Description: Dataset incorporates general or species-specific valued/critical habitats across the state of Florida classified as such by several governmental and non-governmental organizations (see following list). This raster dataset merges a variety of spatial datasets that focus on specific regions or species of Florida. Highest priority habitat areas are those where there is considerable overlap in habitats.Valued habitat datasets include the following:-Coastal and Pelagic Essential Fish Habitat (EFH; South Atlantic Fishery Management Council)-Coral EFH (National Marine Fisheries Service)-Deepwater Corals Habitat of Particular Concern (HAPC; SAMFC)-Golden Crab EFH (SAMFC)-Gulf Sturgeon Critical Habitat (NMFS)-Loggerhead sea turtle Critical Habitat (NMFS)-Manatee Critical Habitat (US Fish and Wildlife Service)-Oculina Banks HAPC (NMFS)-Piping Plover Critical Habitat (USFWS)-Reef Fish EFH (SAMFC)-Shrimp EFH (SAMFC)-Cetaceans Biologically Important Areas (BIAs; Cetacean Density and Distribution Mapping Working Group, MGEL-Duke University)
Copyright Text: Prior to July 1, 2004, the Fish and Wildlife Research Institute (FWRI) was known as the Florida Marine Research Institute (FMRI). The institute name has not been changed in historical data sets or references to work completed by the Florida Marine Research Institute. The institute name has been changed in references to ongoing research, new research, and contact information.