This layer shows a 45-meter buffer from the maximum extent that eelgrass has been surveyed in the San Francisco Bay. This resource is intended to be a starting point for understanding potential eelgrass habitat as a general reference only. Further information on methods and limitations can be found at SFEI. Merkel & Associates, Inc. conducted Baywide surveys in 2003, 2009, 2014, and a Richardson Bay survey in 2019 - the 45 meter buffer was developed from all of these survey data. The 2019 results were received from Merkel & Associates, Inc directly and permission to share this publicly was granted.

Methods for developing this dataset are as follows:

Downloaded Baywide Eelgrass Surveys from SFEI done by Merkel & Associates, Inc in 2003, 2009, and 2014. Uploaded this layer and Richardson Bay 2019 survey layer (projected NAD 1983 UTM Zone 10N). Used Buffer tool to develop a single multipart shapefile with a 45 meter buffer from the input layers. Imported the Pacific Marine and Estuarine Fish Habitat Partnership (PMEP) Estuary Extent layer and clipped the 45 meter buffer over terrestrial areas based on the PEMP Estuary Extent. Some minor adjustments were made where the buffer layer resulted in fragments on land or behind levees.