ABSTRACT
2The approach used to develop an aquatic habitat classification (AHC) system included review and preparation of published habitat criteria reports by six teams, preparation of applied case studies by four teams, and a workshop.
The process included a review of the functional roles of habitat. Further, since the performance of these functions is controlled by the physical, chemical, and biological setting, select descriptors were reviewed by the participants in this project to provide measurement of the aquatic habitat. In addition, it was recognized that the classification system would need to provide a basis for relating information at different scales; at local, regional, and the complete system level of aquatic habitat. A Geographic Information System (GIS) was seen to offer many potential advantages for data handling and processing.
