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Marine Habitat Classification for Ecosystem-Based Management: A Proposed Hierarchical Framework

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Abstract

Creating a habitat classification and mapping system for marine and coastal ecosystems is a daunting challenge due to the complex array of habitats that shift on various spatial and temporal scales. To meet this challenge, several countries have, or are developing, national classification systems and mapping protocols for marine habitats. To be effectively applied by scientists and managers it is essential that classification systems be comprehensive and incorporate pertinent physical, geological, biological, and anthropogenic habitat characteristics. Current systems tend to provide over-simplified conceptual structures that do not capture biological habitat complexity, marginalize anthropogenic features, and remain largely untested at finer scales. We propose a multi-scale hierarchical framework with a particular focus on finer scale habitat classification levels and conceptual schematics to guide habitat studies and management decisions. A case study using published data is included to compare the proposed framework with existing schemes. The example demonstrates how the proposed framework’s inclusion of user-defined variables, a combined top-down and bottom-up approach, and multi-scale hierarchical organization can facilitate examination of marine habitats and inform management decisions.

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Acknowledgments

Early thoughts concerning management issues were sparked by readings and discussion in a URI Marine Affairs class taught by Richard Burroughs. Charley Roman (National Park Service) and two anonymous reviewers provided thoughtful comments on an early draft. The Weekapaug Foundation for Conservation, the O.W. Caspersen Foundation, the Shelter Harbor Conservation Foundation, the RI SeaGrant BayMap project, NSF IGERT Grant # 0504103, and the RI MapCoast Partnership provided funding for this project.

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  1. Graduate School of Oceanography, University of Rhode Island, South Ferry Road, Narragansett, RI, 02882, USA

    Marisa L. Guarinello, Emily J. Shumchenia & John W. King

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  1. Marisa L. Guarinello
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  2. Emily J. Shumchenia
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  3. John W. King
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Correspondence to Marisa L. Guarinello.

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Guarinello, M.L., Shumchenia, E.J. & King, J.W. Marine Habitat Classification for Ecosystem-Based Management: A Proposed Hierarchical Framework. Environmental Management 45, 793–806 (2010). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00267-010-9430-5

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