Classification Scheme Description

The classification scheme defines benthic habitats on the basis of three attributes: large geographic "zones" which are comprised of smaller geomorphological structure and biological cover of the reef system. Every polygon on the benthic community map will be assigned a structure and cover within a zone (i.e., uncolonized sand in the lagoon, or coral on aggregate reef on the bank). Biological cover and geomorphological structure are further defined by three density classes. Zone indicates polygon location, biological cover indicates the predominate biological component colonizing the surface of the feature, and geomorphological structure indicates the physical structural composition of the feature. The description of each cover and structure includes an example image. The zone descriptions include schematic descriptions. The hierarchical scheme was prepared through consultation, meetings, and workshops that included key coral reef biologists, mapping experts, and professionals throughout the island territories. The separation of biological cover and geomorphological structure in the present scheme represents a significant evolution of previous versions of the classification schemes developed for mapping of the Caribbean and Hawaiian Islands.