Project Methods
Classification Scheme Description
The classification scheme defines benthic communities on the basis of two attributes: large geographic "zones" which are composed of smaller "habitats". Zone refers only to benthic community location and habitat refers only to substrate and/or cover type. Every polygon on the benthic community map will be assigned a habitat within a zone (e.g. sand in the lagoon, or sand on the bank). Zone indicates polygon location and habitat indicates composition of each benthic community delineated. Combinations of habitat and zone that are analogous to traditionally used terminology are noted where appropriate. The description of each zone and habitat includes example images. Where available, both underwater and aerial photographs are included for habitats. Aerial images are included for zones.
- Zones
- Zone refers only to the benthic community
location and indicates polygon location.
Zone refers only to the benthic community location and indicates polygon location.
- Habitats
- Habitat refers only to substrate and/or cover
type and indicates composition of each benthic community delineated.
Each habitat example includes both underwater and aerial photographs.
The zone/habitat approach to the classification scheme was developed by the Caribbean Fishery Management Council; Dr. Ken Lindeman, Environmental Defense; and the NOS Biogeography Branch to couple habitats to species distribution (Christensen et al. 2003).