A Decision Support Tool to Support the Integration of Spatial Data Analysis and Statistical Modeling for Fish and Habitat Condition Assessments

The decision tool development for the Midwest and Great Plains was based on the overall goal to provide a spatially explicit data analysis and model to conduct fish habitat condition assessments based on a range of metrics.  Using the scalable 1:100,000 National Hydrological Dataset for stream/river lines and segment level watersheds our system allows for the assessment of habitats to better understand the distribution, status, threats, and relative abundance of aquatic resources.  Running within an ArcGIS ArcMap interface the model analyzes data at the catchment level, and then aggregates the results at various spatial scales to examine interconnectedness, which will assist to quantify the cumulative effects of the derived metrics on downstream habitat conditions. This model and analysis of spatial variation using GIS creates a broad and unique understanding of the link between terrestrial and aquatic health.