## APPENDIX H

ESSENTIAL FISH HABITAT (EFH) CONSULTATION BETWEEN THE NATIONAL MARINE
FISHERIES SERVICE, SOUTHEAST REGION AND NOAA RESTORATION CENTER,
COMMUNITY-BASED RESTORATION PROGRAM

Number range CHAPTER**Essential Fish Habitat (EFH) Programmatic
Consultation between the National Marine Fisheries Service, Southeast
Region and NOAA Restoration Center, Community-Based Restoration
Program**

**[Purpose]{.underline}**

Under Section 305(b)(2) of the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and
Management Act (Magnuson-Stevens Act), Federal agencies are required to
consult with the Secretary of Commerce on any action that may adversely
affect Essential Fish Habitat (EFH). Consultation can be addressed
programmatically to broadly consider as many adverse effects as
possible. Section 600.920(a)(2) of the EFH regulations describes
programmatic consultation as appropriate if sufficient information is
available at a programmatic level to develop EFH conservation
recommendations that will address all reasonably foreseeable adverse
impacts to EFH.

This programmatic consultation addresses restoration activities
undertaken in the Southeast region through the NOAA Restoration Center's
(RC) Community-Based Restoration Program (CRP) to restore habitat for
living marine resources. The Southeast region includes areas managed by
Fishery Management Councils in the Gulf of Mexico, South Atlantic, and
U.S. Caribbean. Some areas in the South Atlantic have also been
identified as EFH by the Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council.

**[Program Description]{.underline}**

The NOAA Community-Based Restoration Program began in 1996 to inspire
local efforts to conduct meaningful, on-the-ground restoration of
marine, estuarine and riparian habitat. Since that time, NOAA has
secured funding for 179 small-scale habitat restoration projects around
the U.S. coastline. Habitat restoration is defined here as activities
that directly result in the reestablishment or re-creation of stable,
productive marine, estuarine, lagoon, or coastal river ecological
systems. The Program is a systematic effort to catalyze partnerships at
the national and local level to contribute funding, technical
assistance, land, volunteer support or other in-kind services to help
citizens carry out technically sound restoration projects that promote
stewardship and a conservation ethic for living marine resources.

The program links seed money and technical expertise to citizen-driven
restoration projects, and emphasizes collaborative strategies built
around improving NOAA trust resources and the quality of the communities
they sustain. Human activities and development have caused unprecedented
destruction of coastal and wetland habitat. In a world of reliance on
natural resources for a sound economy, and stress over natural resource
management issues, stakeholders are coming together to assess and
evaluate natural resource priorities, promote awareness and education,
develop common goals and facilitate local habitat enhancement projects.
Community-based habitat restoration helps repair habitats required by
fish, endangered species and marine mammals. Restoration may include,
but is not limited to: improvement of coastal wetland tidal exchange or
reestablishment of historic hydrology; dam or berm removal; fish
passageway improvements; natural or artificial reef/substrate/habitat
creation; establishment or repair of riparian buffer zones and
improvement of freshwater habitats that support fishes; planting of
native coastal wetland and submerged aquatic vegetation (SAV); and
improvements to feeding, shade or refuge, spawning and rearing areas
that are essential to fisheries.

All restoration activities shall comply with Federal statutory and
regulatory procedures, as well as state requirements, prior to
implementation. Records of Federal and state permits/consultations will
be maintained in-house if the RC issues individual awards for projects.
In the Southeast region, the RC CRP is evaluated through the National
Environmental Policy Act components consisting of a Draft and Final
Environmental Assessment (EA) and Finding of No Significant Impact
(FONSI). The purpose of the EA document is to address NEPA compliance of
Federal actions at the program level, as opposed to the specific project
level. The EA and FONSI identify and discuss the potential impacts of
proposed actions on coastal and riverine environments.

CRP projects involve the restoration of coastal habitats that benefit
living marine resources. These restoration activities are undertaken in
riparian, marsh, shellfish, submerged aquatic vegetation, coral,
shoreline, and mangrove habitats in the Southeast region. Restoration
activities implemented under the CRP have very localized and temporary
adverse impacts over the short-term, but will provide beneficial habitat
to living marine resources in the long-term.

During project implementation involving revegetation activities,
volunteers may cause a minor disturbance of the surrounding habitat by
compacting soil due to foot traffic or disturbing existing vegetation.
Submerged aquatic vegetation (SAV) restoration activities may also cause
short-term impacts to SAV, depending on the method used to transplant
SAV plants. Some methods require digging or clearing of the bottom
substrate which may result in temporary turbidity plumes as well as
disturbance to any organisms in the substrate.

The creation of shellfish reefs may result in adverse impacts to the
surrounding habitat, depending on the source from which shell is
obtained. Shells are commonly obtained via two methods: 1) from dredge
shell programs which may result in localized turbidity problems, and 2)
purchasing shell through shucking houses, which result in no adverse
impacts. During creation of reefs, additional turbidity problems may
arise when shells are deployed onto the reef.

Activities involving invasive plant removal may also result in minor
disturbances depending on methods used. Herbicides used in restoration
projects may leach into surrounding soils during rainy periods and could
also damage local, non-invasive plants during windy conditions. For
projects in which volunteers are in direct contact with the aquatic
environment such as during coral reef restorations, the greatest source
of short-term impacts is the potential for doing additional damage to
the project site. These impacts may include accidental contact with
damaged corals by divers or equipment, disruption of bottom sediment
from diving fins, and impacts resulting from the transplanting of coral
to restoration sites.

**[The Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management
Act]{.underline}**

Section 303(a)(7) of the Magnuson-Stevens Act (16 U.S.C. 1801
[et]{.underline} [seq]{.underline}.), requires that Fishery Management
Councils include provisions in their fishery management plans that
identify and describe EFH, including adverse impacts and conservation
and enhancement measures. These provisions are addressed in three
separate generic FMPs for the Gulf of Mexico, South Atlantic, and U.S.
Caribbean.

**Gulf of Mexico Essential Fish Habitat (EFH) Amendment to Fishery
Management Plans (FMP)**

The EFH amendment (GMFMC, 1998) represents the Gulf of Mexico Fishery
Management Council's (Gulf Council) response to those requirements
stated in Section 303(a)(7) of the Magnuson-Stevens Act (16 U.S.C. 1801
[et]{.underline} [seq]{.underline}.) by serving as a generic amendment
to the following FMPs:

-   Fishery Management Plan for the **Shrimp** Fishery of the Gulf of
    Mexico

-   Fishery Management Plan for the **Red Drum** Fishery of the Gulf of
    Mexico

-   Fishery Management Plan for the **Reef Fish** Fishery of the Gulf of
    Mexico

-   Fishery Management Plan for the **Coastal Migratory Pelagic
    Resources**

    in the Gulf of Mexico

-   Fishery Management Plan for the **Stone Crab** Fishery of the Gulf
    of Mexico

-   Fishery Management Plan for **Spiny Lobster** in the Gulf of Mexico

-   Fishery Management Plan for **Coral and Coral Reefs** of the Gulf of
    Mexico

    This generic EFH document (GMFMC, 1998) amends the seven FMPs of the
    Gulf Council. EFH is identified and described based on areas where
    various life stages of 30 representative managed species and the
    coral complex commonly occur. The 30 representative species are
    shrimp (brown shrimp, *Farfantepenaeus aztecus;* white shrimp,
    *Litopenaeus setiferus;* pink shrimp, *Farfantepenaeus duorarum;*
    and royal red shrimp, *Pleoticus robustus*); red drum, *Sciaenops
    ocellatus;* reef fish (red grouper, *Epinephelus morio*; gag
    grouper, *Mycteroperca microlepis;* scamp grouper, *Mycteroperca
    phenax*; black grouper, *Mycteroperca bonaci*; red snapper,
    *Lutjanus campechanus;* vermilion snapper, *Rhomboplites
    aurorubens*; gray snapper, *Lutjanus griseus;* yellowtail snapper,
    *Ocyurus chrysurus;* lane snapper, *Lutjanus synagris*; greater
    amberjack, *Seriola dumerili;* lesser amberjack, *Seriola fasciata;*
    tilefish, *Lopholatilus chamaeleonticeps;* and gray triggerfish,
    *Balistes capriscus*), coastal migratory pelagic species (king
    mackerel, *Scomberomorus cavalla;* Spanish mackerel, *Scomberomorus
    maculatus;* cobia, *Rachycentron canadum;* dolphin, *Coryphaena
    hippurus;* bluefish, *Pomatomus saltatrix;* and little tunny*,
    Euthynnus alleteratus*); stone crab, *Menippe mercenaria;* spiny
    lobster, *Panulirus argus;* and the coral complex.

    **Comprehensive Amendment Addressing Essential Fish Habitat (EFH) in
    Fishery Management Plans of the South Atlantic Region**

    The EFH amendment (SAFMC, 1998a) represents the South Atlantic
    Fishery Management Council's response to those requirements stated
    in Section 303(a)(7) of the Magnuson-Stevens Act (16 U.S.C. 1801
    [et]{.underline} [seq]{.underline}.) by serving as a generic
    amendment to the following FMPs:

-   Fishery Management Plan for the **Shrimp** Fishery of the South
    Atlantic

-   Fishery Management Plan for the **Red Drum** Fishery of the South
    Atlantic

-   Fishery Management Plan for the **Snapper Grouper** Fishery of the
    South Atlantic

-   Fishery Management Plan for the **Golden Crab** Fishery of the South
    Atlantic

-   Fishery Management Plan for the **Coastal Migratory Pelagic
    Resources (Mackerels)** of the

    South Atlantic

-   Fishery Management Plan for **Spiny Lobster** in the South Atlantic

-   Fishery Management Plan for **Coral and Coral Reefs and Live/Hard
    Bottom Habitat** Fishery

of the South Atlantic

-   Fishery Management Plan for the **Bluefish** Fishery in the South
    Atlantic/Mid-Atlantic

-   Fishery Management Plan for the **Spiny Dogfish** Fishery in the
    South Atlantic/Mid-Atlantic

-   Fishery Management Plan for the **Summer Flounder** Fishery in the
    South Atlantic/Mid-Atlantic

    The comprehensive EFH document (SAFMC, 1998a) amends the seven FMPs
    of the South Atlantic. EFH is identified and described based on
    areas where various life phases of 32 selected species and the coral
    complex commonly occur. The selected species represent some of the
    key species under management by the South Atlantic Council. The
    selected species that are used to aid EFH descriptions are shrimp
    (brown shrimp, *Farfantepenaeus aztecus;* white shrimp, *Litopenaeus
    setiferus;* pink shrimp,

    *Farfantepenaeus duorarum;* rock shrimp, *Sicyonia brevirostris*;
    royal red shrimp, *Pleoticus robustus*); red drum, *Sciaenops
    ocellatus*; snapper-grouper (snowy grouper, *Epinephelus niveatus*;
    yellowedge grouper, *Epinephelus flavolimbatus*; Warsaw grouper,
    *Epinephelus nigritus*; scamp, *Mycteroperca phenax*; speckled hind,
    *Epinephelus drummondhayi*; jewfish, *Epinephelus itajara*;
    wreckfish, *Polyprion americanus*; red snapper, *Lutjanus
    campechanus*; Vermilion snapper, *Rhomboplites aurorubens*; gray
    snapper, *Lutjanus griseus*; mutton snapper, *Lutjanus analis*;
    blackfin snapper, *Lutjanus buccanella*; silk snapper, *Lutjanus
    vivanus*; white grunt, *Haemulon plumieri*; greater amberjack,
    *Seriola dumerili*; blueline tilefish, *Caulolatilus microps*;
    golden tilefish, *Lopholatilus chamaeleonticeps*); coastal migratory
    pelagics (king mackerel, *Scomberomorus cavalla*; Spanish mackerel,
    *Scomberomorus maculatus*; Cero, *Scomberomorus regalis;* Cobia,
    *Rachycentron canadum*; Dolphin, *Coryphaena hippurus*); golden
    crab, *Chaeceon fenneri*; spiny lobster, *Panulirus argus*; and the
    coral complex. In addition, three FMPs managed by the Mid-Atlantic
    Council overlap areas managed by the South Atlantic Council. The
    selected species within these FMPs are bluefish, *Pomatomus
    saltatrix;* spiny dogfish, *Squalus acanthias;* and summer flounder,
    *Paralichtyys dentatus*

    **FMPs of the Mid-Atlantic**

    Three FMPs developed by the Mid-Atlantic Council identify areas of
    EFH in the South Atlantic that are managed by the South Atlantic
    Council. These FMPs include:

-   Fishery Management Plan for the **Bluefish** Fishery in the
    Mid-Atlantic/South Atlantic

-   Fishery Management Plan for the **Spiny Dogfish** Fishery in the
    Mid-Atlantic/South Atlantic

-   Fishery Management Plan for the **Summer Flounder** Fishery in the
    Mid-Atlantic/South Atlantic

    The selected species within these FMPs are bluefish, *Pomatomus
    saltatrix;* spiny dogfish, *Squalus acanthias;* and summer flounder,
    *Paralichtyys dentatus.*

    **Essential Fish Habitat (EFH) Generic Amendment to the Fishery
    Management Plans (FMPs) of the U.S. Caribbean**

    The EFH amendment (CFMC, 1998) represents the U.S. Caribbean Fishery
    Management Council's response to those requirements stated in
    Section 303(a)(7) of the Magnuson-Stevens Act (16 U.S.C. 1801
    [et]{.underline} [seq]{.underline}.) by serving as a generic
    amendment to the following FMPs:

-   Fishery Management Plan for the **Shallow Water Reef Fish** Fishery
    in Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands

-   Fishery Management Plan for the **Coral and Reef Associated Plants
    and Invertebrates** in

    Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands

-   Fishery Management Plan for the **Queen Conch Resources** in Puerto
    Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands

-   Fishery Management Plan for **Spiny Lobster Fishery** in Puerto Rico
    and the U.S. Virgin Islands

    The generic EFH document (CFMC, 1998) amends the four FMPs of the
    U.S. Caribbean. EFH is identified and described based on areas where
    various life phases of 15 selected species (6 under management) and
    the coral complex commonly occur. The selected species represent
    some of the key

    species under management by the Caribbean Council. The selected
    species that are used to aid EFH descriptions are reef fish (coney,
    *Epinephelus fulvus*; red hind, *Epinephelus guttatus*; Nassau
    grouper, *Epinephelus striatus;* mutton snapper *Lutjanus analis*;
    schoolmaster, *Lutjanus apodus*; gray snapper*, Lutjanus griseus;*
    silk snapper, *Lutjanus vivanus*; yellowtail snapper, *Ocyurus
    chrysurus*; white grunt, *Haemulon plumieri*; banded butterflyfish,
    *Chaetodon striatus*; queen triggerfish, *Balistes vetula*;
    squirrelfish, *Holocentrus ascensionis*; sand tilefish, *Malacanthus
    plumieri*; redtail parrotfish, *Sparisoma chrysopterum*; trunkfish,
    *Lactophrys quadricornis*), spiny lobster, *Panulirus argus*; queen
    conch, *Strombus gigas*; and the coral complex.

    **Secretarial FMPs**

    Two Secretarial Fishery Management Plans are effective in the Gulf
    of Mexico, South Atlantic, U.S. Caribbean, and Mid-Atlantic: the
    Highly Migratory Species (Tunas, Sharks, and Swordfish) FMP and the
    Atlantic Billfish FMP (HMSMD, 1999). Under the Magnuson-Stevens Act,
    federal jurisdiction of EFH for Highly Migratory Species and
    Atlantic Billfish spans the area between the Canadian border in the
    north and the Dry Tortugas in the south.

    The following sections address EFH for managed species that may be
    encountered during community-based restoration projects in the Gulf
    of Mexico, South Atlantic, and U.S. Caribbean. Table 1 lists the
    FMPs and species that have EFH designations and are likely to be
    encountered in a CRP project. Table 2 lists the FMPs and species
    unlikely to be found in a CRP project area.

    Table 1. Fishery Management Plans (FMPs), species managed under each
    FMP, and the reasons for *inclusion* under the programmatic
    Environmental Assessment (EA) in the Gulf of Mexico, South Atlantic,
    and Caribbean regions.

  ----------------------- ----------------------- -----------------------
  **GULF OF MEXICO**                              

  Fishery Management Plan Species Managed Under   Reason for Inclusion
                          FMP                     

  Gulf of Mexico FMP for  3 species/life stages:  Found in inshore waters
  Shrimp Fishery          brown shrimp, pink      and estuaries
                          shrimp, white shrimp    

  Gulf of Mexico FMP for  Red drum & life stages  Found in coastal
  Red Drum Fishery                                inlets, sounds, bays,
                                                  seagrass beds, shallow
                                                  estuarine rivers and
                                                  mainland shores

  Gulf of Mexico FMP for  11 species/life stages: Some found in shallow
  Reef Fish Fishery       including grouper,      nearshore waters,
                          snapper & triggerfish   mangroves, salt
                                                  marshes, seagrass beds,
                                                  coral reefs, algal mats

  Gulf of Mexico FMP for  Stone crab & its life   Found in intertidal
  Stone Crab Fishery      stages                  zone, seagrass beds,
                                                  rocky or soft bottoms

  Gulf of Mexico FMP for  Coral and coral reefs & Some found in shallower
  Coral and Coral Reefs   life stages             waters CRP coral reef
  Fishery                                         restoration projects

  Gulf of Mexico FMP for  Spiny lobster & its     Found in shallow
  Spiny Lobster Fishery   life stages             subtidal bottoms,
                                                  seagrass beds, soft
                                                  bottoms, coral reefs
                                                  and mangroves

  Gulf of Mexico FMP for  Cobia, Spanish          Some found in offshore,
  Coastal Migratory       mackerel, bluefish,     beaches, estuaries, and
  Pelagics                little tunny & life     inlets.
                          stages                  

  Secretarial FMP for     3 species/life stages   Some found in
  Tunas, Sharks, and      of tuna, 1 species of   near-shore waters, bays
  Swordfish               swordfish, and 3        and estuaries
                          species of shark (great 
                          hammerhead, nurse       
                          shark, blacktip shark)  
  ----------------------- ----------------------- -----------------------

  ----------------------- ----------------------- -----------------------
  **SOUTH ATLANTIC &                              
  MID-ATLANTIC**                                  

  Fishery Management Plan Species Managed Under   Reason for Inclusion
                          FMP                     

  South Atlantic FMP for  Spiny lobster & its     Found in shallow
  Spiny Lobster Fishery   life stages             subtidal bottoms,
                                                  seagrass beds, soft
                                                  bottoms, coral reefs,
                                                  and mangroves

  South Atlantic FMP for  Penaieds (brown, pink,  Found in tidal
  Shrimp Fishery          and white shrimp) rock  freshwater, estuarine,
                          shrimp, royal red       and marine emergent
                          shrimp and life stages. wetlands, seagrass, and
                                                  sub-tidal and
                                                  intertidal
                                                  non-vegetated flats.

  South Atlantic FMP for  Red drum & life stages  Found in tidal
  Red Drum Fishery                                freshwater, flooded
                                                  salt marshes, brackish
                                                  marsh, tidal creeks,
                                                  mangrove fringe, SAV,
                                                  oyster reefs,
                                                  artificial reefs, and
                                                  soft bottoms.

  South Atlantic FMP for  72 species/life stages  Some found in coral
  Snapper Grouper Fishery including triggerfish,  reefs, live/hard
                          jacks, grunts,          bottoms, SAV, oyster &
                          snappers, tilefish,     artificial reefs.
                          temperate basses, sea   Specific life stages
                          basses and groupers,    may occur in salt
                          porgies, wrasses, and   marshes, tidal creeks,
                          spadefish.              and soft bottoms as
                                                  well.

  South Atlantic FMP for  Cobia, Spanish mackerel Spanish mackerel found
  Coastal Migratory       and life stages.        in beaches and
  Pelagic Resources                               estuaries. Cobia found
  (Mackerels)                                     in estuaries and
                                                  coastal areas.

  South Atlantic FMP for  Stony coral,            Rough, hard, exposed
  Coral and Coral Reefs   octocorals, and black   stable substrate and
  and Live/Hard Bottom    corals                  muddy silty bottoms in
  Habitat Fishery                                 offshore to outer shelf
                                                  depths.

  South                   Bluefish & life stages  Found in shores and
  Atlantic/Mid-Atlantic                           estuaries
  FMP for Bluefish                                

  South                   Summer flounder & life  Found in shelf waters
  Atlantic/Mid-Atlantic   stages                  and estuaries
  FMP for Summer Flounder                         

  Secretarial FMP for     3 species/life stages   Found in near-shore
  Tunas, Sharks, and      of tuna, 1 species of   waters, bays and
  Swordfish               swordfish, and 3        estuaries
                          species of shark (great 
                          hammerhead, nurse       
                          shark, blacktip shark)  
  ----------------------- ----------------------- -----------------------

+-----------------------+-----------------------+-----------------------+
| **U.S. CARIBBEAN**    |                       |                       |
+-----------------------+-----------------------+-----------------------+
| Fishery Management    | Species Managed Under | Reason for Inclusion  |
| Plan                  | FMP                   |                       |
+-----------------------+-----------------------+-----------------------+
| Puerto Rico and U.S.  | 13 species and life   | Found in mangroves,   |
| Virgin Islands FMP    | stages groupers,      | seagrass beds,        |
| for Shallow Water     | snappers, grunts,     | non-vegetated bottoms |
| Reef Fish Fishery     | triggerfish and red   | (sand, mud), algal    |
|                       | hind                  | plains, coral reefs   |
|                       |                       | and hard-bottom.      |
+-----------------------+-----------------------+-----------------------+
| Puerto Rico and U.S.  | Over 100 species/life | Found in areas with   |
| Virgin Islands FMP    | stages of coral:      | natural, rough        |
| for Coral and Reef    | including stony       | substrate covered     |
| Associated Plants and | corals, sea fans &    | with other living     |
| Invertebrates         | gorgonians            | organisms and larvae. |
|                       |                       |                       |
|                       | Over 60 species/life  | Some found in         |
|                       | stages of plants:     | shallower water       |
|                       | including seagrass &  | seagrass CRP coral    |
|                       | invertebrates         | reef restoration      |
|                       |                       | projects              |
+-----------------------+-----------------------+-----------------------+
| Puerto Rico and U.S.  | Queen conch & life    | Coral sand, seagrass  |
| Virgin Islands FMP    | stages                | beds, algae, gravel,  |
| for Queen Conch       |                       | coral rubble, beach   |
| Resources             |                       | rock bottoms, and     |
|                       |                       | nearshore, sandy      |
|                       |                       | areas.                |
+-----------------------+-----------------------+-----------------------+
| Puerto Rico and U.S.  | Spiny lobster & life  | Found in mangroves,   |
| Virgin Islands FMP    | stages                | seagrass, reefs,      |
| for Spiny Lobster     |                       | algal beds, and       |
| Fishery               |                       | hard-bottoms.         |
+-----------------------+-----------------------+-----------------------+
| Secretarial FMP for   | 3 species/life stages | Found in near-shore   |
| Tunas, Sharks, and    | of tuna, 1 species of | waters, bays and      |
| Swordfish             | swordfish, and 3      | estuaries             |
|                       | species of shark      |                       |
|                       | (great hammerhead,    |                       |
|                       | nurse shark, blacktip |                       |
|                       | shark)                |                       |
+-----------------------+-----------------------+-----------------------+

Table 2. Fishery Management Plan (FMP), species managed under FMP, and
the reasons for *exclusion* under the programmatic Environmental
Assessment (EA) in the Gulf of Mexico, South Atlantic, and Caribbean
regions.

  ---------------------------- ------------------------ -----------------------
  **GULF OF MEXICO/SOUTH                                
  ATLANTIC/MID-ATLANTIC/U.S.                            
  CARIBBEAN**                                           

  Fishery Management Plan      Species Managed Under    Reason for Exclusion
                               FMP                      

  South Atlantic FMP for       Golden crab & its life   Found in mounds of dead
  Golden Crab Fishery          stages                   coral, ripple habitat,
                                                        dunes, black pebble
                                                        habitat, low outcrop,
                                                        soft bioturbated
                                                        habitat.

  South Atlantic/Mid-Atlantic  Spiny dogfish & life     Found in depths of 33
  FMP for Spiny Dogfish        stages                   to 1480 ft.

  Secretarial FMP for Atlantic Blue marlin, White       Found in epipelagic
  Billfish                     marlin, Longbill         waters in upper 300-600
                               spearfish, Sailfish &    ft open sea areas and
                               life stages              neritic waters over the
                                                        continental shelf.
  ---------------------------- ------------------------ -----------------------

**[Types of EFH Affected by Program Activities and Assessment of Effects
on EFH]{.underline}**

EFH is described and identified as everywhere that the above managed
species commonly occur. Because these species collectively occur in all
estuarine and marine habitats in the southeast region, EFH is separated
into estuarine and marine components for the Gulf of Mexico, South
Atlantic, and U.S. Caribbean. In the Gulf of Mexico, the EFH
determination is based on species distribution maps and habitat
association tables presented in Section 5 of the Amendment (GMFMC,
1998). In estuaries, the EFH of each species consists of those areas
depicted in the maps as "common", "abundant" and "highly abundant." In
offshore areas, EFH consists of those areas depicted as "adult areas,"
"spawning areas" and "nursery areas." EFH identifications for the South
Atlantic are available in Section 4 of the Amendment (SAFMC, 1998a)
Habitat association tables and catch distribution maps are also
available for species managed by the Caribbean Council in Section 4.1 of
the Amendment (CFMC, 1998). These tables summarize data on the presence
or absence of each species within a certain habitat for each life stage.

The following discussions of estuarine and marine environments,
excerpted from the CRP EA (2001), complement the EFH descriptions of the
Gulf of Mexico, South Atlantic, and U.S. Caribbean Fishery Management
Councils. Because of the large variability in the types of species
comprising living marine resources, a wide range of coastal regions and
riparian systems along streams and rivers that support fish have been
identified as EFH for marine species. Most CRP projects occur in urban
areas impacted by human development and pollution as well as in remote
rural locations. Living marine resources also utilize a wide variety of
coastal biological habitats that are restored under the CRP, including
submerged aquatic vegetation (SAV) beds, marshes, oyster reefs, riparian
areas, and mangroves. These various habitats are targeted for
restoration because they have suffered considerable degradation and loss
of area in recent decades due to dredging and filling, pollution,
construction, and erosion. Each discussion is followed by a description
of potential restoration activities that may occur during CRP projects
and an assessment of their impacts to EFH. Implementation of restoration
activities under the CRP may have a very localized and temporary adverse
impact over the short-term, but will provide beneficial habitat in the
long-term. Under the CRP, these restoration activities do not
individually or cumulatively have significant adverse impacts on the
human environment, and many projects may be eligible for categorical
exclusion under NOAA NEPA Guidance.

A. Estuarine Environments

For the estuarine component, EFH is described and identified as all
estuarine waters and substrates (mud, sand, shell, rock, oyster reefs,
and associated biological communities), including the sub-tidal
vegetation (SAV and algae) and adjacent inter-tidal vegetation (marshes
and mangroves). The restoration of estuarine environments typically
include similar types of activities such as removal of invasive species,
revegetation, and the placement or removal of structures such as logs or
culverts.

1\. Riparian Areas

Riparian zones are defined as the land immediately adjacent to a stream
or a river. They are characteristic associations of substrate, flora,
and fauna within the 100-year flood plain of a stream or, if a flood
plain is absent, zones that are hydrologically influenced by a stream or
river (Hunt, 1988). In the East, riparian zones are commonly
characterized by bottomland hardwood and floodplain forests (Mitsch and
Gosselink, 1993). Riparian environments are maintained by high water
tables and experience seasonal or periodic flooding.

*Description of Habitat (EFH) Affected:*

Essential fish habitat descriptions provided by the Gulf, South
Atlantic, and Caribbean Councils do not include detailed descriptions of
riverine or riparian systems and their distribution within each of the
management areas. Potential impacts to managed species would be limited
to species within estuarine habitats such as marsh edges, SAV,
mangroves, and tidally-influenced scrub/shrub and forested habitats.

In the Gulf of Mexico, some managed species exist within estuarine
habitats, depending on life stages. Juvenile brown, white, and pink
shrimp are present in marsh edges, SAV, and bottom habitats which may be
impacted by activities further upstream (GMFMC, 1998). Juvenile and
adult red drum are present in estuarine mud bottoms, marsh, and SAV
habitats. Some species of juvenile reef fish and stone crabs also occur
in these habitats. In the South Atlantic, juvenile shrimp occur in
estuarine areas such as marsh edges, SAV and tidal creeks which may be
impacted by upstream activities (SAFMC, 1998b). Juvenile species of red
drum, jewfish, gray snapper, and mutton snapper may also occur in these
habitats. Bluefish and summer flounder managed by the Mid-Atlantic
Council may also occur in these areas. Snapper and grouper species
managed by the Caribbean Council are present in SAV and mangrove
habitats during various life stages (CFMC, 1998). Other managed species
are only found in marine habitats and are not affected by activities
upstream of estuaries.

*Potential impacts from restoration activities:*

Riparian habitat restorations usually involve re-vegetation activities
and placement of large natural vegetation. Placement of natural
vegetation is manually done by volunteers, which may result in minor
disturbance of the surrounding habitat through increased foot traffic.
This may result in soil compaction as well as disturbance of existing
vegetation or other habitat structures.

Measures to eliminate or reduce potential impacts include planning
ingress and egress routes to keep the impacted area to a minimum. To
prevent damage to stream bottoms during project implementation,
activities may be limited to periods when water levels are low. In
addition, the use of measures to protect the water column such as
erosion mats can prevent further damage to habitat and species.

2\. Shoreline Habitats

Shore environments are widely varying in nature, from low-energy
sheltered environments to more exposed coastline, subjected to
high-energy wave and tidal action. Low-energy shorelines may be
characterized by finer-grained, muddier sediments, which tend to accrete
in depositional zones. Along higher-energy shorelines, SAV and certain
benthic organisms, such as mollusks and worms, may be found because they
can withstand the turbulence of such an intertidal zone. Such
environments may exhibit low species diversity, but high population
densities of those species that can tolerate the high-energy conditions
(for example, some invertebrates). Activities occurring in these areas
may have impacts to habitats immediately offshore such as SAV beds,
mangroves, and reefs. Coastal habitats such as reefs, SAV, and mangroves
are all interconnected physically, chemically, and biologically
providing mutual support and operating as one system (SAFMC, 1998b).

*Description of Habitat (EFH) Affected:*

Texas contains approximately 367 miles of open Gulf shoreline and 2,125
miles of bay-estuary-lagoon shoreline (GMFMC, 1998). These areas are the
most biologically rich and diverse regions in the state. From the
Louisiana border to Galveston, the shoreline is comprised of marshy
plains and low, narrow beach ridges. From Galveston Bay to the Mexican
border, long barrier islands and large shallow lagoons dominate. The
Louisiana coast is indented with numerous shallow bays containing
valuable areas for the growth, feeding and foraging of managed species.
The total area of Florida's west coast estuaries is 3,003,312 acres
which contain areas of open water, tidal marsh and mangroves. Managed
species of various life stages may be found off the Gulf coast. These
include brown, white, and pink shrimp of postlarvae/juvenile life stages
which may inhabit marsh edges and SAV off coasts. Brown shrimp are in
greatest abundance from Apalachicola Bay to Mexico while white shrimp
are in greatest abundance in coastal areas from the Suwannee River to
Mexico. Pink shrimp are most common off Florida coasts.
Postlarvae/juvenile red drum are found in SAV as well as estuarine mud
bottoms from Florida through Texas. Juvenile reef fish species such as
black grouper, gag grouper, gray snapper, and yellowtail snapper are
found in estuarine SAV, coastal lagoons, and mangrove habitats in the
eastern Gulf of Mexico. Two species of coastal migratory pelagics are
found off coastal areas in the Gulf. These include juvenile Spanish
mackerel and bluefish which occur off beaches and in estuaries from
Florida through Texas. Juvenile and adult stone crabs also occur in SAV
and shell habitats from Florida through Texas.

The South Atlantic Region has approximately 20,350 miles of coastline,
including Florida's Gulf Coast (CZM, 2001). In the South Atlantic
Region, offshore habitats such as SAV, coral and oyster/artificial reefs
are inhabited by several managed species of the South Atlantic Council.
EFH for peneaid shrimp includes inshore estuarine areas for growth,
foraging, and protection as well as offshore marine habitats used for
spawning and growth to maturity from North Carolina to the Florida Keys
(SAFMC, 1998b). EFH for red drum also occur in these nearshore habitats
to a depth of 50 meters offshore from Virginia to the Florida Keys.
Snapper grouper species may also occupy near shore areas inshore of the
100-foot contour such as SAV, estuarine emergent vegetated wetlands,
tidal creeks, mangrove fringe, and reefs. EFH for coastal migratory
pelagics includes sandy shoals of capes and offshore bars, high profile
rocky bottom, and barrier island ocean-side waters. For cobia, EFH
includes high salinity bays, estuaries and SAV habitat. Bluefish and
summer flounder managed by the Mid-Atlantic Council may also occur in
these nearshore areas.

Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands contain a total of 875 miles of
coastline (CZM, 2001). EFH for reef fish include offshore habitats such
as SAV, reefs, mangroves, and sand (CFMC, 1998). Mangroves are essential
juvenile spiny lobsters. Adults also feed on SAV and may be found in
reefs. The queen conch is found in various offshore locations in the
Caribbean. Juveniles may be found buried in sand/seagrass beds while
adults occupy sand, SAV, and reef habitats.

*Potential impacts from restoration activities:*

Shoreline restoration involves the removal of invasive species which may
result in potential adverse impacts to non-target species. Invasive
species removal may be performed using chemical, mechanical, biological
and ecological control methods, depending on the characteristics of
species being eradicated. CRP projects involving invasive plant removals
are usually accomplished using chemical methods, where volunteers
spot-treat plants individually, or mechanical methods where plants are
manually removed by hand. Herbicide application is often effective in
the removal of invasive species, but minor impacts to surrounding areas
may occur. Rainfall and wind may cause herbicides to leach into the
surrounding soil or be transported to non-invasive plants, causing
unintentional damage. The physical removal of invasive species may also
be effective but potential impacts may occur if revegetation doesn't
occur immediately.

In order to minimize the potential impacts from invasive species removal
activities, certain precautions are taken. If volunteers manually remove
plants, ingress and egress routes are planned to minimize the area
impacted. Prior to project implementation, volunteers receive proper
training on technically sound methods to apply herbicides and remove
invasive plants by hand. This ensures the proper application of
herbicides used to remove invasive species to avoid unintentional damage
to native plants. Pesticides are not applied during rainy or windy
periods.

3\. Marsh Habitats

Marsh habitats vary with coastal geographic location. Salt marshes exist
on the transition zone between the land and the sea in protected
low-energy areas such as estuaries, lagoons, bays, and river mouths
(Copeland, 1998). Marsh ecosystems, like all wetlands, are a function of
hydrology, soil, and biota. Tidal cycles allow salty and brackish water
to inundate and drain the salt marsh, circulating organic and inorganic
nutrients throughout the marsh. Water is also the medium in which most
organisms live. The marshes are strongly influenced by tidal flushing
and stream flow, which affect the inundation and salinity regimes of
salt marsh soils. In areas with enough runoff, salt marshes transition
into brackish and freshwater marshes (Copeland, 1998). Sand- and
mudflats occur at extreme low water, whereas salt marsh vegetation
develops where the soils are more exposed to the air than inundated by
tides, usually above mean sea level. *Spartina* spp. (cordgrass)
typically dominate the lower marsh. Salt marshes are of paramount
ecological importance because they 1) export vital nutrients to adjacent
waters; 2) improve water quality through the removal and recycling of
inorganic nutrients; 3) absorb wave energy from stops and act as a water
reservoir to reduce damage further inland; and 4) serve an important
role in nitrogen and sulfur cycling (Mitsch and Gosselink, 1993; Turner,
1977; Thayer et al., 1981; Zimmerman et al., 1984).

*Description of Habitat (EFH) Affected:*

The Gulf of Mexico Estuarine Inventory (GMEI) measured 6.0 million acres
of emergent tidal vegetation with 63% of the marsh found in Louisiana
(GMFMC, 1998). The Gulf Coast contains a variety of salt, brackish,
intermediate, and fresh wetlands. In Texas, saline and brackish marshes
are mostly distributed south of Galveston Bay and intermediate marshes
occurring east of the Bay (Henderson, 1997). In Louisiana, emergent
marsh amounts to more than 3.9 million acres consisting of saline,
brackish, intermediate, and fresh water marsh (GMFMC, 1998). Tidal
marshes in Florida cover 528,528 acres and extend northward the full
length of the coast. Wetlands are of special interest in the Gulf
because of their importance in maintaining the production of the rich
Gulf fisheries resources by serving as fishery grounds for larvae, post
larvae, juveniles, and adults of several species.(GMFMC, 1998). Brown,
white and pink shrimp are intimately linked to salt marshes where they
grow, feed and forage. In their postlarvae and juvenile stages,
densities are highest in marsh edge habitat and SAV. These areas provide
postlarvae, juvenile, and subadult shrimp with food and protection from
predation and also help maintain the essential gradient between fresh
and salt water. Estuarine wetlands are also important to larval,
juvenile, and subadult red drum.

In the South Atlantic, salt and brackish marshes occur in all four
states and cover approximately 894,200 acres (SAFMC, 1998b). These
marshes account for about 16% of the nation's total coastal wetlands.
They are most common in the Carolinas with the greatest amount of marsh
habitat within the Albemarle-Pamlico Sound (NC) and the St.
Andrews-Simons Sound (SAFMC, 1998b). Smooth Cordgrass (*Spartina
alterniflora*) is the dominant vegetation in marshes along the Gulf and
Atlantic coasts. For penaeid shrimp, essential fish habitat includes
inshore estuarine areas used for spawning and growth to maturity.
Inshore areas include tidal freshwater (palustrine), estuarine, and
marine emergent wetlands (e.g. intertidal salt marshes) from North
Carolina through the Florida Keys (SAFMC, 1998b). Estuarine emergent
vegetated wetlands are also EFH for red drum and snapper-grouper
species. Estuarine marshes are uncommon in Puerto Rico (CFMC, 1998).
Species managed by the Mid-Atlantic Council such as the bluefish and
summer flounder may also be found in these areas.

*Potential Impacts From Restoration Activities:*

Salt marsh restorations may involve removal of invasive vegetation,
revegetation of native plants, and culvert replacement to restore tidal
flushing. Revegetation is usually performed with the help of volunteers
which may result in minor disturbance of the surrounding habitat through
increased foot traffic. This may result in soil compaction as well as
disturbance of existing vegetation or other habitat structures. Invasive
species removal is performed using similar methods to those described in
the section under shoreline habitats.

Measures to eliminate or reduce potential impacts from restoration
activities include the use of turbidity curtains and other forms of
water column protection to prevent the flow and/or washing out of
disturbed debris from the tidal creek. These measures should also
localize erosion to an isolated area. In order to minimize the potential
impacts from invasive species removal activities, certain precautions
are taken. Ingress and egress routes for volunteers are planned to
minimize the area impacted. Volunteers are also properly trained on
sound methods to apply herbicides and removing invasive plants.
Herbicides used to remove invasive species are applied directly with
special care to avoid unintentional damage to native plants. Herbicides
are not be applied during rainy or windy periods.

4\. Submerged Aquatic Vegetation (SAV)

Submerged grasses or SAV differ from most other wetland plants in that
they are almost exclusively subtidal, occur mainly in marine salinities
and utilize the water column for support. SAV occur across a wide depth
range, from rocky intertidal habitats to depths of 40 meters, and for
some species, broad latitudinal ranges. Distribution patterns are
influenced by light, salinity, temperature, substrate type, and
currents. SAV habitat is currently threatened because of the cumulative
effects of overpopulation, commercial development, and recreation
activities in the coastal zone. SAV supply many habitat functions,
including: (1) support of large numbers of epiphytic organisms; (2)
damping of waves and slowing of currents which enhances sediment
stability and increases the accumulation of organic and inorganic
material; (3) binding by roots of sediments, thus reducing erosion and
preserving sediment microflora; and, (4) roots and leaves provide
horizontal and vertical complexity to habitat, which, together with
abundant and varied food sources, support densities of fauna generally
exceeding those in unvegetated habitats (Wood *et. al*., 1969; Thayer
*et. al*., 1984). They also provide nursing grounds for many juvenile
fish species and habitat for many larval and adult invertebrates
critical to near-shore food chains (GMFMC, 1998).

*Description of Habitat (EFH) Affected:*

About 3,700,000 acres of SAV are found in the estuaries and shallow
coastal waters within the Gulf of Mexico, with most occurring in Florida
and Texas. On the Gulf coast, SAV are particularly abundant and diverse
along the shores of central and southern Florida, covering nearly 50% of
the estuarine bottoms (GMFMC, 1998). Five species of seagrass are
commonly found in the Gulf of Mexico. The seagrass meadows are populated
by diverse and abundant fish faunas. Seasonal resident fish such as
drums (*Sciaenidae*), porgies (*Sparidae*), grunts *(Pomadasyidae*),
snappers (*Lutjanidae*), and mojarras (*Gerreidae*) spend much of their
juvenile and adult stages or spawning seasons in seagrass meadows.
Juvenile brown shrimp and white shrimp are also found in SAV as well as
managed species such as red drum, groupers, reef fish, stone crabs, and
spiny lobster larvae.

In the South Atlantic region, SAV is found primarily in the states of
Florida and North Carolina (SAFMC, 1998b). In North Carolina, SAV
coverage is estimated to be around 200,000 acres. Three seagrass species
grow in North Carolina but are limited to areas within coastal lagoons,
protected inland waterways and river mouths protected by barrier islands
(SAFMC, 1998b). There are no known open ocean seagrass beds in North
Carolina. In Florida, total SAV coverage is estimated to be 2.9 million
acres. Other species may be found in Florida within protected inland
waters as well as oceanic environments. In north-central, central, and
southeast Florida, all of the SAV occur within protected coastal lagoons
and in the Intracoastal Waterway (ICW). Seven species of SAV are found
in Florida's shallow coastal areas in concentrations along Florida's
east coast as well as Florida Bay. In North Carolina, three dominant
species are concentrated in the southern and eastern Pamlico Sound, Core
Sound, Back Sound, Bogue Sound, and the numerous small southern sounds.
SAV is not found in Georgia and South Carolina because of highly turbid
freshwater discharges, suspended sediments and a large tidal amplitude
which prevents their permanent establishment. In Florida, many
economically important species utilize SAV beds as growth and feeding
grounds as well as spawning habitat (SAFMC, 1998a). These species
include the spotted seatrout (*Cynoscion nebulosus*), grunts
(Haemulids), snook (*Centropomus* sp.), bonefish (*Albulu vulpes*),
tarpon (*Megalops atlanticus*) and several species of snapper
(*Lutianids* sp.) and grouper (*Serranids* sp.). In North Carolina, 40
species of fish and invertebrates have been found on seagrass beds.
Larval and juvenile managed fish and shellfish species including red
drum (*Sciaenops ocellatus*), gag (*Mycteroperca microlepis*), and white
grunt (*Haemulon plumieri*) utilize the SAV beds as growth and foraging
areas. SAV meadows are also frequented by bluefish (*Pomatomus
saltatrix*), pink and brown shrimp, as well as offshore reef fishes such
as gag (*Mycteroperca microlepis*), gray snapper (*Lutianus griseus*),
lane snapper (*Lutjanus synagris*), and mutton snapper (*Lutianus
analis*).

Puerto Rico has one of the most diverse seagrass floras of the north
Atlantic Ocean with seven species of seagrass recorded, turtlegrass
(*Thalassia testudinum*) being most common (CFMC, 1998). In the U.S.
Caribbean, seagrass beds are important for the brooding of eggs and for
fishes with demersal eggs. The spiny lobster (*Panulirus argus*), is one
managed species strongly reliant on seagrass habitats including seagrass
supported trophic intermediaries. Many fish also reside in grass beds to
temporarily forage, spawn, or escape predation. Seagrass beds are EFH
for shallow water reef fish including juvenile Nassau and schoolmaster,
juvenile and adult mutton snapper, gray snapper, yellowtail, white
grunt, and adult banded butterflyfish. Queen conch also feeds on certain
species of seagrass beds throughout its life stages.

*Potential impacts from restoration activities:*

SAV restoration often involves transplanting seagrass plants from
existing SAV donor beds, which can cause short-term adverse impacts to
SAV. These include temporary damages to existing beds by volunteers
which may reduce the quality and quantity of EFH in the donor area. SAV
plants may also be damaged during transplant. Planting may result in
disturbance of existing bottom-substrate from clearing or digging.

A number of methods may be used to avoid or reduce potential impacts to
SAV during restoration activities. One method of reducing potential
impacts by volunteers is through the use of TERFS ^TM^ racks
(Transplanting Eelgrass Remotely using Frame Systems) which allows
seagrass to be transplanted with little contact with the water. This
system attaches seagrass plants to reusable wire frames with
biodegradable ties which are dropped to the bottom of the restoration
site where seagrass roots can then anchor new shoots in place. This
method minimizes potential impacts to bottom sediment from divers as
well as impacts to SAV plants from handling and storage. In order to
avoid damage to transplanted SAV plants, projects may also be required
to complete transplanting activities within 24 hours of collection from
donor beds. Plants should also be gathered through careful field
collection to minimize damage to existing beds. TERFS ^TM^ racks and
other similar planting techniques may be used to plant other types of
SAV.

5\. Oyster Reefs

Oyster reefs may be found in intertidal and subtidal areas, where
suitable substrate and adequate larval supply exist, along with
appropriate (brackish to estuarine) salinity levels and water
circulation. Oyster beds historically were found along the East and Gulf
Coasts, but have been greatly reduced in occurrence as a result of
anthropogenic impacts in the past 200 years (Kennedy and Sanford, 1995).
Oyster beds are built by the cementing together of oyster shells, with
additional hard substrate provided by associates such as other bivalves,
barnacles, and calcareous tube builders such as some polychaetes
(Kennedy and Sanford, 1995). Larvae of these invertebrates settle
seasonally on this substrate. Eventually, a mound forms and grows
vertically and laterally as oysters accumulate and shell is scattered in
the bed's vicinity (Bahr and Lanier, 1981). Oyster reefs can vary in
morphology, influenced by local effects (Kennedy and Sanford, 1995).
Oyster beds have in the past been an important food source as well as
providing shore protection (hard substrate), water clarification, and
habitat for other invertebrates.

*Description of Habitat (EFH) Affected:*

Oyster reefs are EFH for a number of species managed by the Gulf
Council. Postlarvae and juvenile brown and white shrimp occur in oyster
reefs at high densities. Oyster reef substrates are also preferred by
subadult and adult red drum. The juvenile and adult life stages of reef
fish are associated with bottom topographies on the continental shelf
such as artificial reefs. Oyster shells are also habitat for stone crabs
after they reach a width of about one-half inch, but large juveniles or
small adults are also abundant on oyster reefs.

In the South Atlantic, oysters are found at varying distances up major
drainage basins depending upon typography, salinity, substrate and other
variables (SAFMC, 1998b). The most extensive contiguous intertidal
oyster reefs occur in the South Carolina coastal zone. For red drum, EFH
includes oyster reefs and shell banks to a depth of 50 meters offshore
from Virginia through the Florida Keys. Artificial reefs from shore to
at least 600 feet are EFH for snapper-grouper species with oyster reefs
inshore of 100 feet being EFH for specific life stages. In the
Charleston Bump, oyster/shell habitat is state-designated habitat of
particular importance for the growth and foraging of snapper-grouper
species.

*Potential impacts from restoration activities:*

Shellfish creation involves the placement of shell and/or other
materials at specific sites to provide hard substrate for aquatic
communities. The placement of the reef may result in impacts to
bottom-dwelling benthic organisms and fish in the area which may be
buried during the placement of reef material. Temporary increases in
turbidity may also result when materials are placed. When oyster shell
is used, is it often washed overboard from barges which minimizes
turbidity problems.

Impacts may also result depending on the source from which shell for the
reef is obtained. Shells are commonly acquired via two method. Dredge
shell programs obtain buried shells by dredging areas, which can cause
short-term turbidity problems. In addition, any aquatic organisms in the
area would be eliminated. The other method of obtaining shell is to
purchase them through shucking houses. This method has no adverse
impacts to the aquatic environment.

Potential impacts from oyster reef creation may be minimized by ensuring
that shells are washed overboard onto the reef sites instead of being
dumped overboard, which would result in turbidity plumes. In addition,
shell should only be obtained from shucking houses where no impacts to
habitat were made during shell acquisition.

6\. Mangroves

Mangroves are woody plant communities that develop in sheltered tropical
and subtropical coastal estuarine environments. Mangroves are adapted to
survive in very saline, waterlogged, reduced soils that are often poorly
consolidated and subject to rapid environmental changes (eg. salinity
changes) (Cintron-Molero, 1992). Mangrove communities, like salt
marshes, facilitate much nutrient cycling, trapping nutrient-rich
sediments and maintaining high rates of organic matter fixation
(Cintron-Molero, 1992). Mangroves also provide important shelter for
larval fish and crustaceans, and contribute detritus and dissolved
organic carbon to estuarine food webs (Heald, 1969; Odum, 1971; Twilley,
1982). Mangrove ecosystems are coupled to other systems such as seagrass
beds and coral reefs, supporting species of fish, shrimp, and birds.
Mangroves are highly productive structures. A significant amount of the
net production is incorporated into leaves and fruits, allowing more
energy to be incorporated into the food web. This results in an
abundance of shellfish and finfish in mangrove areas, as well as a
diversity and abundance of other associated fauna.

*Description of Habitat (EFH) Affected:*

Three species comprise the major elements of mangrove communities in
Florida, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands---red, black, and
white mangroves. A fourth species, the buttonwood (*Conocarpus
erectus*), is also common in the Caribbean. Red mangroves are usually
found in fringe or riverine environments characterized by active water
flow and a high degree of flushing. The other two species tend to
dominate in stagnant environments where water flows are reduced and
often seasonal (Cintron-Molero, 1992). Mangroves represent a major
coastal wetland habitat in the southeastern United States, occupying in
excess of 494,200 acres along the coastlines of all Gulf coast states,
Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands (CFMC, 1998). They are the
dominant type of emergent wetlands in Puerto Rico. The southern coast of
Florida contains some 395,000 acres of mangrove (GMFMC, 1998). The
distribution of mangrove along the Gulf Coast is limited to areas where
hard freezes do not occur.

A few species of reef fish are found on Florida's Gulf Coast. These
include gray snapper, yellowtail snapper, lane snapper, and gray
triggerfish. In the South Atlantic, mangroves are EFH for sub-adult red
drum. Jewfish, gray snapper, mutton snapper, and white grunt are also
found in mangroves during juvenile or adult stages. In the Caribbean,
spiny lobsters (*Panulirus argus*) are the most important commercial and
recreation invertebrates found in the prop roots of mangroves. Reef fish
such as red hind, Nassau grouper, mutton snapper, schoolmaster, gray
snapper yellowtail snapper, white grunt, and banded butterflyfish are
also common in mangroves, using it as a refuge and source of food.

*Potential impacts from restoration activities:*

Mangrove restoration may involve invasive species removal and
revegetation of mangrove species. Revegetation is usually performed with
the help of volunteers which may result in minor disturbance of the
surrounding habitat through increased foot traffic. This may result in
soil compaction as well as disturbance of existing vegetation or other
habitat structures. Invasive species removal is performed using similar
methods used in shoreline restoration from above.

In order to minimize the potential impacts from invasive species removal
activities, certain precautions are taken. Ingress and egress routes for
volunteers planned to minimize the area impacted. Volunteers are also
properly trained on sound methods to apply herbicides and removing
invasive plants. Herbicides used to remove invasive species are applied
directly with special care to avoid unintentional damage to native
plants. Herbicides are not be applied during rainy or windy periods.

B. Marine Environments

In marine waters, EFH includes all marine waters and substrates (mud,
sand, shell, rock, hardbottom, and associated biological communities)
from the shoreline to the seaward limit of the EEZ.

1\. Artificial Reefs

Artificial reefs are structures or materials that are intentionally
placed in aquatic environments to enhance fishery habitat by replacing
habitat and ecosystem functions to support entire biological communities
(SAFMC, 1998b). Artificial reefs are used in almost every possible
marine environment, from shallow-water estuarine creeks to offshore
sites up to several hundred feet in depth. They provide new primary hard
substrate similar in function to newly exposed hard bottom (Goren,
1985). They also increase habitat complexity which provides shelter and
foraging habitat for numerous species.

*Description of Habitat (EFH) Affected:*

In the Gulf of Mexico, artificial reefs have been used to enhance
fishing success for many years. Texas, Louisiana, and Florida have
legislative or agency sanctioned artificial reef plans which permit reef
creation in designated sites in inshore and offshore waters (GMFMC,
1998). Florida has more than 587 sites permitted for artificial reefs on
378,898 acres on their west coast. Common materials used to form reefs
include ships, concrete rubble, barges, tires, oyster shells and car
bodies. Alabama has its own artificial reef program with five permit
areas and 768,000 acres approved for permitting of artificial reefs.
Mississippi, Louisiana, and Texas also have numerous sites permitted for
artificial reefs in their inshore, coastal and offshore waters.

Depending on environmental conditions on a specific reef site, and the
behavior patterns of certain fish, species within the Snapper-Grouper
group tend to be long to short-term reef residents, while those among
the Coastal Pelagics tend to be more transient visitors to the reefs as
they migrate up and down the coast (SAFMC, 1998b). In the South
Atlantic, artificial reefs from shore to at least 600 feet are EFH for
snapper-grouper species with oyster reefs inshore of 100 feet being EFH
for specific life stages. Red drum and spiny lobster, as well as some of
the managed shrimp species, may be found on and around specific reef
sites at different times of the year, depending on the exact location
and design of the reef. While some species of managed corals may occur
on reef structures as far north as the Carolina's, the waters off South
Florida are the predominant site where such species are found attached
to manmade substrate.

*Potential impacts from restoration activities:*

Artificial reef creation involves the placement of materials at specific
sites to provide hard substrate for aquatic communities. The placement
of the reef may result in impacts to bottom-dwelling benthic organisms
and fish in the area which may be buried during the placement of reef
material. Temporary increases in turbidity may also result when
materials are placed.

Artificial reefs should be constructed using materials that do not
impact EFH. In addition, shell used should only be obtained from
shucking houses where no impacts to habitat were made during shell
acquisition.

2\. Coral Reefs

Coral reefs are wave resistant structures made of calcium carbonate
secreted by, and harboring plants and animals in shallow tropical seas.
While most of the reef environment is depositional, the seaward growing
portion of the reef is essential for the survival and maintenance of the
rest of the reef system (Wiens, 1962; Guilcher, 1987). Coral may
dominate a habitat (coral reefs), be a significant component
(hardbottom), or be individuals within a community characterized by
other fauna (solitary corals) (GMFMC, 1998). Coral reef systems provide
food, shelter, breeding, and growth areas for many reef and non-reef
organisms. Coral reefs are also linked to mangroves and SAV where these
systems occur in close proximity to one another (Maragos, 1992). A
number of rare or endangered species inhabit or use coral reef
environments. Hardbottoms constitute a group of communities
characterized by a thin veneer of live corals and other biota overlying
associated sediment types. They are usually of low relief and occur on
the continental shelf and may be associated with relict reefs.

*Description of Habitats (EFH) Affected:*

Coral reef communities and solitary specimens exist throughout the
eastern Gulf of Mexico and occur in near-shore environments. Coral and
coral reefs are managed species under the Gulf Council. EFH for corals
include both the coral organism itself and the reef formation as well as
the fishery associated with the reef. Coral reefs are found in the East
and West Flower Garden Banks, the Florida Middle Grounds, and the
extreme southwestern tip of the Florida Reef Tract (GMFMC, 1998). The
East and West Flower Garden Banks contain a total of 175 acres of reef
and are the northernmost reefs in the Gulf of Mexico. The Florida Middle
Ground is a live hardbottom area located on the outer edge of the
continental shelf in the eastern Gulf. Coral reefs are EFH for all reef
fish species managed by the Gulf Council. Juvenile and adult reef fish
are often associated with bottom topographies on the continental shelf
which have high relief. Offshore coral reefs are the principal habitats
used by spiny lobster. The spiny lobster also spawns in offshore waters
along the deeper reef fringes. Coral is also EFH for stone crabs which
may burrow under them.

Coral reef communities and solitary specimens may be found in the South
Atlantic region and are found more frequently in the U.S. Caribbean from
nearshore environments to continental slopes and canyons, including the
intermediate shelf zones (SAFMC, 1998b). In the South Atlantic, coral
habitat (i.e. habitats to which coral is a significant contributor) are
divided into five categories: solitary corals, hardbottoms, deepwater
banks, patch reefs, and outer bank reefs. Solitary corals are a minor
component of coral stacks in the South Atlantic. Hardbottoms are most
widely distributed across the management area and occur off the coasts
of each state. Deepwater banks exist in the Straight of Florida off
Little Bahama Bank. About 6,035 individual linear- and dome- shaped
patch reefs and about 60 miles of outer bank reefs are distributed in
the Florida reef tract (SAFMC, 1998b). The South Atlantic FMP for coral,
coral reefs, and live/hard bottom habitats incorporates habitat
requirements for over 200 species. Coral reefs provide habitat for a
number of species managed by the Council. The identification of these
habitats enable the Council to protect EFH effectively for other managed
species. Coral reefs are EFH for nearly all snapper-grouper species
managed by the South Atlantic Council. Juvenile and adult spiny lobsters
also use coral reefs as EFH in Florida.

Coral reefs and other coral communities are one of the most important
ecological coastal resources in the Caribbean, and they are more
prevalent in the geographical areas of authority of the Caribbean
Council (CFMC, 1998). Corals grow around much of Puerto Rico, but
physical conditions result in only localized reef formations. High
rainfall, run-off, and intense wave action causing erosion and removal
of suitable substrate for growth has prevented reef development. Reef
growth increases towards the east. Small reefs are found in abundance on
the south coast because of low rainfall and river influx. Submerged
reefs can also be found on the shelf edge in the south and west. In the
U.S. Virgin Islands, the island of St. Croix has the most extensive
reefs with several miles of bank-barrier reefs extending from Coakley
Bay on the north coast to Great Pond Bay in the south (CFMC, 1998).
Other reef areas include South-eastern St. Thomas, Saba
Island/Perseverance Bay, and the Salt River Submarine Canyon. Corals are
managed by the Caribbean Council through an existing Coral FMP. The FMP
prohibits the taking of coral reef resources from the EEZ as well as
possession or harvest of any managed species. Many other species are
highly dependent on reefs for shelter, food, and as spawning sites. The
FMP for corals includes over 100 coral species and over 60 species of
plants and invertebrates. Most juvenile and adult snapper-grouper
species managed by the Caribbean Council occur in coral reefs during
various life stages. The spiny lobster is also found in coral reef and
hardbottom habitats during its juvenile and adult stages. Corals reefs
are also spawning areas for spiny lobster.

*Potential impacts from restoration activities:*

The restoration of coral reefs requires direct contact of volunteer
divers with the aquatic environment. Potential impacts include
accidental contact with already-damaged corals by divers, equipment, and
anchoring boats. Divers may also disturb bottom sediment with fins,
causing turbidity problems. The use of healthy, intact coral sites as
donor sites increases the potential for damage to the existing corals by
transplanting methods and by activities of the divers themselves.

To minimize potential impacts, divers are required to be skilled in the
use of standard diving principles. These principles include rules such
as not touching any coral tissue, knowing the location of all equipment,
and staying off the bottom in sediment-laden areas. Prior to restoration
activities, divers are also trained in coral biology, reef ecology, and
restoration methods. During transplant, coral are stored in such a way
to minimize movement to prevent damage to cores.

**[RC Conservation Measures]{.underline}**

The RC has developed measures to mitigate possible impacts of CRP
activities on environmental resources and non-CRP activities. These
measures are specific to restoration activities within project areas and
have already been put to use in funded projects. These measures which
are normally specified in CRP contracts are:

1\. Use of Best Management Practices (BMP)

Best management practices (BMPs) are measures to minimize and avoid all
potential impacts to EFH during CRP restoration activities. This
conservation measure requires the use of BMPs during restoration
activities to reduce impacts from project implementation. BMPs shall
include but are not limited to:

a\. Measures to protect the water column - Turbidity curtains, haybales,
and erosion mats shall be

used

b\. Staging areas - Areas used for staging will occur in non-wetland
areas only. Planning for use

of these staging areas will be carried out in advance and impact areas
will be kept to a

minimum size.

c\. Buffer areas around sensitive resources - Rare plants, archeological
sites, etc., will be flagged

and avoided. d. Invasive species - Measures to ensure native vegetation
or revegetation

success will be identified and implemented.

2\. Use of FMP Conservation Measures

In addition to measures stated in this section, applicable EFH
conservation measures provided by each Council will be incorporated into
projects to minimize potential impacts. These measures address
project-specific activities that may impact EFH and offer guidance to
reduce these impacts.

3\. Adequate Training of Volunteers

The adequate training measure is intended to ensure minimal impact to
the restoration site through proper training and education of
volunteers. Volunteers shall be trained in the use of low-impact
techniques for planting, equipment handling, and any other activities
associated with the restoration. Proper diving techniques will also be
used by volunteer divers.

Training volunteers to perform restoration activities using low-impact
techniques will minimize impacts to critical habitat for species managed
under the Gulf Council.

4\. Monitoring

Monitoring will be conducted before, during, and after project
implementation to ensure compliance with project design and restoration
success. If immediate post-construction monitoring reveals that
unavoidable impacts to EFH have occurred, appropriate coordination with
regional EFH personnel will take place to determine appropriate response
measures, possibly including mitigation.

5\. Post-Project Implementation Removal

Any temporary access pathways and staging areas will be removed or
restored to re-establish or improve site conditions. Monitoring steps in
Section 4 will assess whether unexpected impacts to EFH have occurred.

6\. Herbicide Application Controls

Use of herbicides in project areas will be conducted according to
established protocols. Such protocols will include information and
guidelines for appropriate use, timing, amounts, application methods,
and safety procedures relevant to the herbicide application. For
example,

\- Herbicide applications should have a six-hour contact time prior to
rain

\- Herbicides should never be applied during periods of wind or rain.

\- Herbicides should be directly applied using spray bottles or garden
sprayers

\- If removal takes place in the aquatic environment (e.g., Brazilian
pepper removal), appropriate

herbicides such as Rodeo^®^ must be used, but only if the stump is cut
at least 1 foot above the

water line (MRC, 1998).

7\. Use of Heavy Equipment

The use of heavy equipment (e.g., graders, front-end loaders, and
backhoes \-- to move earth, trees, etc.) that has the potential to
impact soil stability should be avoided to the maximum extent possible.
If the use of heavy equipment is not avoidable, then project-specific
consultation will be required.

8\. Multiple Tracking Events/Soil Compaction

If activities in the project site necessitates multiple episodes of
individuals accessing or tracking through the site, appropriate methods
to avoid or minimize impacts will be used. On a case-by-case basis,
potential impacts to the project site as a consequence of these
activities will be evaluated in the project planning phase prior to the
start of these activities.

**[Project-Specific Consultation]{.underline}**

If the proposed project plans are substantially different than plans
mentioned in this consultation or if new information becomes available
that affects the basis for no adverse affect determination, then EFH
consultation will be reinitiated.

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