The Marine Vegetation Atlas: An interactive map for exploring eelgrass and kelp information in Washington State
Presentation Abstract
Eelgrass and kelp are marine vegetation with recognized ecological values, and have been identified as indicators of ecosystem health. The purpose of this project is to improve access to information on the distribution of eelgrass, kelp, and other marine vegetation in greater Puget Sound and along the Washington Coast. Greater access to historical and current vegetation data is needed to inform management decision-making, support scientific research, and assess change over time. A deeper understanding of historical and current marine vegetation distribution will improve actions to protect and restore vegetated habitats and the species that depend on them. The Washington Department of Natural Resources developed the atlas to support its stewardship and environmental protection actions on state-owned aquatic lands. This Marine Vegetation Atlas is a spatial database comprised of historical and current observations of marine vegetation. Information is integrated from a broad range of sources, including large area maps, scientific studies, and site surveys completed for permits.. The atlas is accessible through an ArcGIS Server-based map on DNR’s external website for use by managers, policy makers, scientists, and the general public. In addition to providing summary information from over 200 surveys, the atlas allows users to download publicly available reports and data.
Session Title
Session S-07E: Aquatic Vegetation
Conference Track
Habitat
Conference Name
Salish Sea Ecosystem Conference (2014 : Seattle, Wash.)
Document Type
Event
Start Date
1-5-2014 5:00 PM
End Date
1-5-2014 6:30 PM
Location
Room 6C
Genre/Form
conference proceedings; presentations (communicative events)
Contributing Repository
Digital content made available by University Archives, Heritage Resources, Western Libraries, Western Washington University.
Subjects – Topical (LCSH)
Marine plants--Washington (State)--Atlases; Eelgrass--Washington (State)--Atlases; Kelps--Washington (State)--Atlases
Geographic Coverage
Salish Sea (B.C. and Wash.); Washington (State)
Rights
This resource is displayed for educational purposes only and may be subject to U.S. and international copyright laws. For more information about rights or obtaining copies of this resource, please contact University Archives, Heritage Resources, Western Libraries, Western Washington University, Bellingham, WA 98225-9103, USA (360-650-7534; heritage.resources@wwu.edu) and refer to the collection name and identifier. Any materials cited must be attributed to the Salish Sea Ecosystem Conference Records, University Archives, Heritage Resources, Western Libraries, Western Washington University.
Type
Text
Language
English
Format
application/pdf
The Marine Vegetation Atlas: An interactive map for exploring eelgrass and kelp information in Washington State
Room 6C
Eelgrass and kelp are marine vegetation with recognized ecological values, and have been identified as indicators of ecosystem health. The purpose of this project is to improve access to information on the distribution of eelgrass, kelp, and other marine vegetation in greater Puget Sound and along the Washington Coast. Greater access to historical and current vegetation data is needed to inform management decision-making, support scientific research, and assess change over time. A deeper understanding of historical and current marine vegetation distribution will improve actions to protect and restore vegetated habitats and the species that depend on them. The Washington Department of Natural Resources developed the atlas to support its stewardship and environmental protection actions on state-owned aquatic lands. This Marine Vegetation Atlas is a spatial database comprised of historical and current observations of marine vegetation. Information is integrated from a broad range of sources, including large area maps, scientific studies, and site surveys completed for permits.. The atlas is accessible through an ArcGIS Server-based map on DNR’s external website for use by managers, policy makers, scientists, and the general public. In addition to providing summary information from over 200 surveys, the atlas allows users to download publicly available reports and data.
