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These maps are generated to illustrate the results of the targeting effort following the protocol described in the Restoration Siting Protocol section. The authors recognize this level of targeting does not preclude the need for field inspection at potential sites prior to reef construction. The atlas is comprised of a series of boxes preceded by an index locator (below). The scale of each box may vary. The potential restoration areas are illustrated in red. The legend reports the total acres available for restoration within the boundary of each box. At this time, the size of individual restoration sites can only be retrieved using the digital data and a capable GIS package like ArcInfo or ArcView. A total of 788 individual sites comprising 11,469 acres of subaqueous bottom have been targeted. In addition to the targeted sites, additional GIS data are included to provide assistance in site selection. Illustrated in grey, shellfish condemnation zones represent waterways that have been designated by the Virginia Department of Heath, Division of Shellfish Sanitation as closed for the taking of shellfish. These closures are based on regular fecal coliform monitoring by the Division. The GIS data are a modified version of AutoCAD files developed and maintained by the VMRC survey division. |
General bathymetry is provided on the basis of water depths greater than or less than 2 meters. These data were developed and maintained by the Chesapeake Bay Program and are available through their website. The location of existing restoration sites is denoted as solid black triangles. Geographic positions for reef sites were collected using Global Positioning Systems (GPS) in the field. These sites represent restoration activities that have occurred in Virginia waters with support from a variety of agencies and organizations. VMRC has been responsible for overseeing the construction of these sites. Sentinel monitoring stations are long-term monitoring stations where oyster populations have been recorded over time. Monitoring is being performed by VIMS and VMRC. A ten year monitoring plan is in place to evaluate the rate at which restoration activities progress toward baywide oyster population goals (Chesapeake Bay Oyster Population Estimation Program). Sentinel monitoring stations are denoted with a solid black circle. The public oyster ground boundaries are illustrated using a thick black line. The private leases, which are administered by VMRC are illustrated with a thin black line. |
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Click on the name of a box to go to the corresponding site map and description. |
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Download a copy of the entire Virginia Oyster Reef Restoration Map Atlas as PDF file. Note that this file is formatted for 11" x 17" paper. |
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