Our Puerto Rico team (Geo-Marine Puerto Rico LLC) conduced a baseline assessment and monitored the Essential Fish Habitat (seagrass beds) of the proposed cargo dock and passenger ferry pier on Mosquito Pier, Vieques, Puerto Rico. The GMI scientific dive team conducted extensive underwater measurements including seagrass percent cover and diversity, fish biomass and abundance, and threatened and endangered species survey. The baseline assessment was followed by two consecutive monitoring efforts. These surveys were conducted to document the possible environmental effects of ferry operations following the commencement of cargo and passenger ferry activities.

GMI marine scientists search for, reviewed, and analyzed all available North Carolina, Federal, and general scientific literature and data sources including Fishery Management Plans and Amendments and EFH Plans. Ikonos satellite imagery was used to delineate submerged aquatic vegetation habitats before completing field evaluations. Additional habitats including oyster/shell beds were identified during field surveys. All EFH and habitats of particular concern were mapped using ArcGIS software and accompanied by descriptions of each EFH by species and lifestage. A final EFH assessment was prepared detailing the aerial extent of EFH in the area of interest. Data were used for Marine Corps environmental planning and compliance purposes.

The preparation of a comprehensive compilation of existing information and data on essential fish habitat (EFH) present in the three southeast U.S. naval operating areas was the first goal of this project while the assessment and interpretation of that information for use in Navy environmental planning purposes was the second project goal. The information compiled in this study also represents an important component in the compliance of Fleet Forces Command with federal environmental statutes such as the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act (MSFCMA). Detailed information was provided on the legislative history of the MSFCMA as well as on the consultation and assessment requirements for federal agencies.

GMI researched, acquired, and reviewed literature and data from federal, state, and international agencies; libraries; universities; the Internet; and databases. All relevant fishery management plans, amendments, and technical reports were used to accurately assess and interpret the EFH designations and the associated habitat data. Since maps depicting EFH or habitat areas of particular concern (HAPC) for each designated species had not been prepared by the fishery management councils (New England, Mid-Atlantic, and South Atlantic), GMI created maps for each species, often interpreting text designations and interpolating occurrence data. Using data and information on species occurrence, environmental parameters, and habitat, GMI created maps in a geographic information system (GIS) environment for all lifestages of all designated species off the southeast U.S. Details on the methods used for spatial interpolation as well as data interpretation and integration into the GIS were documented as part of the report.

GMI marine scientists performed an EFH assessment to evaluate whether or not the Local Redevelopment Authority’s (LRA’s) Reuse Plan developed for Naval Station Roosevelt Roads (NSRR), Puerto Rico, is likely to cause an adverse effect on EFH or on species managed by the Caribbean Fishery Management Council (CFMC). GMI marine scientists performed land and marine ecological surveys to characterize habitats potentially impacted by the proposed Reuse Plan. Required baseline data for the EFH assessment included a baseline assessment of coral reefs, hard bottom, beaches, seagrass beds, and mangroves. The assessment used seven existing marine resource data sets including maps, sea turtle nesting data, marina seagrass bed assessment from the DARP/EA for the JP-5 Fuel Spill, and a mangrove assessment. We characterized five representative habitats located adjacent to the planned reuse areas of NAPR. We characterized the reefs and fisheries within these areas to include video transects of fisheries. We incorporated the existing seagrass information into the site assessments. The required baseline data for this EFH assessment were included in a baseline assessment of coral reefs and coral fisheries, and assimilation and analysis of existing seagrass bed, mangrove, and turtle nesting data. We analyzed all new and relative existing data in the preparation of the EFH Assessment report for the LRA Reuse Plan. In addition, we conducted post-breeding surveys of the yellow-shouldered blackbirds (YSBB) and prepared a YSBB post status report for the BA. GMI addressed marine mammal and sea turtle consultation issues that may emerge during site assessments and data analysis for the EFH Assessment report.

GMI scientists conducted an Essential Fish Habitat Assessment for the Puerto Rico Ports Authority of the Mosquito Pier area located at Vieques Island, Puerto Rico. Scientific divers conducted quantitative surveys of seagrasses and coral reef communities at the former munitions pier, cargo dock, and at the newly proposed pier sites including Isabel Segunda, and Vieques airport. A wetland delineation was also conducted on the land based portion of the project on a 26-acre site on the east side of the Mosquito Pier Road. Approximately 4 acres of jurisdictional wetlands were identified and mitigation proposed for the project.

GMI conducted an underwater EFH survey of representative sites within the U.S. Navy mine warfare training area off Panama City. This assessment also included a desktop review/compilation of literature and data available from academic, governmental, and commercial sources to ascertain the extent of live/hardbottom areas within or adjacent to seven proposed mine sites located off Panama City, Florida.