder, tarpon,
and ladyfish, have been found 121 kilometers (75 miles) upstream near Palatka,
Florida, in tidal freshwater. The reason for this distribution appears to be the
numerous salt springs that drain into the river. The St. John's River is
designated by Florida as a critical habitat for the Florida manatee.

142

Terrestrial Resources

More than two-thirds of the coastal portion of the Sea Islands section is
forested. This section contains unique elliptical depressions (Carolina Bays)
and their associated plant communities of cypress, tupelo, red maple, redbay, and
sweetbay. In many areas of this section, forests have reverted to savannahs due
to periodic fires. The upland communities of this section consist largely of
southern pines. Marshes are abundant on the Sea Islands and wooded swamps are
common inland. This area contains some of the most extensive well-developed salt
marshes in the United States. The islands are characterized by sand dunes and
forest and shrub communities and are separated from the mainland by tidal bays,
channels, and lagoons fringed by marshes and mudflats.

a. Widespread species. The large diversity of habitats gives rise to a
variety of wildlife composed principally of species which are common to the South
Atlantic Zone. Transient and wintering waterfowl and waterbirds concentrate in
the waters; herons and egrets breed in swamps; and shorebirds and marsh birds
nest on beaches and in marshes.

b. Geographic inventory. A number of unique and significant vegetative
features, including unusually large specimens, virgin stands, or rare plants,
occur in the Sea Islands section. These features are delineated on the accompa-
nying inventory maps by a descriptor (Tree 307) symbol, and they include the
following:

Grid Reference Feature

PG18 Pecan (large specimen)

PG47 Washington'oak (memorial to George Washington)

PG46 Southern bayberry (national champion)

PG16 Spruce pine (large specimen)

PG13 Muster oak (assembling place for Revolutionary
militia)

PG12 Sea oats stand (rare plants)

NG96 Red mulberry (national champion);
Chinese tallowtree (large specimen)

NG58 Black gum (large specimen)

NG66 American beech (large specimen)

NG84 Middleton oak (oldest tree in South Carolina,
estimated at 900 years)

NG65 Waterlocust and eastern hophornbeam (large
specimens)

143

Grid Reference Feature

NG15 Slash pine (large specimen)

NG94 "The Oaks" (an avenue of oak trees dating back to
1600's)

NG93 Ginko (large specimen); hangman's oak (old tree of
historical significance)

NG62 Oak Avenue of Dixie Plantation (aesthetically
attractive)

NG81 Angel oak (500 years old)

NF69 Cabbage palmetto (large specimen)

NF28 Live oak (national co-champion)

NF26 Loblolly-bay and redbay (large specimens)

NF17 Southern redcedar (large specimen)

NG67 Swamp cyrilla (national champion).

Santee National Wildlife Refuge (grid references NH60 and NG88) is the
southernmost refuge in the South Atlantic Zone where Canada geese spend the
winter in large numbers, their populations often reaching 20,000 birds. Species
which inhabit the refuge include numerous furbearers, such as bobcat, fox, mink,
muskrat, deer, and raccoon, and threatened or endangered species, such as alliga-
tor, red-cockaded woodpecker, peregrine falcon, and occasionally bald eagle.
Approximately one dozen species of wintering ducks are found here, with total
populations as high as 150,000 individuals.

Four Holes Swamp Wilderness Area (grid reference NG58) contains the largest
remaining virgin stand of tupelo and cypress trees in the world. Many of these
trees attain heights of more than 30 meters (100 feet). This area is a breeding
ground and excellent habitat for otter, mink, deer, black bear, bobcat, and other
furbearers. In addition, a variety of herons, songbirds, Mississippi and swal-
low-tailed kites, and alligators reside here.

The Francis Marion National Forest (grid reference PG18 to PG24) covers
97,000 hectares (240,000 acres) and contains diverse habitats for landbird
species. The rare and endangered Bachman's warbler has nested here in the past.

Pumpkinseed Island (grid reference PG56) is a major wading bird nesting site
where several thousand herons and egrets breed during the warmer months. The
nesting estimates for the more common species are white ibis (10,000 to 15,000
pairs), glossy ibis (200 to 2,000 pairs), Louisiana heron (2,000 to 2,500 pairs),
snowy egret (250 to 800 pairs), cattle egret (300 to 1,000 pairs),, and great
egret (100 to 1,000 pairs).

144

A primary area for wildlife on the Atlantic coast is the 24,300 hectares
(60,000 acres) of barrier islands', forests, salt marshes, creeks, waterways, and
beaches composing the Cape Romain National Wildlife Refuge (grid reference PG56
to PG23). Most of the Atlantic coast population of American oystercatchers and
endangered brown pelicans winters at Cape Romain, and as many as nine species of
herons and egrets also winter here. Bull Island, in the refuge, is renowned for
its abundant and diverse bird life which includes many songbirds, marsh birds,
shorebirds, wading birds, and waterfowl. Songbird migrations in spring are often
spectacular because of their size and variety. Alligator, otter, and whitetail
deer also inhabit this refuge.

An important tern and skimmer nesting area is on Bird Island (grid reference
PG34). About 2,000 black skimmers and nearly 8,000 breeding terns of four
species nest here, with the royal tern representing the largest population.

One of the largest white ibis rookeries in South Carolina is at grid refer-
ence PG24. This rookery is also the last known nesting area in North America for
the endangered Bachman's warbler, which prefers river swamp forests. In 1929,
two confirmed sightings were made in this area of the endangered, and now
possibly extinct, ivory-billed woodpecker. Other species of concern nesting
here are Swainson's warblers, osprey, and wood storks.

The largest wading bird rookery on the Atlantic coast is Drum Island (grid
reference PG03), where 25,000 to 30,000 pairs of herons and egrets nest annually.
The most common species and nesting estimates are white ibis (10,000 to 11,000
pairs), snowy egret (5,000 pairs), glossy ibis (400 to 500 pairs), yellow-crowned
night heron (2,300 pairs), and little blue heron (1,000 pairs). At this rookery,
approximately 25,000 young wading birds are produced yearly.

Magnolia gardens near Charleston, South Carolina (grid reference NG83),
provide an excellent habitat for different types of waterbirds, waterfowl, and
songbirds. Anhingas,' herons, egrets, ibises, ospreys, ducks, warblers, and
occasionally bald eagles are found here.

A major colonia) shorebird nesting site is at Bird BanX, South Carolina
(grid reference NG91 , where over 18,000 pairs have been counted in one season.
Major breeding species and nesting pair estimates are royal tern (3,400 to 10,400
pairs), laughing gull (160 to 3,000 pairs), least tern (500 pairs), black skimmer
(468 pairs), and gull-billed tern (64 to 200 pairs).

Another area containing large numbers of nesting shorebirds is Deveaux Bank
(grid reference NG70) where a total of nearly 24,000 pairs were counted on two
occasions in 1 year. This count included royal tern (18,400 pairs), laughing
gull (7,300 pairs), brown pelican (535 pairs), black skimmer (700 pairs), and
sandwich tern (300 pairs). Nearby White Island (grid reference NG90) serves as a
nesting site for more than 3,000 endangered brown pelicans.

A portion of the Ashepoo-Combahee-Edisto River Basin (grid reference NG60)
is an exceptional area containing undisturbed bottom land, hardwood, and
brackish and freshwater impoundments. Six active bald eagle nests, the largest
concentration of bald eagles in South Carolina, are found here. This area also
contains large populations of many other species, including waterfowl in winter,

145

red-cockaded woodpeckers, American alligators, wood storks, Mississippi kites,
ospreys, Swainson's warblers, black bears, river otters, and bobcats.

The area near grid reference MF99 is a complex of fire-maintained savannahs
which support extremely diverse populations of amphibians and reptiles. More
than 100 species have been recorded here, and the area is nationally known among
herpetologists for its extraordinary species diversity.

The Savannah National Wildlife Refuge (grid reference MF87 to MF95) is one
of the nation's oldest refuges; it harbors an abundance of diverse wildlife.
Large numbers of wood ducks, hawks, wading birds, marsh birds, alligators, rep-
tiles, and amphibians are found here. Wood ducks probably nest in greater
numbers here than at any other refuge, and the wood duck population often reaches
20,000 individuals.

Nearly 7,000 wading birds nest at Satilla River (grid reference ME52),
including white ibis (3,500 pairs), Louisiana heron (700 to 2,000 pairs), great
egret (600 to 1,000 pairs), and snowy egret (600 to 1,000 pairs).

6.6 EAST FLORIDA (GRID REFERENCE MD66 TO NU88)

The East Florida section of the South Atlantic Zone extends from the St.
John's River to Fort Lauderdale on the south, a distance of some 483 kilometers
(300 miles). This coastline differs markedly from the Sea Islands section
because the East Florida coast is characterized by long barrier islands which
protect narrow, shallow, coastal lagoons. These lagoons, which include the
Tolomato, Matanzas, and Halifax Rivers, Mosquito Lagoon, Banana, Indian, and St.
Lucie Rivers, Hobe Sound, and Lake Worth, are connected to the sea through
inlets. Since they receive freshwater from only a few small rivers and streams,
these lagoons normally have high salinities except during the rainy season, when
they receive large quantities of freshwater. Tidal marshes and seagrass beds
characteristically rim the lagoonal rivers in the north, but in the southern half
of this section, mangrove swamps become prominent. Many of the coastal areas
have been set aside by Florida as aquatic preserves.

The Continental Shelf on the East Florida coast becomes increasingly narrow
toward the south; at Fort Pierce, it is 32 kilometers (20 miles) wide and at Fort
Lauderdale, it is 6 kilometers (4 miles) wide. The warm tropical currents of the
Gulf Stream also are close to the coast in this area. The sediments of the shelf
are basically sandy here, but hard bottom areas and coral reefs are sometimes
present. In the northern portion of this section, these reefs mostly occur
beyond the three-mile limit; however, in the area extending southward from Cocoa
Beach (grid reference NB33), the reef lines are in the coastal zone.

The biotic resources for this section are keyed geographically using east-
west UTM grid swaths.

Aquatic Resources

a. Widespread species. These features provide for a variety of aquatic
habitats and a high diversity of aquatic organisms, which includes more than 500
species of shellfish and finfish. Hard clam, blue crab, and oyster are found in
the lagoonal estuaries and are of commercial and recreational importance. Many

146

estuarine-dependent species common to the Middle and South Atlantic Zones are
also found in the East Florida section, including white, brown, and pink shrimp,
summer and southern flounder, bluefish, Atlantic croaker, spot, spotted sea-
trout, weakfish, red and black drum,, southern and gulf kingfish, striped and
white mullet, and menhaden. These species mostly spawn in the ocean, but species
such as the spotted seatrout and weakfish spawn in the brackish portion of the
estuaries. Juveniles use lagoons as nursery grounds during the summer.

White and brown shrimp are the most valuable commercial shellfish in this
section, whereas king and Spanish mackerel and snappers are the most valuable
finfish. Menhaden, however, is the major commercial species harvested by volume.

Seagrass beds in this section, particularly in the south, are composed of
turtle grass (Thalassia testudinum) and manatee grass (S - ringodium filiforme).
Many tropical migrants, including tarpon, pompano, snook, ladyfish, pigfish, and
grunt, use the lagoons as nursery areas. Adults of temperate and tropical
species are found along the entire coast.

Several tropical oceanic species, including king and Spanish mackerel,
grouper, snapper, little tunny, and sailfish, also are of commercial and recre-
ational importance to the East Florida fishery. North of Palm Beach (grid
reference NV95), most fishing for the Spanish mackerel is conducted offshore from
March to October, while to the south, fishing for both species occurs during
October through April.

The grouper family is represented by numerous species, including the gag,
the speckled hind, and the Nassau, black, red, and warsaw grouper, and the
jewfish, of which the latter three are the most important inshore species. These
groupers are fished throughout the year. The snapper family is represented by
the lane, silk, mutton, gray, vermilion, red, and yellowtail snappers. The
latter four tend to be the most common inshore species south of Palm Beach (grid
reference NV94). Although these species are fished all year, the best fishing
generally occurs in the spring and fall. The sailfish is concentrated in the
East Florida section during November through February.

Five threatened and endangered sea turtles and seven marine mammals are
present in East Florida coastal waters, several of which are of particular
importance. These species include the loggerhead turtle, green sea turtle,
leatherback turtle, and the Florida manatee.

The loggerhead turtle nests throughout the East Florida coast. It is
estimated that 19,895 nests are dug in Florida each year by approximately 14,210
females which comprise 90 percent of the total U.S. population. For the Atlantic
coast, the green sea turtle nests only in Florida, where its population is
estimated at about 50 mature females. Leatherback turtle nests along the Atlan-
tic coast are rare, but some 10 to 12 nests occur annually, and all are located in
Florida.

A major portion of the Florida manatee population in the United States (750
to 850 individuals) is in East Florida where some 400 to 500 individuals occur.
The center for the manatee population in East Florida is in the St. John's River
and along the coastal zone between New Smyrna Beach and the St. Lucie River (grid
reference NC01 to NA80). Locations where Florida has set aside numerous habitats

147

which are critical to the continued existence of the manatee are shown on the
East Florida inventory maps. Several of these areas are legal sanctuaries in
which motorboat speeds and operations are limited between November 15 and
March 31.

b. Geographic inventory. Leatherback turtles rarely nest along the Atlan-
tic coast; however, nesting is reported to occur as far north as Flagler Beach
(grid reference MC86) and as far south as Miami (grid reference NU85).

The wide Continental Shelf and well-developed estuarine system, charac-
terizing the coastline of the northern portion of the East Florida section, from
the St. John's River (grid reference M066) to St. Lucie Inlet (grid reference
NA80), contain a major commercial concentration of estuarine-dependent temperate
species including drum, flounder, shrimp, and menhaden.

Indian River, the largest estuarine system in East Florida (grid reference
NB18 to NA80), contains major populations of hard clam, blue crab, oyster, and
mullet. The spotted seatrout is the most sought after recreational species in
the river and is the only game fish that spends its entire life cycle within the
estuary.

The area extending from Cape Canaveral (grid reference NB44) to Palm Beach
(grid reference NV94) and, in particular, Hutchinson Island and Jupiter Island
(grid reference NA73 to NV89), on the seaward side of Indian River, is the major
sea turtle nesting area along the Atlantic coast. Species which nest here
include the threatened loggerhead turtle and the endangered green sea turtle. A
single nesting of the endangered hawksbill was reported in 1974 on Jupiter
Island.

Bluefish concentrates from Sebastian Inlet (grid reference NA58) to Lake
Worth Inlet (grid reference NV93) during November through April; however, this
species migrates northward during the summer. The sailfish, one of the most
sought after recreational species, is concentrated from Fort Pierce (grid refer-
ence NA63) to Jupiter Inlet (grid reference NV98) in 18 to 76 meters (60 to
250 feet) of water during November to February.

The leatherback turtle nests only rarely along the Atlantic coast, mainly in
Martin and Palm Beach Counties (grid reference NA71 to NV91).

In the southern portion of the East Florida section, extending southward
from St. Lucie Inlet (grid reference NA80), the high-relief coral outcrops are
well-developed inshore. As a result, many of the species which prefer this
habitat, including groupers, snappers, and king and Spanish mackerel, are in
abundance in these areas. The spiny lobster also becomes more abundant in this
stretch.

Gray, vermilion, red, and yellowtail snappers tend to be the Most Common
inshore species south of Palm Beach (grid reference NV94).

Terrestrial Resources

Numerous salt marshes border the lagoons and rivers in the northern portion
of East Florida although mangroves grow in scattered clumps around Mosquito

148

Lagoon (grid reference NB37). To the south, the mangroves gradually become more
abundant and replace the northern section's salt marshes. The mainland of East
Florida contains many different habitat types; the more important habitats for
wildlife include pinelands, scrublands, and swamps. Pinelands consist of open
forests containing longleaf and slash pines with shrub thickets. Scrublands
support scrub oaks and thickets of saw palmetto. Swamps contain cypress and
hardwoods.

a. Widespread species. Large numbers of animals breed in Florida's marshes
and swamps and their ecotones. Birds are plentiful and include many species of
heron, egret, ibis, and other waterbirds common to the South Atlantic Zone.
Shorebirds commonly breed in this section; however, major nesting sites for
shorebirds or wading birds, and the species diversity, are not as great as in
other sections of the South Atlantic Zone. Although the total number of breeding
species is relatively small, winter concentrations are often extremely large. In
the winter, the lesser scaup and the American coot are the most abundant water-
fowl.

b. Geographic inventory. One of the least disturbed swamp areas in east-
central Florida, near grid re?erence NCOO to NB19, includes a wood stork rookery,
containing 100 to 200 nests. This swamp also serves as a nesting area for other
wading birds and ospreys.

The area adjacent to the Cape Canaveral Peninsula and Merritt Island
National Wildlife Refuge (grid reference NB28 to NB34) contains some of the most
impressive bird concentrations in the South Atlantic Zone. Among species of
special status which have been sighted here are the bald eagle, peregrine falcon,
brown pelican (with up to 400 nests), dusky seaside sparrow, and American alliga-
tor. The rare wood stork also breeds here and occupies about 300 nests. This
area contains the largest number of wading bird species on the East Coast.
Eleven species of herons, egrets, and ibises nest yearly. Large numbers of
songbirds and raptors migrate through this area, often stopping over for short
periods of time. Winter concentrations of waterfowl may attain populations of
more than 70,000 birds and may include 23 different species.

Saint Johns National Wildlife Refuge (grid references NB15 and NB14) was
established to provide a breeding habitat for the endangered dusky seaside spar-
row. All of the known males (less than 30) of this endangered species congregate
here in the spring. The population of females may be even less.

The area between grid references NB03 and NB04, containing extensive
marshes, is considered as a potential habitat for the dusky seaside sparrow.
Important species common to this area include the bald eagle, American alligator,
eastern indigo snake, Florida sandhill crane, osprey, and wood stork.

Pelican Island National Wildlife Refuge (grid reference NA57) is histor-
ically important, since it was the first National Wildlife Refuge in the United
States. This site, formerly was the only known nesting area for the brown
.pelican, but now it also is important to a number of other species including
heron, egret, ibis, anhinga, and double-crested cormorant.

149

6.7 BISCAYNE BAY (GRID REFERENCE NU88 TO NT68)

The Biscayne Bay section, extending from Fort Lauderdale (grid reference
NU88) to the southern end of the Atlantic Coastal Zone at Garden Cove (grid
reference NT68), represents a transition between the sandy barrier islands to the
north and the low rocky, remnant coral reef islands to the south. From Fort
Lauderdale (grid reference NU88) to Soldier Key (grid reference NU83), the coast
is characterized by rocky reefs with encrusting corals and sponges; south of
Soldier Key, living, reef-building corals predominate. These reefs are distrib-
uted in three distinct chains; the first or inside reef is located in 3 to
6 meters (10 to 20 feet) of water. The second or outer reef runs along the
21-meter (70 foot) contour, and third or deep reef runs along the 37-meter
(120-foot) contour. Due to map scale limitations, only the second and third
reefs are shown on the inventory maps.

Other distinctive features within the Biscayne Bay section include the
extremely narrow Continental Shelf ranging from 5 kilometers (3 miles) off Miami
Beach to 16 kilometers (10 miles) off the Florida Keys and the proximity of the
Gulf Stream to land--along the 37-meter (120-foot) contour.

The biotic resources of this section are keyed geographically using east-
west UTM grid swaths.

Aquatic Resources

a. Widespread species. Two species which are both unique and of commercial
importance to the Biscayne Bay section are the spiny lobster and stone crab. The
spiny lobster is the most valuable fishery in this region.

Most of the major commercial and recreational fish species are associated
with the nearshore reef system and are evenly distributed throughout this sec-
tion. The bays, ocean beach, and first reef provide a habitat for spotted
seatrout, southern and gulf kingfish, pompano, tarpon, snook, Spanish mackerel,
ladyfish and juvenile groupers, snappers, and jacks. The second reef provides a
habitat for adult groupers and snappers. These species also are found seaward of
the second reef out to the third reef, along with adult jack, king mackerel, and
sailfish. Swordfish occasionally occurs nearshore, but it is more common beyond
the 183-meter (600-foot) contour over high-relief rock and coral environments.
Although these species are fished all year, the best seasons are generally from
mid-fall through spring, since many species migrate to deeper or more northern
waters during the summer months.

b. Geographic inventory. Major aquatic parks in this section include
Biscayne Bay Aquatic Preserve'(9rid reference NU86 to NT69), Biscayne National
Monument (grid reference NU62 to NU80), and John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park
(grid reference NU70 to NT56).

Several aquatic species of special status inhabit the coastal portion of
Biscayne Bay, although they are only rarely observed; they include seven species
of marine mammals and five species of sea turtles. The Florida manatee occurs
throughout the section and is particularly prominent in the northern portion of
Biscayne Bay (grid reference NU86 to NU73), which is a designated critical
habitat. Loggerhead, green sea, and leatherback turtle nesting areas have been

150

reported on the beaches near Fort Lauderdale and Hollywood (grid references NU88
and NU87).

Along the coast around southern Biscayne Bay and Card and Barnes Sounds
(grid reference NU62 to NT58), unique mangrove swamps, composed of red, black,
and white mangroves, and numerous forms of algae provide a high input of nutri-
ents and energy into the surrounding aquatic ecosystem. The mangrove swamps also
serve as nursery areas for several major recreational and commercial aquatic
species in the area, including menhaden, mullet, spotted seatrout, red drum,
snapper, pompano, tarpon, snook, and shrimp.

Terrestrial Resources

The Biscayne Bay section is considered to be a subtropical region. The
inland portions of this section are dominated by pinelands, composed principally
of slash pine and an understory containing numerous tropical plants. Coastal
marshes are interspersed with mangrove swamps throughout this section, and on the
northern keys, a variety of mangroves and tropical hardwood trees are found.

a. Widespread species. Some 93 species of birds occur regularly on the
keys and 12 species nest here. The most common species include the following:
brown pelican, double-crested cormorant, magnificent frigate-bird, bald eagle,
osprey, great blue (white) heron, and red egret. Important mammals which occur
on the islands include bobcat, raccoon, and opossum.

b. Geographical inventory. Large breeding colonies of wading birds or
shorebirds are not known to inhabit this section, but the area centered around
metropolitan Miami (grid reference NU76 to NU73) is unique for its exotic bird
species, many of which have been introduced from tropical Latin American and
Caribbean regions. Some of these species have established breeding populations
in this locality, and may expand their range northward when they become part of
the regional fauna.

The major portion of the 38,900 hectares (96,000 acres) which composes
Biscayne National Monument (grid reference NU62 to NU80) consists of a marine and
reef community, and 25 islands (keys) lie within its borders. Since this park is
in proximity to temperate and tropic zones, it contains important habitats for
wildlife for both zones.

The critical habitat for the American crocodile, designated as endangered
by the FWS, includes the area defined by grid reference NU61 to NT67.

On north Key Largo two sites (grid references NT79 and NT68) are especially
important for a number of species. The upland portions of these sites consist of
tropical hardwood hammocks, a vegetative type which is nearly extinct in Florida.
A total of about ten species of special status, or concern, are either permanent
or seasonal residents at these sites. The woodlands at the sites are the sole
habitat suitable for the Key Largo wood rat and the Key Largo cotton mouse.
These sites also are the only known nesting locations of American crocodile
outside of Everglades National Park; in 1978, five nests were located on north
Key Largo.

151

6.8 LIST OF SOURCES FOR THE SOUTH ATLANTIC ZONE

Bearden, Charles M.; McKenzie, D. A guide to saltwater fishery in South Caro-
lina. Charleston, SC: South Carolina Wildlife and Marine Resources.

Bearden, Charles M.; McKenzie, Michael D. An investigation of the offshore
demersal fish resources of South Carolina. Charlestown, SC: South Carolina
Wildlife Resources Department, Marine Resources Division. May 1977.

Bishop, J.M.; Shealy, M.H. Jr. Biological observations on commercial penaeid
shrimp caught by bottom trawl in South Carolina estuaries. Charleston, SC:
South Carol ina Wi ldl ife and Marine Resources Department, South Carol ina Marine
Resources Center. February 1973.

Coastal Plains Center for Marine Development Services. Protected sites in the
Carolinian class if ication--Cape Hatteras to Cape Kennedy. Wilmington, NC.
October 1974.

Coomer, Charles F. Jr.; Holder, Daniel R.; Swanson, Clayton D. A comparison of
the diets of red breast sunfish and spotted sucker in a coastal plain stream.
Waycross, GA: Georgia Department of Natural Resources, Game and Fish Division.
October 1977.

Courtenay, Walter R. et al. Ecological monitoring of beach erosion control
projects, Broward Co5_tj_,Florida, and adjacent areas. Fort Belvoir, VA: U.S.
Army Corps of Engineer Coastal Engineering Research Center. 1974.

Cupka, David M. A survey of the ichthyofauna of the surf zone in South Carolina.
Charleston,, SC: South Carolina Wildlife and Marine Resources Department,
Office of Marine Conservation. March 1972.

Dahlberg, M.D. Guide to coastal fishes of Georgia and nearby states. Athens,
GA: University of Georgia Press. 1975.

DeVries, D. Stock assessment of adult fishes in the Core Sound, North Carolina
area. Morehead City, NC: North Carolina Department of Natural Resources and
Community Development. 1980.

Eldridge, Peter J.; Waltz, Wayne. Observations on the commercial fishery for
blue crabs in estuaries in the southern half of South Carolina. Charleston,
SC: South Carolina Wildlife and Marine Resources Department. Technical Report
No. 21. March 1977.

Engineer Agency for Resources Inventories. Environmental reconnaissance inven-
tory of the Charleston District.- February 1973. Available from: Department
of the Army, Office of the Chief of Engineers, Fort Belvoir, VA.

Engineer Agency for Resources Inventories. Environmental reconnaissance inven-
tory of the State of North Carolina. December 1973. Available from: Depart-
ment of the Army, Office of the Chief of Engineers, Fort Belvoir, VA.

152

Ettman, R.; McCollum, Jerry L.; Neville, Mary Anne; Odom, Ron R. Georg i a's
protected wildlife. Social Circle, GA: Georgia Department of Natural
Resources. September 1979.

Florida Legislature. Florida Coastal Management Program (draft). Tallahassee,
FL: State of Florida, Department of Environmental Regulation. March 1978.

Florida official transportation map. Tallahassee, FL: Department of Transpor-
tation; 1979. 1 inch = 17 miles.

Freeman, Bruce L.; Walford, Lionel A. Angler's guide to the United States
Atlantic coast fish, fishing grounds, and fishing facilities. Sections VI-
VIII. Seattle, WA: U.S. Department of Commerce, NOAA, National Marine Fish-
eries Service. July 1976.

Futch, Charles. Summary of sea turtle activity in Florida. 1979.

Georgia Department of Natural Resources, Off ice of Planning and Research. Activ-
ities in Georgia's coastal waters: past trends and future prospects. Atlanta,
GA. May 1975.

Georgia Department of Natural Resources, Office of Planning and Research. Inland
land use activities and Georgia's coastal waters. Atlanta, GA. October 1976.

Georgia Department of Natural Resources, Office of Planning and Research,
Resource Planning Section, River Planning Unit. A scenic and recreational
river proposal for the great Altamaha swamp. January 1978.

Georgia Department of Natural Resources, Parks, and Historic Sites. Georgia
state parks and historic sites. Atlanta, GA. 1979.

Georgia State Highway System. Atlanta, GA: Georgia Department of Transporta-
tion. January 1979.

Georgia Sea Grant Program; University of Georgia. Guide to coastal fishing in
Georgia. Athens, GA. 1976.

Georgia Sea Grant Program; University of Georgia. Guide to coastal fishing in
Georgia. Athens, GA. 1977.

Georgia Sea Grant Program; University of Georgia. Guide to coastal fishing in
Georgia. Athens, GA. 1978.

Georgia Department of Natural Resources game and fish facilities map. Atlanta,
GA: Georgia Department of Natural Resources, Game and Fish Division. August
1979. 1 inch = 13 miles.

Georgia miscellaneous wildlife management area maps. Atlanta, GA: Georgia
Department of Natural Resources, Game and Fish Division.

Gilbert, Carter R. Checklist of fishes known to occur in Florida freshwaters.
Gainesville, FL: University of Florida.

153

Gilmore, R. Grant. Fishes of the Indian River lagoon and adjacent waters,
Florida. Bulletin of the Florida State Museum of Biological Sciences. 22(3);
1977.

Godwin, Walter. Use of seed oysters to supplement oyster production -in southern
North Carolina. Morehead City, NC: North Carolina Department of Natural
Resources and Community Development. February 1979.

Godwin, Walter. The distribution and density of the hard clam (mercenaria
mercenaria) on the Georgia coast. Brunswick, GA: Georgia Game and Fish
Commission. Series No. 10. September 1968.

Harris, Duane. Location and exploration of natural reefs on Georgia's continen-
tal shelf. Atlanta, GA: Georgia Department of Natural Resources, Coastal
Resources Program. May 1978.

Hawkins, J.H. Anadromous fisheries research program--Neuse River. Morehead
City, NC: North Carolina Division of Marine Fisheries. 1977.

Hester, Joseph Jr.; Copeland, B.J. Nekton population dynamics in the Albermarle
Sound and Neuse River estuaries. Raleigh, NC: Sea Grant Program, North
Carolina State University. 1975.

Hillestad, Hilburn 0.; Johnson, Sydney A.; Shanholtzer, Sheryl Fanning, Shan-
holtzer, Frederick G. An ecological survey of the coastal region of Georgia.
Athens, GA: National Park Service Scientific Monograph Series No. 3. 1974.

Hoese, Dickson; Moore, Richard H. Fishes of the Gulf of Mexico, Texas, Louisi-
ana, and adjacent waters. College Station, TX: Texas A&M University Press.
1977.

Holder, Daniel R., Regional Fisheries Supervisor, Georgia Department of Natural
Resources, Game and Fish Division. (personal communication concerning infor-
mation on the rotenone sample from the lower Altamaha River). 1980 January 7.

Holder, Daniel R. Evaluation of stocking fingerling striped bass. Atlanta, GA:
Department of Natural Resources, Game and Fish Division. 1974.

Holder, Daniel R.; Ruebsamen, Rickey. A comparison of the fisheries of the upper
and lower Satilla River. Atlanta, GA: Georgia Department of Natural Re-
sources, Game and Fish Division. October 1976.

Holland, B.F., et al. Anadromous fisheries research program- -northern coastal
area. MoreheaFd--CTt-y, NC: North Carolina Division of Marine Fisheries. 1975.

Johnson, Harrel, et al. Anadromous. fisheries research program- -northern coastal
area. Morehead-CiTy, NC: North Carolina Division of Marine Fisheries. 1977.

Johnson, Harrel B.; et al. Biology and management of mid-Atlantic anadromous
fishes under extende--d -Jurisdiction. Annual Report, 1978. Morehead City, NC:
Department of Natural Resources and Community Development, Division of Marine
Fisheries. 1978.

154

Johnson, Harrel ; Stevens, Henry; Hassler, William. Cooperative management
program for Albermarle Sound--Roanoke River striped bass. Morehead City, NC:
North Carolina Division of Marine Fisheries. 1979.

Joseph, Edwin B.; Miglarese, John V.; Shealy, M.H., Jr. Bottom fishes of South
Carolina estuaries: relative abundance, seasonal distribution and length-
frequency relationships. Charleston, SC: South Carolina Wildlife and Marine
Resources Division, Marine Resources Research Institute. October 1974.

Keefe, Scott G. Preliminary assessment of nonanadromous fishes of the Albemarle
Sound. Morehead City, NC: North Carolina Division of Marine Fisheries. 1979.

Keiser, Richard K., Jr. Species composition, magnitude, and utilization of the
incidental catch of the South Carolina shrimp fishery. Charleston, SC: South
Carolina Wildlife and Marine Resources Department. Technical Report No. 16.
September 1976.

Kirkwood, James B. Resource assessment, oil and gas lease sale No. 43, South
Atlantic OCS. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service; National Marine Fisheries
Service; States of North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia and Florida; and
National Audubon Society.

Knowlton, Clifford J. Fishes taken during commercial shrimping in Georgia's
close inshore ocean waters. Brunswick, GA: Georgia Department of Natural
Resources, Game and Fish Division, Coastal Fisheries Office. Series No. 21;
January 1972.

Loesch, Joseph G.; Kriete, William. Biology and Management of mid-Atlantic
anadromous fishes under extended jurisdiction. Annual Report, 1977. Glouces-
ter Point, VA: Virginia Institute of Marine Science. 1977.

McBay, Glenn L., Field Supervisor, U.S. Department of the Interior, Fish and
Wildlife Service. (personal communication) 1980 January 4.

McCullum, Jerry L. The value and vulnerability of coastal resources background
papers for review and discussion: an overview of coastal Georgia wildlife.
Atlanta, GA: Georgia Department of Natural Resources, Office of Planning and
Research. May 1975.

McCollum, Jerry L.; Ettman, David. Georgia's protected plants. Atlanta, GA:
Georgia Department of Natural Resources and the U.S. Department of Agricul-
ture. September 1977.

Mahood, Robert K.; Harris, Duane; Music, James L.; Palmer, Bobby. Survey of the
fisheries resources in Georgia's estuarine and inshore ocean waters. Parts I
to IV. Brunswick, GA: Georgia Department of Natural Resources, Game and Fish
Division. Series Number 22. March 1974.

Marshall, Michael D. Anadromous fisheries research program, Tar River, Pamlico
River, and northern Pamlico Sound. Morehead City, NC: North Carolina Division
of Marine Fisheries. 1976.

155

Keefe, Scott G. Preliminary assessment of nonanadromous fishes of the Albemarle
Sound. Morehead City, NC: North Carolina Division of Marine Fisheries. 1979.

Keiser,, Richard K., Jr. Species composition, magnitude, and utilization of the
incidental catch of the South Carolina shrimp fishery. Charleston, SC: South
Carolina Wildlife and Marine Resources Department. Technical Report No. 16.
September 1976.

McBay, Glenn L., Field Supervisor, U.S. Department of the Interior, Fish and
Wildlife Service. (personal communication) 1980 January 4.

Mccullum, Jerry L. The value and vulnerability of coastal resources background
papers for review and discussion: an overview of coastal Georgia wildlife.
Atlanta, GA: Georgia Department of Natural Resources, Office of Planning and
Research. May 1975.

McCullum, Jerry L.; Ettman, David. Georgia's protected plants. Atlanta, GA:
Georgia Department of Natural Resources and the U.S. Department of Agricul-
ture. September 1977.

Marshall, Michael D. Anadromous fisheries research program, Tar River, Pamlico
River, and northern Pamlico Sound. Morehead City, NC: North Carolina Division
of Marine Fisheries. 1976.

156

Marshall, Michael 0. The status of hickory shad in North Carolina. Morehead
City, NC: North Carolina Division of Marine Fisheries. 1976.

Marshall, Michael D. Anadromous fisheries research program--Neuse River. More-
head City, NC: North Carolina Division of Marine Fisheries. 1977.

Mathews, Thomas; Shealy, M.H., Jr. Hydrography of the South Carolina estuaries,
with emphasis on the North and South Edisto and Cooper Rivers. Charleston, SC:
South Carolina Wildlife and Marine Resources Division. Technical Report
No. 30. July 1978.

Morris, H., Jr.; et a]. A socioeconomic environmental baseline summary for the
south Atlantic region between Cape Hatteras, North Carolina, and Cape Canave-
ral, Florida. Volume III: chemical and biological oceanography. Washington,
D.C.: U.S. Department of the Interior, Bureau of Land Management. September
1974.

Music, James L. Assessment of Georgia's shrimp and crab resources. Brunswick,
GA: Georgia Department of Natural Resources, Coastal Resources Division.
April 1979.

North Carolina Department of Natural Resources and Community Development. North
Carolina's 1978 statewide comprehensive outdoor recreation plan. Raleigh, NC.
1978.

North Carolina Department of Natural Resources and Community Development.
Trends in North Carolina's commercial fisheries (1965-1979). 1979.

North Carolina Department of Natural Resources and Community Development. North
Carolina fisheries regulations for coastal waters. Raleigh, NC.; 1980.

North Carolina game lands maps for hunting and fishing (1979-1980). Raleigh, NC:
State of North Carolina, Department of Natural and Economic Resources; 1979.

North Carolina Office of Coastal Zone Management Fisheries Assistance Program. A
plan for management of North Carolina's estuarine fisheries - Phase I. October
1978; February 1979; November 1979.

North Carolina official highway map (1979-1980). Raleigh, NC: North Carolina
Department of Transportation; 1979. 1 inch = 13 miles.

Odom, Ron R. 1975 heronry survey of the Georgia coast. The Oriole. 41(2,3);
1976.

Odom, Ron R. Wood storks nesting on the Georgia coast. The Oriole. 43(l); March
1978.

Odom, Ron R.; Landers, Larry, editors. Proceedings of the rare and endangered
wildlife symposium; 1978 August 3-4; Athens, GA. Available from: Georgia
Department of Natural Resources Game and Fish Division; Technical Bulletin
WL4.

157

Parnell, James F.; Soots, Robert F. Jr. Atlas of colonial waterbirds of North
Carolina estuaries. Wilmington, NC: U.S. Department of Commerce, NOAA, and
the North Carolina Department of Administration. June 1979.

Peterson, Charles H.; Peterson, Nancy M. The ecology of intertidal flats of
North Carolina: a community profile. Slidell, LA: National Coastal Ecosys-
tems Team, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. 1979.

Pritchard, Peter C. H., series editor. Rare and endangered biota of Florida.
Volumes 1-4. Gainesville, FL: University Presses of Florida. 1978.

Portnoy, John W.; Erwin, Michael R.; Custer, Thomas W. Pelicans, cormorants, and
gulls of the southeastern United States. Slidell, LA: U.S. Fish and Wildlife
Service. 1976.

Powles, Howard; Stender, Bruce. Observations on composition seasonality, and
distribution of ichthyoplankton from cruises in the South Atlantic Bight in
1973. Charleston, SC: Marine Resources Research Institute, South Carolina
Wildlife and Marine Resources Center. June 1976.

Rees, Robert A. Striped bass (morone saxatilis). Broodfish procurement: coast-
al region fisheries investigations. Atlanta, GA: Georgia Department of
Natural Resources, Game and Fish Division. March 1978.

Schenbacher, Michael. Effects of petroleum production on marine mammals and sea
turtles. Washington, DC: U.S. Department of the Interior, Bureau of Land
Management; September 1978.

Schwartz, Frank; Chestnut, A.F. Hydrographic atlas of North Carolina estuarine
and sound waters, 1972. Chapel Hill, NC: Sea Grant Program, University of
,North Carolina. 1973.

Sholar, Terry. Status of American shad in North Carolina. Morehead City, NC:
North Carolina Division of Marine Fisheries. 1977.

Sholar, Terry. Anadromous fisheries research program, Cape Fear River System,
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1977.

Sholar, Terry. Anadromous fisheries survey of the New and White Oak River Sys-
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the Florida Academy of Sciences. 30(l); 1967.

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U.S. Department of Commerce; NOAA; National Marine Fisheries Services. Comple-
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U.S. Department of Commerce, NOAA, National Marine Fisheries Service. Comple-
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University of Georgia Marine Institute Library. Habitats and diversity of the
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Wharton, Charles H. The natural environments of Georgia. Atlanta, GA: Georgia
Department of Natural Resources, Office of Planning and Research, Resource
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Wilcox, J. Ross; Gilmore, Grant R. Some hydrological data from the Indian River
between Sebastian and St. Lucie Inlets, Florida (1972-1975). Fort Pierce, FL:
Harbor Branch Foundation, Inc. 1972.

Williams, Roy 0.; Burger, Gerard. Investigations of American shad in the St.
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1972.

Worth, Dewey F.; Smith, Jonathan B. Marine turtle nesting on Hutchinson Island,
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160

6.9 GENERAL LIST OF SOURCES (applicable to all zones)

Anderson, James R.; Hardy, John E.; Roach, John; Whitmer, E. A land use and land
cover classification system for use with remote sensor data. 1976. Available
from: U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, DC; Geological Survey
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Bureau of Land Management. Final environmental impact statement, proposed OCS
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Burnell, G.C.; Pittman, G.L.; Powers, K.D. Distribution of marine birds on the
middle and north Atlantic continental shelf. Washington, DC: U.S. Department
of Energy. October 1979.

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Carlozzi, Carl; King, Kathryn; Newbold, William F., Jr. Ecosystems and resources
of the Massachusetts Coast. Boston5 MA: Massachusetts Coastal Zone Management
Program. 1975.

Christman, Steven P.; Lippincott, Wallace, Jr. Rare and endangered vertebrates
of the southeastern United States coastal plain: a summary of public concern
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Colton, John B.; St. Onge, Jeanne M. Serial atlas of the marine environment;
Folio 23: Distribution of fish eggs and larvae in continental shelf waters,
Nova Scotia to Long Island. New York, NY: American Geographical Society.
1974.

Custer, T.W.; Osborn, R.G. Herons and their allies: atlas of Atlantic coast
colonies (1975 and-1976). Laurel, MD: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Bio-
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Fredine, Gordon C.; Shaw, Samuel P. Wetlands of the United States: their extent
and their value to waterfowl and other wildlife. U.S. Department of the
Interior, Fish and Wildlife Service, Office of River Basin Studies. 1971.

Gusey, W.F. Fish and wildlife resources of the Georges Bank region. Houston,
TX: Environmental Affairs, Shell Oil Company. 1977.

Hardy, Jerry D.; Martin, Douglas F.; Jones, Philip W. Development of fishes of
the mid-Atlantic Bight: an atlas of egg, larval, and juvenile stages. Volume
I: Acipenseridae through Ictaluridae. Solomons, MD: University of Maryland,
Center for Environmental and Estuarine Studies, Chesapeake Biological Labora-
tory. January 1978. Available from: U.S. Department of the Interior, Fish &
Wildlife Service, Washington, D.C.; FWS/OBS-78/12.

Horwitz, Elinor Lander. Our nation's wetlands: an interagency task force
report. Washington, DC: Council on Environmental Quality. 1978.

161

Johnson, David G. Development of fishes of the mid-Atlantic Bight: an atlas of
egg, larval, and juvenile stages. Volume IV: Carangidae through Ephippidae.
Solomons, MD: University of Maryland, Center for Environmental and Estuarine
Studies, Chesapeake Biological Laboratory. January 1978. Available from:
U.S. Department of the Interior, Fish & Wildlife Service, Washington, D.C.;
FWS/OBS-78/12.

Komins, Marilyn W. Wildlife sanctuaries. Westboro, MA: Massachusetts Division
of Fisheries & Wildlife. 1979.

Lund, Frank. Marine turtle nesting in the United States. Washington, DC: U.S.
Fish and Wildlife Service. 1974.

Martin, Douglas; Dewry E. Development of fishes of the mid-Atlantic Bight: an
atlas of egg, larval, and juvenile stages. Volume VI: Stromaterdae through
Ogcocephal i dae. Solomons, MD: University of Maryland, Center for Environ-
mental and Estuarine Studies, Chesapeake Biological Laboratory. January 1978.
Available from: U.S. Department of the Interior, Fish & Wildlife Service,
Washington, D.C.; FWS/OBS-78/12.

Massachusetts coastal zone management program and final environmental impact
statement. Washington, DC: U.S. Department of Commerce, NOAA, Office of
Coastal Zone Management. 1978.

Massachusetts salt water fishing guide. Boston, MA: University of Massachu-
setts; U.S. Department of Agriculture; Massachusetts Institute of Technology.
1978.

National wildlife refuge system maps. Washington, DC: U.S. Fish and Wildlife
Service. Scales and dates vary.

Research Institute of the Gulf of Maine (TRIGOM). A socioeconomic and environ-
mental inventory of the North Atlantic region, Sandy Hook to Bay of Fundy.
South Portland, ME. November 1974.

Scheinkman, James J@ Inventory of the barrier islands and barrier beaches of the
states of New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and Connecticut. New
York, NY: Open Space Institute. February 1979.

Spinner, George P. A plan for marine resources of the Atlantic coastal zone.
American Geographical Society. Columbia, SC. 1969.

Spinner, George P. Serial atlas of the marine environment; Folio 18: The
wildlife wetlands and shellfish areas of the Atlantic Coastal Zone. New York,
NY: American Geographical Society. 1969.

Terrell, T.T. Physical regionalization of coastal ecosystems of -the United
States and its territories. U.S. Department of the Interior, Fish and Wildlife
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tal Protection Agency, Office of Research and Development, Washington, D.C.;
FWS/OBS-78/80.

162

U.S. Department of the Interior. Final environmental statement for proposed 1976
outer continental shelf oil and gas lease sale offshore of the mid-Atlantic
states. Volumes I-IV. OCS Sale No. 40. Washington, DC. 1976.

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posed 1978 outer continental shelf oil and gas lease sale offshore of the south
Atlantic states. Volumes I-III. OCS Sale No. 43. New Orleans, LA. 1978.

U.S. Department of the Interior. Final environmental impact statement for pro-
posed 1979 outer continental shelf oil and gas lease sale offshore of the
mid-Atlantic states. Volumes I-III. OCS Sale No. 49. New York, NY. 1979.

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ecosystem characterizations--a summary of activities FY 1975 through FY 1979.
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163

50272-101
REPORT DOCU -REPORT NO. 3. Recipient's Accession No.
PAGE FWS/OBS-80/51
4. Title and Subtitle 5. Report Date
Atlantic Coast - Ecological Inventory 6. August 1980

Beccasio, A.D., 4e-issber i e -,-A 8. Performing Organization Rept. No.
7. Author(s) g, G., Re -rd 7 E-:,-
Frew, R.L., Levitan, W.M., Smith, J.E., Godwin, r.
4. Performing Organization Name and Address 10. Proi ect/Task /Work Unit No.
Dames & Moore
Suite 700 11. Contract(C) or Grant(G) No.
7101 Wisconsin Avenue (c) 14-16-0009-79-131
Washington, D.C. 20014 (G)

12. Sponsoring Organization Name and Address 13. Type of Report & Period Covered
U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, National Coastal Ecosystems Team
NASA - Slidell Computer Complex Final Report
1010 Gause Boulevard 14.
Slidell, Louisiana 70458
15. Supplementary Notes

FWS Project Officer: L. Shanks

16. Abstract (Limit: 200 words)
This study provides an inventory of important ecological resources along the Atlantic
Coastal Zone, an area of some 196,840 square kilometers (76,000 square miles). This
inventory is intended to provide government and industry decision-makers with valuable
ecological information which will assist in the regional siting of oil- and gas-
processing and manufacturing facilities and their respective transportation systems.
The preparation of this ecological inventory involved four major tasks: the collection,
review, and analysis of available data on coastal fish and wildlife species and their
habitats and special land-use areas; the synthesis and compilation of these data into
a format which is compatible with the requirements of 1:250,000-scale mapping; the
preparation of a series of 31 resource inventory graphics for the Atlantic Coastal
Zone; and the preparation of a report narrative keyed to the inventory graphics. The
report is organized in accordance with the hierarchical classification scheme for
coastal ecosystems devised by Terrell (1979). Ecological resources are summarized
by their appropriate geographic zone, and descriptions and locations of species with
special status and aquatic and terrestrial species of high commercial, recreational,
and aesthetic value are included. The designation of more than 550 special land-use
areas along the Atlantic Coast also is provided.

17. Document Analysis a. Descriptors

Atlantic Coastal Zone, ecological inventory, coastal siting,
energy facilities, Federal and state threatened and endangered
species, aquatic resources, terrestrial resources, special
land-use areas
b. Identifiers/Open-Ended Terms

c. COSATI Field/Group

I& Availability Statement 19. Security Class (This Report) 21. N . of Pages
Unclass. 163---
t 20. Security Class (This Pagel 22. P,ic.
Unlimited i
(See ANSI-Z39-18) See Instructions on Reverse OPTIONAL FORM 272 (4-77)
(Formerly,NT:S-35)
Departme t 0 Commerce

Boston, Mass.
s, Minn."
citi

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Anchorage, Alaska
A LEGEND
Headquarters - Office of Biological
Services, Washington, D.C.
0 National Coastal Ecosystems Team,
Slidell, La.
Regional Offices

A Area Office

U.S. FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICE
REGIONAL OFFICES

REGION I REGION 4 ALASKA AREA
Regional Director Regional Director Regional Director
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
Lloyd Five Hundred Building, Suite 1692 Richard B. Russell Building 10 11 E. Tudor Road
500 N.E. Multnomah Street 75 Spring Street, S.W. Anchorage, Alaska 99503
Portland, Oregon 97232 Atlanta, Georgia 30303

REGION 2 REGION 5
Regional Director Regional Director
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
P.O. Box 1306 One Gateway Center
Albuquerque, New Mexico 87103 Newton Corner, Massachusetts 02158

REGION 3 REGION 6
Regional Director Regional Director
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
Federal Building, Fort Snelling P.O. Box 25486
Twin Cities, Minnesota 55111 Denver Federal Center
Denver, Colorado 80225

ttAT OF
F.SII &WIL.L.F.
Q, SERVICE
!!DEPARTMENT OF THE.INTERIOR
0
U.S. FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICE

As the Nation's principal conservation agency, the Department of the Interior has respon-
sibility for most of our,nationally owned public lands and natural resources. This includes
fostering the wisest use of our land and water resources, protecting our fish and wildlife,
preserving the. environmental and cultural values of our national parks and historical places,
and providing for the enjoyment of life through outdoor recreation. The Department as-
sesses our energy and mineral resources and works to assure that their development is in
the best interests of all our people. The Department also has a major responsibility for
American Indian reservation communities and for people who live in island territories under
U.S. administration.
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