PHASE I

The planning phase began with the selection of a habitat classification scheme appropriate for the CINMS. The limiting factor of any habitat classification system is the availability of information, which varies for each species or specific habitat type. Thus, the level of habitat categorization will be determined by the quality of information accessible. A habitat classification scheme should also be determined objectively and have a systematic but intuitively understandable structure (Mumby et al., 1999).

Any system that the CINMS staff develops or adopts must incorporate many species with very different life forms, habitat needs, and relationships. The ecological relationships among species and between species and their habitats can provide the basis for a classification scheme. As part of the management plan review process, the CINMS staff is considering adopting the Essential Fish Habitat (EFH) scheme devised by the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS).