Description: This proposed humpback whale critical habitat GIS file includes proposed critical habitat for three distinct population segments (DPSs) that may overlap. DPSs are separated in the attribute table to assist in symbology as a certain DPS may overlap with another. Where appropriate, horizontal boundaries were drawn along latitude lines and vertical boundaries were drawn along longitude lines. Boundaries were chosen so as not to split previously recognized biologically important areas (BIAs). Etopo bathymetry data was used to define inner and outer depth boundaries. This file is a draft and should not be used for official GIS map production. This file should not be used for enforcement or navigation. Once a final critical habitat rule is issued, the final shapefile location and official metadata will be posted at https://inport.nmfs.noaa.gov/inport/
Copyright Text: Authors: Robert O'Conner(Fishery Information Specialist, NMFS Pacific Island Regional Office) and Karen Kavanaugh(Oceanographer, NOS Center for Operational Oceanographic Products and Services); Point of Contact: Robert O'Conner (robert.oconner@noaa.gov)