HomeInteractive MapsGIS Data DownloadsDocuments & LinksSpecies DescriptionsContact

Pacific Coast Groundfish EFH - GIS Data

Pacific Coast Groundfish Essential Fish Habitat - December 2005

The GIS data below are conceptual representations of the areas designated by the Pacific Fishery Management Council as part of their Preferred Alterrnative of "The Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS) for Essential Fish Habitat (EFH) Designation and Minimization of Adverse Impacts for the Pacific Coast Groundfish Fishery Management Plan". These areas were analyzed and fully described in the Final EIS which was published in December of 2005.

Note: These data do not represent legal boundaries. Legal boundaries will be developed through the proper Council and legal processes.

View Metadata

View Sample Map

Download Data

Link to NMFS GIS Data and Coordinates defining the latest groundfish closure areas, including EFH Conservation Areas and Habitat Areas of Particular Concern (HAPCs) as listed in Federal Regulation 50 CFR 660.395 through 660.399.

Alternative A.2 designates as Essential Fish Habitat 100% of the area with a Habitat Suitability Probability (HSP) greater than zero and any additional areas with seafloor depths of 3500 meters or less.

Alternative B.2 designates estuaries as Habitat Areas of Particular Concern (HAPC).

Alternative B.3 designates canopy kelp as Habitat Areas of Particular Concern (HAPC).

Alternative B.4 designates seagrass as Habitat Areas of Particular Concern (HAPC).

Alternative B.6 designates rocky reefs as Habitat Areas of Particular Concern (HAPC).

700 fathom depth contour - the area west of this contour within the Exclusive Economic Zone was designated as part of the Council's Preferred Alternative. In order to minimize adverse impacts to EFH, this area is designated closed to fishing with bottom trawl.

Ecologically Important Areas (EIAs) that were defined through a collaborative process involving numerous stakeholders. These areas were designated as part of the Council's Prefferred Alternative. In order to minimize adverse impacts to EFH, these areas are designated closed to specified gear types.