Current Eelgrass Data Processing

Current eelgrass locations were obtained from a variety of data sources, many of which are available from the CRMC Eelgrass Web site. The Seagrass Site Selection Tool uses eelgrass location data from the following sources:

• Current Coastal Resources Management Council (CRMC) Eelgrass Lines: 1999 to 2000 CRMC and Department of Environmental Management (DEM) shoreline eelgrass survey



• Current CRMC Eelgrass Points: 1999 to 2000 CRMC & DEM shoreline eelgrass survey



• Current DEM/F&W Eelgrass Points: 1999 to 2000 DEM Department of Fish and Wildlife eelgrass points taken from field observations in Narragansett Bay. These data are not geographically referenced; extents are only approximations.



• Current NBEP Eelgrass Polygons: 1996 Narragansett Bay Estuary Program polygon data from 1996 true color aerial photography delineation. These data are synonymous with RIGIS data.



• Current NBEP Eelgrass Lines: 1996 Narragansett Bay Estuary Program line data from 1996 true color aerial photography delineation. These data are synonymous with RIGIS data.



• Catherine Ford data: Unquantified areas where eelgrass has been located in Quonochontaug Pond, Rhode Island



• URI data: Ninigret Pond, Rhode Island

Each of these points, lines, and polygons were buffered by 100 meters. Areas within the buffer were considered unsuitable and received a value of 0. Areas beyond the buffer received a rating of 1 (suitable).