Description: <p><span style="font-family:"Avenir Next W01", "Avenir Next W00", "Avenir Next", Avenir, "Helvetica Neue", sans-serif; font-size:16px;">In 2004, NOAA and TPWD created the Texas Benthic Atlas. To date, this is one of the most comprehensive, large-scale estuarine habitat mapping efforts in Texas. Habitat delineations were derived from National Agriculture Imagery Program (NAIP) 4-band imagery with 1-meter resolution. Minimum mapping unit was 100m2. The Lower Laguna Madre through Aransas Bay was mapped using 2004 imagery, and Espiritu Santo and San Antonio Bay was mapped using 2007 imagery. Habitats were originally classified using the Florida SCHEME classification system and then later cross-walked to the Coastal Marine and Ecological Classification Standard (CMECS). Map product had an overall accuracy of 87%. These data are also available on NOAA's Digital Coast; NOAA is the authoritative source for this dataset. This shapefile was created by selecting and exporting only patchy and continuous seagrass features. Because this map product was created using aerial imagery, caution should be used when interpreting deep-water habitats.</span></p><div style="font-family:"Avenir Next W01", "Avenir Next W00", "Avenir Next", Avenir, "Helvetica Neue", sans-serif; font-size:16px;"><div style="font-family:inherit;"></div><div style="font-family:inherit;">More information can be found in the project report: Finkbeiner, M., C. Robinson, J. Simons, A. Summers, J. Wood, and C. Lopez. 2009. Atlas of Shallow-Water Benthic Habitats of Coastal Texas: Espiritu Santo Bay to the Lower Laguna Madre, 2004 and 2007.</div></div><div style="font-family:"Avenir Next W01", "Avenir Next W00", "Avenir Next", Avenir, "Helvetica Neue", sans-serif; font-size:16px;">Link to report: <a href="https://tpwd.maps.arcgis.com/home/item.html?id=1a28d2255bb74061a5f67a229003eaa4" style="font-family:"Avenir Next", Avenir, "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size:15px;" target="_blank">NOAA Benthic Atlas 2004/2007</a></div><div style="font-family:"Avenir Next W01", "Avenir Next W00", "Avenir Next", Avenir, "Helvetica Neue", sans-serif; font-size:16px;"><h4 style="font-size:1.414rem; font-weight:400; margin:3rem 0px 0.75rem;">Terms of Use</h4><div style="display:inherit; max-width:100%; padding-bottom:0.375rem;"><span style="font-family:Calibri, sans-serif; font-size:11pt;">This dataset or map product was generated from the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department’s (TPWD) Geographic Information System (GIS). It is intended for general informational purposes only and may not have been prepared for or be suitable for legal, engineering, or surveying purposes. While the TPWD will regularly review, update, and expand this application, information may not be complete or may have been modified or changed since publication or latest update of this dataset. TPWD specifically disclaims any and all warranties, representations, or endorsements, express or implied, regarding the accuracy, completeness, currency or suitability of the information or data depicted here. This includes, but is not limited to, the warranties of merchantability, fitness for a particular purpose, or non-infringement of privately-owned rights.</span></div></div>