October 1998 EFH Amendment 1 (no appendices) (pdf - 698 kb)

244 Pages·2005·0.68 MB·English

Generic Amendment
for
Addressing Essential Fish Habitat Requirements
in the following
Fishery Management Plans
of the Gulf of Mexico:
< Shrimp Fishery of the Gulf of Mexico, United States Waters
< Red Drum Fishery of the Gulf of Mexico
< Reef Fish Fishery of the Gulf of Mexico
< Coastal Migratory Pelagic Resources (Mackerels) in the Gulf of
Mexico and South Atlantic
< Stone Crab Fishery of the Gulf of Mexico
< Spiny Lobster in the Gulf of Mexico and South Atlantic
< Coral and Coral Reefs of the Gulf of Mexico
(Includes Environmental Assessment)
Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council
3018 U.S. Highway 301 North, Suite 1000
Tampa, Florida 33619-2266
813-228-2815
October 1998
This is a publication of the Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council pursuant to National Oceanic and Atmospheric Award
No. NA87FC0003.
TABLE OF CONTENTS Page
TITLE ................................................................................................................... 1
ABBREVIATIONS ............................................................................................... 10
CONVERSION CHART ....................................................................................... 12
GLOSSARY .......................................................................................................... 13
1.0 PREFACE ..................................................................................................... 20
1.1 List of Preparers ........................................................................... 20
1.2 List of Persons and Agencies Consulted ........................................ 20
1.3 Persons to Contact Regarding EFH .............................................. 21
2.0 SUMMARY .................................................................................................. 22
3.0 INTRODUCTION ........................................................................................ 24
4.0 IDENTIFICATION AND DESCRIPTION OF ESSENTIAL FISH HABITAT .. 28
4.1 HABITAT TYPES AND DISTRIBUTION: ESTUARINE ................. 29
4.1.1 State-by-State Description of Estuaries ....................................... 29
4.1.1.1 Texas .......................................................................... 31
4.1.1.2 Louisiana .................................................................... 38
4.1.1.3 Mississippi .................................................................. 40
4.1.1.4 Alabama ..................................................................... 44
4.1.1.5 Florida ....................................................................... 46
4.2 HABITAT TYPES AND DISTRIBUTION: MARINE ..................... 53
4.2.1 Water .................................................................................... 53
4.2.1.1.1 Temperature ........................................................... 53
4.2.1.1.2 Salinity ................................................................... 55
4.2.1.1.3 Dissolved oxygen ................................................... 56
4.2.1.1.4 Turbidity ................................................................ 56
4.2.1.1.5 Other ..................................................................... 58
4.2.2 Vegetated bottom and other types of vegetation................... 60
4.2.3 Non-vegetated bottom .......................................................... 64
4.2.4 Irregular bottom ................................................................... 65
4.2.4.1 Live Bottom ............................................................ 65
4.2.4.1.1 Coral Reefs ............................................... 66
4.2.4.1.2 Artificial Reefs .......................................... 71
4.2.4.2 Geologic Features ................................................... 76
4.2.4.2.1 Continental Shelf Features ........................ 76
4.2.4.2.2 West Florida Shelf .................................... 76
4.2.4.2.3 Mississippi/Alabama Shelf ........................ 80
4.2.4.2.4 Louisiana/Texas Shelf .............................. 83
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4.2.4.2.5 South Texas Shelf ..................................... 85
5.0 ESSENTIAL FISH HABITAT OF MANAGED SPECIES .................................. 87
5.1 Amendment to the Shrimp FMP ............................................................... 88
5.1.1 List of actions ......................................................................... 88
5.1.2 Distribution and Summary of Habitats Used by Shrimp ........... 88
5.1.3 Prey Dependence .................................................................... 91
5.1.4 Review and Update of Amendment ......................................... 91
5.2 Amendment to the Red Drum FMP .......................................................... 92
5.2.1 List of actions .......................................................................... 92
5.2.2 Distribution and Summary of Habitats Used by Red Drum ....... 92
5.2.3 Prey Dependence ..................................................................... 93
5.2.4 Review and Update of Amendment .......................................... 93
5.3 Amendment to the Reef Fish FMP ............................................................ 94
5.3.1 List of actions .......................................................................... 94
5.3.2 Distribution and Summary of Habitats Used by Reef Fish ....... 94
5.3.3 Prey Dependence .................................................................... 98
5.3.4 Review and Update of Amendment ......................................... 99

5.4 Amendment to the Coastal Migratory Pelagic Resources (Mackerels) FMP.. 100
5.4.1 List of actions ........................................................................... 100
5.4.2 Distribution and Summary of Habitats Used by Coastal Migratory
Pelagic Species ........................................................................ 100
5.4.3 Prey Dependence ...................................................................... 102
5.4.4 Review and Update of Amendment ........................................... 102
5.5. Amendment to the Stone Crab FMP ......................................................... 103
5.5.1 List of actions .......................................................................... 103
5.5.2 Distribution and Summary of Habitats Used by Stone Crab ...... 103
5.5.3 Prey Dependence ..................................................................... 104
5.5.4 Review and Update of Amendment .......................................... 105
5.6 Amendment to the Spiny Lobster FMP ..................................................... 106
5.6.1 List of actions ......................................................................... 106
5.6.2 Distribution and Summary of Habitats Used by Spiny Lobster ... 106
5.6.3 Prey Dependence .................................................................... 108
5.6.4 Review and Update of Amendment ......................................... 109
5.7 Amendment to the Coral FMP ................................................................. 110
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5.7.1 List of actions ......................................................................... 110
5.7.2 Distribution and Summary of Habitats Used by Coral .............. 110
5.7.3 Prey Dependence .................................................................... 112
5.7.4 Review and Update of Amendment ......................................... 112
6.0 THREATS TO ESSENTIAL FISH HABITAT ............................................... 113
6.1 Fishing Activities That May Adversely Affect EFH ............................... 115
6.1.1 Current Management Measures Protecting Fishery Habitat .. 117
6.1.2 Fisheries of the Gulf of Mexico .............................................. 199
6.1.2.1 Trawl fishery review ................................................ 199
6.1.2.2 Recreational fishery review ...................................... 120
6.1.2.3 Trap fishery review .................................................. 121
6.2 Identification of Non-Fishing Related Activities That May Adversely
Affect EFH ........................................................................................ 123
6.2.1 Physical Alterations................................................................. 123
6.2.1.1 Navigation projects, ports, marinas, and maintenance
dredging .......................................................... 125
6.2.1.2 Canals, ditches, levees and embankments ................. 128
6.2.1.3 Tidal water control structures .................................. 128
6.2.1.4 Pipeline crossings and rights-of-way ........................ 129
6.2.1.5 Impoundments and alteration of freshwater inflow ... 130
6.2.1.5.1 Salinity characteristics of Gulf of
Mexico estuaries ................................. 133
6.2.1.5.2 Other factors affected by freshwater inflow .. 134
6.2.1.6 Industrial/commercial operations ........ 135
6.2.1.7 Housing developments ............................................ 136
6.2.1.8 Oil and gas operations in the Gulf of Mexico ............ 137
6.2.1.9 Agriculture and silviculture practices ....................... 138
6.2.1.10 Faulting induced by water and oil/gas extraction 138
6.2.1.11 Loss of barrier islands and shorelines ........... 139
6.2.1.12 Impacts of recreational water craft .............. 139
6.2.1.13 Sand, gravel and shale extraction ................. 141
6.2.2 Water Quality Issues................................................................ 141
6.2.2.1 Point-source discharges ............................................ 143
6.2.2.2 Hydromodifications .................................................. 145
6.2.2.3 Non-point source runoff ........................................... 146
6.2.2.4 Hypoxia “dead zones” .............................................. 148
6.2.2.5 Entrainment, impingement and thermal
cooling water discharges .................................. 149
6.2.2.6 Hazardous waste management .................................. 149
6.2.2.7 Petroleum products and operations ........................... 150
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6.2.2.8 Chemical contaminant spills ...................................... 151
6.2.2.9 Atmospheric deposition ............................................ 151
6.2.2.10 Ocean dumping ........................................................ 152
6.2.2.10.1 Dredged material ....................................... 152
6.2.3 Biologic Alterations.................................................................. 153
6.2.3.1 Blooms (toxic and nontoxic) ...................................... 153
6.2.3.2 Introduction of exotic species .................................... 154
6.2.3.2.1 Viruses and other disease organisms ........... 154
6.2.3.2.2 Zebra mussel ............................................... 156
6.2.3.2.3 Edible brown mussel ................................... 156
6.2.3.2.4 Mammals .................................................... 157
6.2.3.2.5 Fishes and other vertebrates ........................ 157
6.2.3.2.6 Other invertebrates ...................................... 159
6.2.3.2.7 Wetland and aquatic plants .......................... 160
6.3 Cumulative Impact Analysis................................................................... 162
6.3.1 EFH Loss Rates and Trends..................................................... 162
6.3.1.1 Texas ......................................................................... 162
6.3.1.2 Louisiana ................................................................... 163
6.3.1.3 Mississippi ................................................................. 164
6.3.1.4 Alabama ..................................................................... 165
6.3.1.5 Florida ....................................................................... 166
6.3.2 Assessment of Effects of Multiple Threats................................. 167
6.3.2.1 Marine bioinvasions .................................................... 167
6.3.2.2 Natural factors ............................................................ 168
6.3.2.2.1 Weather events ............................................. 168
6.3.2.2.2 Climate-based environmental shifts ............... 168
6.3.2.2.2.1 Global warming effects .................. 168
6.3.2.2.2.2 El Niño and La Niña effects. ......... 169
6.3.2.2.2.3 Loss of coastal wetlands ................ 170
6.3.2.2.2.4 Loss of or impacts to coral reefs .... 171
6.3.2.2.2.5 Impacts to water quality ................ 171
6.3.2.2.2.6 Impacts to open water habitats ...... 172
7.0 CONSERVATION AND ENHANCEMENT MEASURES FOR ESSENTIAL
FISH HABITAT............................................................................................... 173
7.1 Management Options To Minimize Identified Threats
From Fishing-Related Activities ........................................................ 173
7.1.1 Options for Managing Adverse Effects From Fishing .............. 173
7.1.1.1 Fishing equipment restriction .................................... 173
7.1.1.2 Time/area closures .................................................... 173
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7.1.1.3 Harvest limits ............................................................ 173
7.2 Recommendations To Minimize Impacts of Identified Threats From
Non-Fishing Activities....................................................................... 174
7.2.1 Conservation Recommendations............................................. 174
7.2.1.1 Specific recommendations by project type ................ 175
7.2.1.1.1 Docks and piers .................................................... 175
7.2.1.1.2 Boat ramps ........................................................... 176
7.2.1.1.3 Marinas ................................................................ 176
7.2.1.1.4 Bulkheads and seawalls ........................................ 177
7.2.1.1.5 Cables, pipelines, and transmission lines ................ 178
7.2.1.1.6 Transportation ...................................................... 180
7.2.1.1.7 Navigation channels and boat access canals ........... 180
7.2.1.1.8 Disposal of dredged material ................................. 182
7.2.1.1.9 Impoundments and other water-level controls ....... 183
A. Wetland impoundments ........................................ 183
B. Watershed impoundments .................................... 183
7.2.1.1.10 Drainage canals and ditches ................................. 185
7.2.1.1.11 Oil and gas exploration and production ................ 186
7.2.1.1.12 Other mineral mining/extraction ........................... 188
7.2.1.1.13 Sewage treatment and disposal ............................. 189
7.2.1.1.14 Steam-electric plants and other facilities requiring water
for cooling or heating ................................................. 189
7.2.1.1.15 Mariculture .......................................................... 190
7.2.1.1.16 Water intakes and discharges ................................ 192
7.2.1.1.17 Housing developments .......................................... 193
7.2.1.1.18 Mitigation ............................................................. 194
7.2.1.2 Relative sea level rise and subsidence ................................... 196
7.2.1.3 Pipeline construction ........................................................... 196
7.2.2 Independent and Cooperative Habitat Restoration Efforts................... 196
7.2.2.1 Direct habitat loss ................................................................. 196
7.2.3 Outreach and Education...................................................................... 197
7.2.4 Watershed Analysis and Freshwater Inflow Planning........................... 197
7.2.4.1 Hydrologic modification ...................................................... 198
7.2.4.2 Coastal hypoxia and contaminant loading ............................ 198
7.3 Habitat Areas of Particular Concern Within EFH.............................................. 199
8.0 RECOMMENDATIONS FOR IMPROVING HABITAT INFORMATION..... 202
8.1 Research needs........................................................................................ 202
9.0 REFERENCES ................................................................................................ 208
10.0 PUBLIC HEARING LOCATIONS AND DATES .......................................... 238
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APPENDIX A - FIGURES
GULF OF MEXICO ESTUARIES
Figure 1 - Location of major estuaries
VEGETATED WETLANDS
Figure 2 - Distribution of nonforested wetlands (marsh)
Figure 3 - Distribution of seagrasses
OTHER GULF FEATURES
Figure 4 - Bottom sediments
Figure 5 - Surface water temperatures
Figure 6 - Surface currents
Figure 7a - Artificial reefs
Figure 7b - Offshore oil platforms
SHRIMP
Figure 8 - Distribution of brown shrimp, Penaeus aztecus, in estuaries
Figure 9 - Distribution of brown shrimp, Penaeus aztecus, offshore
Figure 10- Distribution of white shrimp, Penaeus setiferus, in estuaries
Figure 11- Distribution of white shrimp, Penaeus setiferus, offshore
Figure 12- Distribution of pink shrimp, Penaeus duorarum, in estuaries
Figure 13- Distribution of pink shrimp, Penaeus duorarum, offshore
RED DRUM
Figure 14- Distribution of red drum, Sciaenops ocellatus, in estuaries
Figure 15- Distribution of red drum, Sciaenops ocellatus, offshore
REEF FISH
Figure 16- Distribution of red grouper, Epinephelus morio
Figure 17- Distribution of gag grouper, Mycteroperca microlepis, in estuaries
Figure 18- Distribution of gag grouper, Mycteroperca microlepis, offshore
Figure 19- Distribution of scamp grouper, Mycteroperca phenax
Figure 20- Distribution of red snapper, Lutjanus campechanus
Figure 21- Distribution of gray snapper, Lutjanus griseus, in estuaries
Figure 22- Distribution of gray snapper, Lutjanus griseus, offshore
Figure 23- Distribution of yellowtail snapper, Ocyurus chrysurus, in estuaries
Figure 24- Distribution of yellowtail snapper, Ocyurus chrysurus, offshore
Figure 25- Distribution of lane snapper, Lutjanus synagris, in estuaries
Figure 26- Distribution of lane snapper, Lutjanus synagris, offshore
Figure 27- Distribution of greater amberjack, Seriola dumerili
Figure 28- Distribution of lesser amberjack, Seriola fasciata
Figure 29- Distribution of tilefish, Lopholatilus chamaeleonticeps
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Figure 30- Distribution of gray triggerfish, Balistes capriscus
COASTAL MIGRATORY PELAGICS
Figure 31- Distribution of king mackerel, Scomberomorus cavalla
Figure 32- Distribution of Spanish mackerel, Scomberomorus maculatus, in estuaries
Figure 33- Distribution of Spanish mackerel, Scomberomorus maculatus, offshore
Figure 34- Distribution of cobia, Rachycentron canadum
Figure 35- Distribution of dolphin, Coryphaena hippurus

STONE CRAB
Figure 36- Distribution of stone crab, Menippe mercenaria, in estuaries
Figure 37- Distribution of stone crab, Menippe spp., offshore

SPINY LOBSTER
Figure 38- Distribution of spiny lobster, Panulirus argus, in estuaries
Figure 39- Distribution of spiny lobster, Panulirus argus, offshore

CORAL AND CORAL REEFS
Figure 40- Distribution of coral reefs and hardbottoms
RESEARCH NEEDS
Figure 41- NMFS habitat research plan
APPENDIX B - TABLES
Table 1 - Habitat associations of life stages of brown shrimp
Table 2 - Habitat associations of life stages of white shrimp
Table 3 - Habitat associations of life stages of pink shrimp
Table 4 - Habitat associations of life stages of red drum
Table 5 - Habitat associations of life stages of red grouper
Table 6 - Habitat associations of life stages of gag grouper
Table 7 - Habitat associations of life stages of scamp
Table 8 - Habitat associations of life stages of red snapper
Table 9 - Habitat associations of life stages of gray snapper
Table 10 - Habitat associations of life stages of yellowtail snapper
Table 11 - Habitat associations of life stages of lane snapper
Table 12 - Habitat associations of life stages of greater amberjack
Table 13 - Habitat associations of life stages of lesser amberjack
Table 14 - Habitat associations of life stages of tilefish
Table 15 - Habitat associations of life stages of gray triggerfish
Table 16 - Habitat associations of life stages of king mackerel
Table 17 - Habitat associations of life stages of Spanish mackerel
Table 18 - Habitat associations of life stages of cobia
Table 19 - Habitat associations of life stages of dolphin
Table 20 - Habitat associations of life stages of stone crab
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Table 21 - Habitat associations of life stages of spiny lobster
Table 22 - Approved gears in Gulf of Mexico Fisheries
Table K - Acres of proposed habitat alteration in SE reviewed by NMFS, 1981-1996
Table TX - Acres of proposed habitat alteration in TX reviewed by NMFS, 1981-1996
Table LA - Acres of proposed habitat alteration in LA reviewed by NMFS, 1981-1996
Table MS - Acres of proposed habitat alteration in MS reviewed by NMFS, 1981-1996
Table AL - Acres of proposed habitat alteration in AL reviewed by NMFS, 1981-1996
Table FL - Acres of proposed habitat alteration in FL reviewed by NMFS, 1981-1996
APPENDIX C - ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT
APPENDIX D - HABITAT POLICY
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ABBREVIATIONS
bbl barrels
BOD biological oxygen demand
CAPA chlor-alkali process area
CEQ Council on Environmental Quality
COE Corps of Engineers (U.S. Army)
CPUE catch per unit effort
CWA Clean Water Act
CWPPRA Coastal Wetlands Protection, Planning and Restoration Act
CZM Coastal Zone Management
DDT dichloro-diphenyl-trichloto-ethane
DO dissolved oxygen
EEZ Exclusive Economic Zone
EFH Essential Fish Habitat
EIS environmental impact statement
EPA Environmental Protection Agency
FMP fishery management plan
FMU fishery managment unit
FWPCA/CWA Federal Water Pollution Control Act/Clean Water Act
FWS Fish and Wildlife Service
GE greenhouse effect
GIS Geographic Information System
GIWW Gulf Intracoastal Waterway
GMEI Gulf of Mexico Estuarine Inventory
GMFMC Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council
GW global warming
HAPC habitat area of particular concern
HRP habitat research plan
MHW mean high water
MLW mean low water
MMS Minerals Management Service
MPRSA Marine Protection Research and Sanctuaries Act
MSFCMA Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act
NAAQS National Ambient Air Quality Standards
NMFS National Marine Fisheries Service
NOAA National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NOS National Ocean Service
NPDES National Pollution and Discharge Elimination System
NST National Status and Trends Program
PAH polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons
PCB polychlorinated biphenyls
PCO Point Comfort Operations
ppm parts per million
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