Priority Ocean Areas for Protection in the Mid-Atlantic

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Individual Recommendations
Tom Hoff

POLYGON TH1

Rationale: physical features; biodiversity
Seasons and depths important for protection: year-round; benthic

This area extends from Cape May, New Jersey, to Cape Cod, Massachusetts (NMFS fisheries statistical areas 616 and 537), between the 80-meter and 400-meter isobaths, and includes Hudson Canyon. As with most canyon heads, the area is a significant habitat for tilefish. Beyond their own importance supporting a small fishery, tilefish burrows provide habitat for many other species, such as deepwater crabs and lobsters. This area has been designated an HAPC by the Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council.

REFERENCES

Tilefish Fishery Management Plan. Vol. 1, November 2000. Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council. Dover, DE.

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