Now on Web: Alaska ShoreZone Database of Intertidal Shore Stations

The Alaska ShoreZone Shore Station database is an interactive spatial dataset providing intertidal biophysical data from sites throughout the Gulf of Alaska. Over 400 sites have been documented since 2002. These on-the-ground data include species present, as well as their associated biobands, and describe across-shore profiles and substrate characteristics. Site photos are also web posted. The purpose of this dataset is to provide users of ShoreZone with additional information on the regional differences of intertidal communities found in Alaska.

The Shore Station spatial data are available through the NOAA ShoreZone site (www.alaskafisheries.noaa.gov/maps) under “Related Databases” as well as through the ShoreZone portal at www.shorezone.org. The website interface guides the viewer through spatial searches by region, locale, station, bioband or species of flora and/or fauna. Query results can be downloaded as spreadsheet files, including species lists resulting from searches by region or by station. Station photos are captioned and viewable as slide show for each station and can be downloaded to your desktop. Detailed diagrams of beach profiles showing slope, length, substrate and biota are also viewable.  Supplemental information including tutorials, definitions of ShoreZone attributes, and links to species descriptions (www.seaweedsofalaska.com) are also integrated into this website.

Development of the online ShoreZone Shore Station database was funded through a partnership between Cook Inlet Regional Citizens Advisory Council, NOAA Fisheries, and Archipelago Marine Research Ltd.