Houston Ship Channel 1993-1994

Between May 5, 1993 and September 19, 1994, we collected quantitative 1-m2 area drop samples and measured a variety of habitat attributes using field surveys and aerial photography to characterize three existing marshes (Atkinson Island, Hog Island, and Cedar Point) in Galveston Bay. We also compared nekton densities among different types of intertidal and shallow subtidal habitats (pond, channel, cove, open bay, and four marsh types). The vegetated surface consistently contained more species and dominant species exhibited at least some degree of habitat selection. To maximize fishery habitat, we recommend placing greater emphasis on constructing low marsh edge habitat by creating large areas of Spartina alterniflora and Scirpus maritimus marsh interspersed with a dense network of shallow channels and interconnected ponds.

The purpose of this study was to document and compare the use by nekton of marsh and adjacent open-water areas within a shallow region of Galveston Bay, Texas.

Characterization of the Houston Ship Channel corridor from Upper to Lower Galveston Bay, Texas: 1993-1994.

Location Of The Main Office Of The South East Fisheries Science Center

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Data set is not for use in litigation. While efforts have been made to ensure that these data are accurate and reliable, NOAA cannot assume liability for any damages or misrepresentations caused by inaccuracies in these data, or as a result of these data being used on a particular system. NOAA makes no warranty, expressed or implied, nor does distribution constitute any such warranty

Data were entered into spreadsheets and checked against the raw data sheet to avoid entry errors

Each sample was assigned a unique identification code. Field collected samples were tagged redundantly (e.g. one label inside container and a matching label attached to outside of container). The sample identifier and associated information (e.g., date, location, habitat) was recorded on the field data sheet. Once a sample arrived at the laboratory, the label remained with the sample throughout the various stages of sample processing. Sample data were entered into an Excel spreadsheet or similar database manager, and the information was printed out and compared against the field data sheets by two biologists. Corrections were made at this time. The electronic file was also sorted and examined by the Lab Supervisor or other project personnel in a variety of ways to look for outliers, missing data, and other potential errors.

This data is currently wavered under the current NOAA guidelines for relational databases.

The archival process is currently under development.

The data resides on a secure government network requiring multi-factor authentication for network access.