IDENTIFICATION AND DESCRIPTION OF ESSENTIAL FISH HABITAT Essential fish habitat (EFH), as defined in the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management

The CFMC summarized in the Coral Fishery Management Plan (FMP) the information available regarding types and frequency distribution of marine bottoms (Coral FMP 1995; CFMC 1984). The distribution by coast and depth varies. For example, at depths less than 10 fathoms, the north coast includes gravel, hard and rocky bottoms. The East Coast includes reefs, corals, and hard bottoms. Reefs, hard and rocky bottoms are found in the South Coast and rocky, reefs and hard bottoms are found on the West Coast. The percent corresponding to each type per coast varies significantly. Although more than 30 bottom types have been identified (i.e., from marine charts); the most general description allowed is for hard, rocky, corals and reefs which predominate in depths of less than 20 meters. However, in the west coral predominates in deeper water. Sand and mud are the predominant bottom types at greater depths.