These data represent Habitat Areas of Particular Concern (HAPC) as published by NOAA Fisheries (data dated 7/10/2024 at time of data download and preparation for this web service). The purpose of HAPCs is to focus conservation, management, and research efforts on subsets of EFH that are vulnerable to degradation or are especially important ecologically for federally managed fish.

Habitat Areas of Particular Concern (HAPCs) are discrete subsets of EFH that provide extremely important ecological functions or are especially vulnerable to degradation. The HAPC designation does not provide additional protection or restrictions upon an area, but can help prioritize conservation efforts. HAPCs are described in the implementing regulations of the EFH provisions at 50 C.F.R. § 600.815. Regional fishery management councils are encouraged to identify habitat types or areas within EFH as HAPCs, based on one or more of the following considerations: the importance of the ecological function provided by the habitat; the extent to which the habitat is sensitive to human-induced environmental degradation; whether, and to what extent, development activities are, or will be, stressing the habitat type; and the rarity of the habitat type.

Limitations of Use: Although these data have been used by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, U.S. Department of Commerce, no warranty expressed or implied is made by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration as to the accuracy of the data. The act of Distribution shall not constitute any such warranty, and no responsibility is assumed by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration in the use of these data, software, or related materials.

Users are advised that the spatial representation of essential fish habitat is for informational purposes only and should not be solely relied on for regulatory purposes. Implementing regulations [50 CFR 600.815(a)(1)(iv)(B)] specify if there are differences between the descriptions of EFH in text and maps the textual description is ultimately determinative of the limits of EFH as described in the Amendment.