From: Santa Barbara Independent

The California Department of Fish and Game (DFG) today announced a new marine and coastal map viewer, called MarineBIOS.

This interactive map is a new tool for accessing California statewide marine spatial planning data. Users can visually explore and retrieve pertinent marine and coastal spatial planning information compiled for past and present DFG projects, including Marine Protected Area (MPA) planning.

Located at http://www.dfg.ca.gov/marine/gis/viewer.asp, the website is an in-depth source of information about California’s MPAs, as well as some of the more common spatial planning data that was used to create those MPA regulations. For example, users may look up information on the distribution of kelp canopies, benthic and intertidal habitats, important marine managed areas or points of interest relevant to marine user groups.

The site is a strong starting point for potential additional data and customized tools in support of DFG projects and constituents.

“This map viewer marks a significant milestone in our effort to manage and make available planning data for marine and coastal constituents,” DFG Director Charlton H. Bonham said. “It’s also cost-effective as it was done in-house, using existing department technology and expertise.”

DFG’s Marine Region and Biogeographic Data Branch collaborated to develop this new website by building on the department’s existing Geographic Information System capability. This map viewer was developed entirely in-house and is part of a larger program called Biogeographic Information and Observation System (BIOS) that provides data-rich web map viewers for the department, its constituents and partners. More information about the DFG Marine Region is available at www.dfg.ca.gov/marine. The DFGBiogeographic Data Branch website is located atwww.dfg.ca.gov/biogeodata.