This part of DS 781 presents data for the habitat map of the seafloor of the Offshore of Santa Cruz map area, California. The vector data file is included in "Habitat_OffshoreSantaCruz.zip," which is accessible from https://doi.org/10.5066/F7TM785G. These data accompany the pamphlet and map sheets of Cochrane, G.R., Dartnell, P., Johnson, S.Y., Erdey, M.D., Golden, N.E., Greene, H.G., Dieter, B.E., Hartwell, S.R., Ritchie, A.C., Finlayson, D.P., Endris, C.A., Watt, J.T., Davenport, C.W., Sliter, R.W., Maier, K.L., and Krigsman, L.M. (G.R. Cochrane and S.A. Cochran, eds.), 2016, California State Waters Map Series—Offshore of Santa Cruz, California: U.S. Geological Survey Open-File Report 2016-1024, pamphlet 40 p., 10 sheets, scale 1:24,000, https://doi.org/10.3133/ofr20161024. Using multibeam echosounder (MBES) bathymetry and backscatter data, potential marine benthic habitat maps were constructed. The habitats were based on substrate types and documented or "ground truthed" using underwater video images and seafloor samples obtained by the USGS. These maps display various habitat types that range from flat, soft, unconsolidated sediment-covered seafloor to hard, deformed (folded), or highly rugose and differentially eroded bedrock exposures. Rugged, high-relief, rocky outcrops that have been eroded to form ledges and small caves are ideal habitat for rockfish (Sebastes spp.) and other bottom fish such as lingcod (Ophiodon elongatus). Habitat map is presented in a map format generated in a GIS (ArcMap), and both digital and hard-copy versions will be produced. Please refer to Greene and others (2007) for more information regarding the Benthic Marine Potential Habitat Classification Scheme and the codes used to represent various seafloor features. References Cited: Greene, H.G., Bizzarro, J.J., O'Connell, V.M., and Brylinsky, C.K., 2007, Construction of digital potential marine benthic habitat maps using a coded classification scheme and its application, in Todd, B.J., and Greene, H.G., eds., Mapping the seafloor for habitat characterization: Geological Association of Canada Special Paper 47, p. 141-155.

Multibeam and acoustic backscatter data collected from NOAA Ship Nancy Foster from 2021-03-18 to 2021-04-10. Data was collected using a Kongsberg EM2040. Bathymetry grids were created using CARIS HIPS and SIPS software, and corrected to Mean Lower Low Water (MLLW). Backscatter mosaics were created using Fledermaus Geocoder Toolbox (FMGT). Data were acquired and processed to meet IHO Order 1 specifications. Survey depths vary from 40m to 190m. Data are available in one and two meter resolutions. During the field mission, a Mohawk 18 Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV), operated by the University of North Carolina Undersea Vehicles Program collected HD photo and ground validation video. Video data is not included with this dataset.

Habitat classification map based on surveys completed along the 58‐km long Assateague barrier island stretching from the Ocean City inlet in Maryland, down past Chincoteague Island in northern Virginia. The data was collected June 20th-25th, 2014 and May 12th - 21th, 2015. Full coverage side-scan sonar and partial coverage bathymetry data were collected using an EdgeTech 6205 Multiphase Echosounder. In total, 73 square kilometers were mapped at primarily at 100m line spacing and 80 m swath range per channel (to allow overlap between lines).

This part of DS 781 presents data for the habitat map of the seafloor of the Offshore of Monterey map area, California. The vector data file is included in "Habitat_OffshoreMonterey.zip," which is accessible from https://doi.org/10.5066/F70Z71C8. These data accompany the pamphlet and map sheets of Johnson, S.Y., Dartnell, P., Hartwell, S.R., Cochrane, G.R., Golden, N.E., Watt, J.T., Davenport, C.W., Kvitek, R.G., Erdey, M.D., Krigsman, L.M., Sliter, R.W., and Maier, K.L. (S.Y. Johnson and S.A. Cochran, eds.), 2016, California State Waters Map Series—Offshore of Monterey, California: U.S. Geological Survey Open-File Report 2016–1110, pamphlet 44 p., 10 sheets, scale 1:24,000, https://doi.org/10.3133/ofr20161110. This map shows physical marine benthic habitats in the Offshore of Monterey map area. Marine benthic habitats represent a particular type of water quality, substrate, geomorphology, seafloor process, or any other attribute that may provide a habitat for a specific species or an assemblage of organisms. Marine benthic habitats are classified using the Coastal and Marine Ecological Classification Standard (CMECS), developed by representatives from a consortium of federal agencies. CMECS is the U.S. government standard for marine habitat characterization. The standard provides an ecologically-relevant structure for biologic, geologic, chemical, and physical habitat attributes. This map illustrates the geoform and substrate components of the standard. This map was derived from seafloor geology map (sheet 10) units by translation of the unit description into the best-fit values of CMECS classes. The CMECS classes are documented at https://www.fgdc.gov/standards/projects/FGDC-standards-projects/cmecs-folder/CMECS_Version_06-2012_FINAL.pdf. Please refer to Greene and others (2007) for more information regarding the Benthic Marine Potential Habitat Classification Scheme and the codes used to represent various seafloor features. Reference Cited: Greene, H.G., Bizzarro, J.J., O'Connell, V.M., and Brylinsky, C.K., 2007, Construction of digital potential marine benthic habitat maps using a coded classification scheme and its application, in Todd, B.J., and Greene, H.G., eds., Mapping the seafloor for habitat characterization: Geological Association of Canada Special Paper 47, p. 141-155.