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This layer is derived from NOAA’s Coastal and Marine Ecological Classification Standard. This data describes the bottom substrate conditions that can support oyster populations if potential salinity or depth (dissolved oxygen) constraints are met. Benthic data were aggregated from multiple sources to create a baywide record of seabed material in the Chesapeake Bay. Habitat polygons are classified with an adaptation of the Coastal and Marine Ecological Classification Standard (CMECS) Substrate Component (SC). Source data were collected during the interval 1842-2014. Because of potential temporal changes in bottom conditions and deficiencies in survey methodology, benthic habitat characterizations may be in error in some areas. These are, however, the best data currently available. This is a dynamic dataset. As new surveys occur the resulting CMECS habitat characterizations will spatially replace existing habitat depictions |