For life in the Bay to thrive, high-quality food sources and habitats are required.
The health and abundance of these animals and habitats are gauges of the Bay’s health.
The indicators in this section show that more underwater grasses and wetlands are needed both for habitat and for their ability to filter pollution. Bottom habitat in the Bay and the health of algae must improve.
The Bay’s habitat and lower food web is measured with four indicators:
Quantitative restoration goals have been set for three of these indicators. When all of the goals are reached, it should mean restored habitat and lower food web.
Long-term trend (1996-2008)
The Habitats and Lower Food Web Index score increased from 41 percent to 45.3 percent of goal achieved.
Short-term trend (10-year trend)
Between 1999 and 2008, the Habitats and Lower Food Web Index score decreased from 49.05 percent to 45.3 percent of goal achieved.
Change from previous year (2007-2008)
There was no significant change from 2007 to 2008 (44.6 percent to 45.3 percent of goal achieved)
The most up-to-date monitoring data gathered by Bay Program partners are used to provide a scientifically based assessment of the Bay’s habitats and lower food web.
The Habitats and Lower Food Web Index incorporates scores for the following indicators:
Percent achievement values for each indicator assessed in this category were averaged to create the index score. Values for indicators whose goal achievement status could not be quantified this year will be incorporated into the averages for the index in future reports.
For more information contact:
Nita Sylvester at 800-968-7229 ext. 711