A coast is a coast? Similarities and differences in the drivers of fish habitat condition across three U.S. coasts

Habitat is characterized by the physical, chemical, biological, and geological aspects of a species environment, and the overall condition of a habitat reflects the interaction of these components.  These interactions are generally driven by a combination of natural and anthropogenic factors.  To help clarify which factors or drivers (e.g. fisheries) have the most influence on habitat condition, scientists have developed driver-pressure-state-impact-response (DPSIR) conceptual models. The most successful of these models have well-developed habitat modules in which (a) anthropogenic pressures (e.g. bottom trawling) affecting habitat are explicitly incorporated; (b) pressures (e.g. habitat damage) are identified as they affect the habitat state (e.g. substrate grain size); and (c) species impacts (e.g. reduced habitat suitability) and responses (e.g. migration) are observed or predicted. The sets of drivers for each of the major U.S. coasts show some commonalities but also clear differences, which are attributed to natural habitat features (e.g. riverine input, coastal currents, bathymetry, substrate type, temperature) as well as differences in anthropogenic activities. This paper provides an overview of major drivers affecting habitat condition along the U.S. Atlantic, Pacific and Gulf of Mexico coastlines.