ACE Basin/NERR Studies

Habitat Mapping

The ACE is participating in the NOAA and NERRS pilot studies to test habitat classification schemes for habitats in estuarine systems. Four areas (Otter Island, Edisto Beach, Bailey Island, and Grove Plantation) selected in the Reserve contain typical coastal habitats. The areas were mapped using the categories of the two schemes to test the applicability of the classification categories in the ACE. The NOAA and NERRS schemes also were compared to evaluate the compatibility of the two schemes. Another aspect of the NOAA study is to determine the possibilities of merging the NOAA scheme and South Carolina GAP classification system.