2002 Benthic Grab Data for Catlett and Goodwin Islands on the York River in Chesapeake Bay, Virginia (Ches_2002benthos)

This data set represents the benthic community information gathered from grab sampling in 2002 (56 stations).In Fall/Winter 2002, researchers from the Virginia Institute of Marine Science (VIMS) and the NOAA Office for Coastal Management conducted a project to map benthic habitats by Catlett and Goodwin Islands on the York River, Chesapeake Bay, Virginia. Sediment grab samples were collected at 56 stations and sediment profile images were collected at 200 stations. Sampling areas were also surveyed using side scan sonar and multibeam bathymetry sensors. Scientists from the Virginia Institute of Marine Sciences returned to sample a subset of the 2002 sediment grab data in 2003 and then again in 2004. A subset of SPI stations (79) were revisited in 2004.

Original contact information:

Contact Org: NOAA Office for Coastal Management

Phone: 843-740-1202

Email: coastal.info@noaa.gov

VIMS and the NOAA Office for Coastal Management are using the acoustic, grab, and SPI information (collected in 2002, 2003, and 2004) to characterize benthic habitats by Catlett and Goodwin Islands on the York River, and to examine relationships between animal communities and sediment characteristics. Identification and enumeration of infauna, biomass, and benthic community parameters were measured from the benthic grab samples.

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While every effort has been made to ensure that these data are accurate and reliable within limits of the state of the art, NOAA will not assume any liability for damages caused by any inaccuracies in these data, or failure in their use.

None

These data should be used for resource mapping and comparison purposes only. While every effort has been made to ensure that these data are accurate and reliable within limits of the state of the art, NOAA will not assume any liability for damages caused by any inaccuracies in these data, or failure in their use.

Microsoft Windows 2000 Version 5.1 (Build 2600) Service Pack 2; ESRI ArcCatalog 8.3.0.800

Values were checked against hard copy data sheets collected in the field.

Stations were located in the field using a differential Global Positioning System (GPS), and station coordinates, date and time of day were recorded upon arrival at each station.

Not relevant to data set.

All grab data were not included in this data layer. Abundance values for each sampling station, dry weight, wet weight, ash free dry weight, and abundances of species groups (Amphipoda, Bivalvia, Gastropoda, Oligochaeta, Phoronidae, and Polychaeta) were included in this data layer.

All data are believed to be logically consistent.