Habitat Database Field Verification and Reporting

This project continued work on the development of the Southeast Alaska salmon habitat database used to conduct Annual Habitat Condition Assessments. Staff worked toward integrating geographic datasets into the system, developed the required metadata that documented those geographic datasets, and assisted the collaborative effort to establish the Southeast Alaska GIS Library. There were 26 geographic datasets integrated by ADFG staff while another six were contributed by collaborating entities; all included the Federal Geographic Data Committee required metadata.

The overall project has several goals:

develop a comprehensive database to assess the condition of salmon habitat in Southeast Alaska and to evaluate future risks to that habitat;
increase the cost-effectiveness of salmon habitat monitoring, protection and restoration by using an integrated information system;
develop tools to assist resource managers to improve salmon habitat management, including more complete, organized and accessible information and analytical tools available to ADF&G offices through the World Wide Web, other agencies and the public;
improve the departments ability to meet the principles and criteria of the Sustainable Salmon Fisheries Policy regarding habitat, effective salmon management systems, and public support and involvement in salmon management.

The project was designed as an end-to-end system which uses the information needed to fulfill the departments habitat management. The final products will greatly improve the management and communication of salmon habitat data and synthesized information for use by others. The resultant database structure and information will improve the assessment of salmon habitat by allowing the analysis of risk to salmon habitat by region, anadromous water body and watershed. This analytical capability will improve the understanding of the cumulative effects of individual development activities on salmon habitat and allow for more informed decision making by resource managers.

The purpose of this finalization phase is to ensure that all necessary components are integrated and fully functional, and that user interfaces are optimized for ease of use by others. It will also provide the extended funding necessary to document the system, publish manuals and compose the final report.