Benthic communities in the New London sidescan mosaic study area, USGS OFR 00-304

This data layer, which focuses on benthic communities, was developed
as part of a cooperative project between the University of New Haven,
the Connecticut DEP, and the U.S. Geological Survey. Benthic
communities are an integral component of the ecology of Long Island
Sound.

Understanding the role that spatial heterogeneity plays in the dynamic
of benthic landscapes may be a key to developing a better
understanding of the estuarine ecology and the impacts of human
activity. The purpose of providing this data layer is to help
establish a regional framework for developing a more extensive GIS for
benthic communities in Long Island Sound that can be used for
education, research, and environmental management.

The original studies were conducted to describe the benthic
communities in Long Island Sound; the corresponding data layer is
presented to show the available species richness data in eastern Long
Island Sound.

This data layer depicts benthic communities found in the New London
sidescan sonar mosaic study area.