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Shellfish Area Classification Line

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What does this data set describe?

Title:
Shellfish Area Classification Line

Abstract:
The Connecticut Department of Environmental Protection cooperated with the Department of Agriculture, Bureau of Aquaculture to publish the Connecticut  Shellfish Classification data. More recent information may be available from the Department of Agriculture since the time this information was originally published in 2007. For information or questions on shellfish area classifications contact the Connecticut Department of Agriculture, Bureau of Aquaculture (DA/BA). Mailing address: P.O. Box 97, Milford, CT, 06460, USA. Voice: 203-874-0696. Fax: 203-783-9976. E-mail: dept.agriculture@snet.net. Final authority for the classification of any shellfish area rests with the DA/BA.

One of a set of three 1:24,000-scale datalayers that represent the classifications of shellfish growing waters for the State of Connecticut shoreline towns. This datalayer is composed of polygon features. The shellfishing areas are delineated and classified by the DA/BA, which is the state shellfish control authority in Connecticut. The Connecticut Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) applied information from the DA/BA to the hydrography data to create digital data of shellfish area classifications. DA/BA reassesses pollution sources and shellfish growing areas annually. The digital data is current to that effective date or last amended date recorded on the assessment date list (see supplemental information). This data is subject to change and the DA/BA may have more recent information for some areas.

DEP cooperated with the DA/BA to publish the DA/BA Shellfish Area Classifications data. More recent shellfish classification information may now be available from DA/BA since the time this information was originally published in 2007.

The three classification datalayers are feature based. Waterbodies, such as rivers and lakes and ponds, that appear as area features in the hydrography datalayer are classified in the Shellfish Area polygon shapefile. Smaller water bodies, such as streams and creeks, that appear as line features in the hydrography datalayer are classified in the Shellfish Area line shapefile. A separate point shapefile contains the marinas that are classified by DA/BA. Contact DA/BA or local health departments for additional information regarding the classification of marinas and anchorage areas.

Three additional datalayers add to the classification picture. Markers, such as buoys, demarcation signs and piers, are referred to in DA/BA text describing the shellfish area classifications. The town boundary lines as depicted on DA/BA oyster/shellfish ground charts extend to the Connecticut/New York mid-Long Island Sound boundary line. The jurisdiction line on the charts indicates the boundary between state and town jurisdictional control over shellfish grounds. The jurisdiction line is separate from the shellfishing area classifications.

*Please note that in some cases the town boundary line and the shellfish jurisdiction line are different and are so noted.

Supplemental information:
CONTENTS: Classification definitions

CLASSIFICATIONS:
Approved 
Conditionally Approved 
Restricted-Relay/Depuration 
Conditionally Restricted-Relay/Depuration 
Restricted-Relay 
Conditionally Restricted-Relay 
Prohibited 

DEFINITIONS: 
For complete information refer to: National Shellfish Sanitation Program, Model Ordinance - 1999 revision. The 1999 Model Ordinance is online at http://vm.cfsan.fda.gov/~ear/nsspotoc.html.
For information and publications contact: Director, Program and Enforcement Branch HFS-417, Office of Seafood, Food and Drug Administration, 5100 Paint Branch Parkway, College Park, MD 20740-3835, tel (301) 436-2303, fax (301) 436-2599. 
State of Connecticut Department of Agriculture/Bureau of Aquaculture(DA/BA)
Shellfishing Area Classifications 
Last modified: 10/27/02         Visit our web site at:  www.ct.us/doag 

A shellfish growing area is any area which supports or could support the growth and/or propagation of molluscan shellstock (live clams, oysters, mussels and scallops in their shell). All shellfish growing areas are classified in accordance with the Interstate Shellfish Sanitation Conference (ISSC) National Shellfish Sanitation Program Model Ordinance (NSSP-MO). These classifications established to minimize health risks, may restrict the taking and use of shellfish from some areas. No fresh water areas have been classified for the harvesting of shellfish. 
Shellfishing areas are reevaluated annually for improvements or degradation of water quality and status of pollution sources. An area which does not meet all of the NSSP-MO criteria for its current classification, due to new or existing pollution sources or degradation of water quality, will have its classification downgraded. Elimination of biological and chemical hazards including pollution sources, and a sufficient quantity of satisfactory seawater data collected under adverse hydrographic and meteorologic conditions may result in upgrading of the current classification. Town efforts that result in evidence supporting a reclassification are carefully considered. The work conducted by the Connecticut Department of Agriculture/Bureau of Aquaculture (DA/BA) to classify waters in each town, results in a Comprehensive Evaluation Report,including a shoreline survey and water quality data every twelve (12) years, an Annual Assessment Report of shoreline changes and data analyses and a Triennial Evaluation Report every three (3) years. These reports describe pollution sources and their potential impact, statistical analyses of seawater samples, corrective actions, and classification recommendations that provide evidence of conformance to the NSSP-MO. These reports are submitted to the US Food and Drug Administration (USFDA) for review and evaluation of DA/BA compliance with the NSSP-MO. 
At the discretion of the DA/BA, any shellfish area, regardless of its classification may be temporarily closed to all activities when a potential public health emergency exists as a result of a storm event or flooding, a sewage, chemical, or petroleum discharge or a hazardous algal bloom.  
NOTE: No shellfish may be brought to shore during emergency closures. 

The shellfishing area classifications and criteria are specified by the NSSP Model Ordinance and the Connecticut General Statutes. They are summarized as follows: 

APPROVED AREA
A shellfishing area classification that conforms to NSSP-MO criteria for the growing and harvesting of shellfish for recreational and commercial use and direct consumption. Commercial operations, such as harvesting and direct marketing of shellfish must be licensed by the DA/BA. 
Activities allowed in Approved areas during "emergency" closures are limited to relaying operations as specified on the license for such activity, or for the cultivation of shellfish including consolidation or inspection of product, and predator control (mopping for starfish). Prior to conducting any activity in an Approved area during an "emergency" closure, the licensee must notify the local shellfish control authority and State of Connecticut Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) Division of Law Enforcement ((860)-424-3333 24-hour Dispatcher) of their intended activity. 
Note: No shellfish may be brought to shore from Approved areas during "emergency" closures. 
This classification is determined by a sanitary survey conducted by DA/BA with local assistance. The sanitary survey demonstrates conformance to NSSP-MO bacteriological criteria and the absence of dangerous levels of poisonous and deleterious substances. A sanitary survey consists of a shoreline survey to identify and assess all actual and potential pollution sources, hydrographic and meteorologic affects, water quality examination and assessment of standards. 
The fecal coliform geometric mean of the water samples must not exceed 14 fecal coliforms per 100 ml, using the most probable number (MPN) method, and not more than 10.0% of all sample results may be >43 fecal coliforms per 100 ml. A minimum of five (5) seawater samples must be collected annually during adverse pollution conditions. A minimum of 15 seawater samples, collected over a three-year period, during adverse pollution conditions, must be used for a geometric mean. Adverse pollution conditions have been defined by the NSSP-MO as a state or situation caused by meteorological, hydrological or seasonal events and point or non-point source discharges that have historically resulted in elevated fecal coliform levels in a particular growing area. 

CONDITIONALLY APPROVED AREA 
A shellfishing area classification that predictably does not conform to "Approved" area criteria due to the occurrence of specified hydrologic or meteorologic events or conditions, but will predictably return to the "Approved" area criteria. Activities allowed in Conditionally Approved areas during a "closed" status are limited to relaying operations and seed oyster harvesting as specified on the license for such activity, or for the cultivation of shellfish including consolidation or inspection of product, and predator control (mopping for starfish). Prior to conducting any activity in a Conditionally Approved area during the "closed" status, the licensee must notify the local shellfish control authority and State of Connecticut Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) Division of Law Enforcement ((860)-424-3333 24-hour Dispatcher) of their intended activity. Activities allowed in the Conditionally Approved area during "open"status are the same as those for an Approved area. 
Note: No shellfish may be brought to shore from Conditionally Approved areas during a "closed" status. 
The Conditionally Approved area shellfishing status is designated "open" for shellfishing when it conforms to the written management plan, a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU). A MOU is required for a Conditionally Approved area which describes the management criteria for the area as well as the standards for an Approved classification when the status is designated "open". The area status is designated "closed" for shellfishing when it does not conform to the Approved classification or performance standards specified by the MOU. The duration of closure is based upon a sanitary survey and established performance standards specified in the MOU. The area is opened and closed by the shellfish control authority as specified in the MOU. 
The bacteriological standard for the Conditionally Approved Area when "open" is the same as the Approved Area classification. A minimum of one (1) seawater sample per station must be collected each month when the area is designated "open". Sampling after a closure may be required prior to reopening. 

RESTRICTED-RELAY/DEPURATION 
A shellfishing area classification that conforms to NSSP-MO criteria that allows the area to be used by DA/BA licensed operations for the relaying of shellfish to a depuration plant for controlled purification, to designated beds in Approved or Conditionally Approved areas for natural cleansing or to areas satisfactory to the DA/BA, excluding Prohibited, Conditionally Restricted-Relay, and Restricted-Relay areas. These shellfish may not be directly harvested for market nor consumed prior to the purification process involving relay or depuration. 
This classification requires a sanitary survey and conformance with specified bacteriologic standards. The fecal coliform geometric mean of the water must not exceed 88 per 100 ml, using the most probable number (MPN) method, and not more than 10 percent of the samples may exceed a MPN of 260 per 100 ml. A minimum of five (5) seawater samples from each station must be collected annually during adverse pollution conditions. 
This classificationdetermination is not routinely made due to the strict water quality criteria, limited resources in these small areas, and lack of depuration plants accepting "Restricted for Depuration" shellfish. Determinations are made when requested by the industry. 

CONDITIONALLY RESTRICTED-RELAY/DEPURATION 
A shellfishing area classification that predictably does not conform to Restricted-Relay/Depuration area criteria due to the occurrence of specified hydrologic or meteorologic events or conditions, but will predictably return to the Restricted-Relay/Depuration area criteria. A written area management plan (MOU) must be developed for a conditional area. The MOU shall be based upon an evaluation of potential pollution sources that may impact the area and their correlation with predictable environmental conditions or other factors affecting the distribution of pollutants. 
The Conditionally Restricted-Relay/Depuration area is designated "open" when it conforms to the standards for a Restricted-Relay/Depuration classification. The shellfish can be relayed to a depuration plant for controlled purification or to designated beds in an Approved or Conditionally Approved area for natural cleansing or to areas satisfactory to the DA/BA, excluding Prohibited, Conditionally Restricted-Relay, and Restricted-Relay areas. The area status is designated "closed" when it does not conform to the Restricted-Relay/Depuration classification as specified in the management plan. The duration of closure is conditional based upon a sanitary survey and established performance standards specified in the management plan. 
This classification requires a sanitary survey and conformance with specified bacteriological standards. The bacteriological standard for this water classification when designated "open" is the same as the Restricted-Relay/Depuration area. A minimum of one (1) seawater sample from each station must be collected each month when the area is designated "open." 
This classification determination is not routinely made due to the strict water quality criteria, limited resources in these small areas, and lack of depuration plants accepting "Restricted for Depuration" shellfish. Determinations are made when requested by the industry. 

RESTRICTED RELAY 
A shellfishing area classification where DA/BA allows aquaculture, relay or transplant activities in conformance to NSSP-MO criteria. Operations may be licensed to relay shellfish to designated beds in Approved or Conditionally Approved areas for natural cleansing. 
These shellfish may not be directly harvested for market or consumed prior to a minimum purification period of 14 consecutive days after being relayed to Approved or Conditionally Approved"open" areas with a water temperature of 50 degrees Fahrenheit (10 degrees Celsius) or greater. DA/BA may require the shellfish purification time to be longer than 14 consecutive days, based upon shellfish purification verification studies. 
This classification requires a sanitary survey and collection of water quality data. A minimum of five (5) seawater samples from each station must be collected annually during adverse pollution conditions. 

CONDITIONALLY RESTRICTED-RELAY 
A shellfishing area classification that predictably does not conform to Restricted-Relay area criteria due to the occurrence of specified events or conditions, but predictably returns to the Restricted-Relay area criteria. A written management plan, or Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), must be developed for a conditional area. The MOU shall be based upon an evaluation of actual or potential pollution sources that may impact the area and their correlation with predictable environmental conditions or other factors affecting the distribution of pollutants. 
The Conditionally Restricted-Relay area is designated "open" for relay of shellfish when it conforms to the MOU and the standards for a Restricted-Relay classification. The area status is designated "closed" for shellfish relay when it does not conform to the Restricted-Relay classification as specified in the MOU. 
The duration of closure is based upon the performance standards specified in the MOU. A minimum of one (1) seawater sample per station must be collected each month when the area is designated "open". 

PROHIBITED AREA
A shellfishing area classification which does not conform with other NSSP-MO classification criteria. This classification prohibits the harvesting of shellfish for any purpose except depletion or aquaculture operations (such as seed oystering) licensed by the DA/BA. 
A Prohibited shellfish growing area is closed for the harvesting of shellfish (except licensed aquaculture operations) at all times. This classification may be assigned to specified areas with direct exposure to fecal, industrial or environmental contamination to the extent that the consumption of shellfish harvested in the area may be potentially hazardous to health after a shellfish purification (relay) period of less than six (6) months are classified "Prohibited". Aquaculture operations may be suspended for such areas. 
Areas with incomplete sanitary surveys, including lack of water quality data analysis, lack of a complete shoreline survey, or when the area does not conform to the requirements for the classification of a Restricted-Relay area or better also require this classification. 
Environmental contamination may also include specified areas in which shellfish contain 80 micrograms or greater of paralytic shellfish poisoning toxin per 100 grams of shellfish meat, contain other unacceptable levels of marine biotoxins, or contain unacceptable levels of poisonous or deleterious substances or organisms are classified as Prohibited when such events are constant or reoccurring. Aquaculture operations may be suspended for such areas. 

RELAYING 
The transfer of shellfish from restricted areas, conditionally restricted areas in the open status, or conditionally approved areas in the closed status to approved or conditionally approved areas in the open status for the reduction of pathogens as measured by the coliform indicator group or poisonous or deleterious substances that may be present, by using the ambient environment as a treatment process. 

DEPURATION 
The process of using a controlled, aquatic environment to reduce the level of bacteria and viruses in live shellfish. 

MARINA
Any water area with a structure (dock, basin, floating dock, etc.) which is utilized for docking or otherwise mooring vessels and constructed to provide temporary or permanent docking space for more than ten (10) boats. 

CONTROL OF AREAS USED AS A MARINA
The suitability of some areas for harvesting shellfish will be impacted if the area is used as a marina. The biological and chemical contamination associated with marina facilities may be of public health significance. A prohibited, conditionally restricted or conditionally approved classification of that area within the marina proper is required. Similar classifications will be required if waters adjacent to the marina are impacted. A dilution analysis will be used for making marina closure determinations.

  1. How should this data set be cited?

    State of Connecticut, Department of Agriculture/Bureau of Aquaculture (data compiler), State of Connecticut, Department of Environmental Protection (data editor and publisher), 20070419, Shellfish Area Classification Line: Connecticut Department of Environmental Protection, .

    Online links:
    Other citation details:
    The Connecticut Department of Environmental Protection cooperated with the Department of Agriculture, Bureau of Aquaculture to publish the Connecticut Shellfish Classification data. More recent information may be available from the Department of Agriculture since the time this information was originally published in 2007.

  2. What geographic area does the data set cover?

    Bounding coordinates:
    West: -73.332803
    East: -71.847529
    North: 41.485964
    South: 41.114876

  3. What does it look like?

    http://www.cteco.uconn.edu/metadata/dep/browsegraphic/shellfishareaclasslinefullview.gif (GIF)
    Full view of Shellfish Area Classification Line

    http://www.cteco.uconn.edu/metadata/dep/browsegraphic/shellfishareaclasslinedetailview.gif (GIF)
    Detail view of Shellfish Area Classification Line

    http://www.cteco.uconn.edu/metadata/dep/browsegraphic/shellfishareaclassificationdetailview.gif (GIF)
    Detail view of Shellfish Area Classification that includes all feature classes necessary to map the information.

  4. Does the data set describe conditions during a particular time period?

    Calendar date: publication date
    Currentness reference:
    Publication date. Includes data from 1990 to publication date

  5. What is the general form of this data set?

    Geospatial data presentation form: vector digital data

  6. How does the data set represent geographic features?

    1. How are geographic features stored in the data set?

      This is a Vector data set. It contains the following vector data types (SDTS terminology):
      • String (2016)
      • String (2016)

    2. What coordinate system is used to represent geographic features?

      The map projection used is Lambert Conformal Conic.

      Projection parameters:
      Lambert Conformal Conic
      Standard parallel: 41.200000
      Standard parallel: 41.866667
      Longitude of central meridian: -72.750000
      Latitude of projection origin: 40.833333
      False easting: 999999.999996
      False northing: 499999.999998

      Planar coordinates are encoded using coordinate pair.
      Abscissae (x-coordinates) are specified to the nearest 0.000250.
      Ordinates (y-coordinates) are specified to the nearest 0.000250.
      Planar coordinates are specified in survey feet.

      The horizontal datum used is North American Datum of 1983.
      The ellipsoid used is Geodetic Reference System 80.
      The semi-major axis of the ellipsoid used is 6378137.000000.
      The flattening of the ellipsoid used is 1/298.257222.

      Vertical coordinate system definition:
      Altitude system definition:
      Altitude resolution: 1.000000
      Altitude encoding method: Explicit elevation coordinate included with horizontal coordinates

  7. How does the data set describe geographic features?

    Shellfish Area Classification Line
    Show_Flag
    Internal feature number. (Source: ESRI)
                      

    Sequential unique whole numbers that are automatically generated.

    AV_LEGEND
    CLASS
    Feature geometry. (Source: ESRI)
                      

    Coordinates defining the features.

    OBJECTID
    Internal feature number. (Source: ESRI)
                      

    Sequential unique whole numbers that are automatically generated.

    SHOW_FLAG
    SHAPE
    Feature geometry. (Source: ESRI)
                      

    Coordinates defining the features.

    AV_Legend
    Abbreviated classifications for creating a legend

    ValueDefinition
    A
    Approved
    CA
    Conditionally Approved
    R-R/DP
    Restricted-Relay/Depuration
    CR-R/DP
    Conditionally Restricted-Relay/Depuration
    R-R
    Restricted-Relay
    CR-R
    Conditionally Restricted-Relay
    P
    Prohibited

    Class
    Shellfish area classification

    ValueDefinition
    Approved
    [not provided]
    Conditionally Approved
    [not provided]
    Restricted-Relay/Depuration
    [not provided]
    Conditionally Restricted-Relay/Depuration
    [not provided]
    Restricted-Relay
    [not provided]
    Conditionally Restricted-Relay
    [not provided]
    Prohibited
    [not provided]

    SHAPE.len
    Entity and attribute overview:
    Includes Shellfish Area Classification polygon and line features. Information encoded about these features includes CLASS information and standard cartographic symbology classification schemes. Use the CLASS to uniquely identify features. Use the AV_LEGEND attribute to symbolize features by type on a map.  Use CLASS or  AV_LEGEND to label features on a map.
    
    Shellfish Area Classifications (polygon features) and Shellfish Area Class Lines (line features) conatin the same attributes with one exception. The line features do not contain the attribute AREANAME.
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Who produced the data set?

  1. Who are the originators of the data set? (may include formal authors, digital compilers, and editors)


  2. Who also contributed to the data set?

  3. To whom should users address questions about the data?

    State of Connecticut, Department of Agriculture, Bureau of Aquaculture
    P.O. Box 97
    Milford, Connecticut 06460
    USA

    203-874-0696 (voice)
    203-783-9976 (FAX)
    dept.agriculture@snet.net
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Why was the data set created?

To provide a digital version of the shellfish area classifications for shellfish growing areas. This data is for general information and is used by DA/BA to prepare small town maps of shellfish area classifications. Contact the DA/BA for questions or comments regarding classification specifics.

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How was the data set created?

  1. Where did the data come from?

    Source 1 - Hydrography (source 1 of 14)

    State of Connecticut, Department of Environmental Protection (data editor and publisher), U.S. Geological Survey, National Mapping Program (data compiler), 2005, Hydrography: State of Connecticut, Department of Environmental Protection , Hartford, Connecticut, USA.

    Online links:
    Type of source media: online
    Source scale denominator: 1:24,000
    Source contribution:
    Base map with water features in ESRI coverage format.

    Source 2 - Shellfish reports (source 2 of 14)

    State of Connecticut, Department of Agriculture, Bureau of Aquaculture, Varies, see Classification Assessment Dates in Supplemental Information, Annual or Triennal Assessment Reports for Shellfish Area Classifications (for each Connecticut shoreline town): State of Connecticut, Department of Agriculture, Bureau of Aquaculture, Milford, Connecticut, USA.

    Type of source media: paper
    Source scale denominator: Varies
    Source contribution:
    Shellfish area classification data. Physical areas from maps and from physical descriptions of each classified area's boundaries. The classification assigned to each area.

    Source 3 - NOAA charts (source 3 of 14)

    United States Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Varies, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Natutical Charts: United States Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Washington DC, USA.

    Online links:
    Type of source media: paper
    Source scale denominator: 1:20,000 or 1:40,000
    Source contribution:
    Location information for buoys, rocks, shoreline features and other markers identified in the Shellfish Area Classification Assessment Reports as boundary conditions for the Shellfish Area Classifications.

    Source 4 - Shellfish grounds (source 4 of 14)

    State of Connecticut, Department of Agriculture, Bureau of Aquaculture, 1984 - 1998, Shellfish Grounds in Long Island Sound: State of Connecticut, Department of Agriculture, Bureau of Aquaculture, Connecticut.

    Type of source media: paper
    Source scale denominator: 1:24,000
    Source contribution:
    Details of shellfish lease beds and classification areas, jurisdictional line as used to define town and state shellfish area jurisdiction, townlines as used to define shellfish area jurisdiction.

    Source 5 - Shellfish Area Classifications coverage (source 5 of 14)

    State of Connecticut, Department of Environmental Protection, Shellfish Area Classifications: State of Connecticut, Department of Environmental Protection, Hartford, Connecticut.

    Online links:
    Type of source media: disc
    Source scale denominator: 1:24,000
    Source contribution:
    The polygon and line features that form the shellfish area classifications digital data in ESRI coverage format.

    Source 6 - USGS quads (source 6 of 14)

    United States Geological Survey, 1969 - 1984, USGS 7.5 minute Quadrangles: United States Geological Survey, .

    Type of source media: paper
    Source scale denominator: 1:24,000
    Source contribution:
    Manuscript at 1:24,000 of the Shellfish Area Classifications drafted on a USGS quadrangle base for digitizing.

    Source 7 - Shellfish Area shapefiles (source 7 of 14)

    State of Connecticut, Department of Environmental Protection, publication date, Shellfish Area Classifications - shapefile: State of Connecticut, Department of Environmental Protection, Hartford, Connecticut.

    Online links:
    Type of source media: disc
    Source scale denominator: 1:24,000
    Source contribution:
    Shellfish Area digital data in ESRI shapefile format. Shellfish Area Classifications, Shellfish Area Classification Lines, Shellfish Area Jurisdiction, Shellfish Area Towns, Shellfish Area Town Lines, Shellfish Area Marinas, Shellfish Area Markers.

    Source 8 - Jurisdiction Line (source 8 of 14)

    Shellfish Area Jurisdiction Line.

    Type of source media: disc
    Source scale denominator: 1:24,000
    Source contribution:
    Jusidiction line separating Town and State jurisdiction over shellfishing waters.

    Source 9 - Town lines (source 9 of 14)

    Shellfish Area Town Lines and Polygons.

    Type of source media: disc
    Source scale denominator: 1:24,000
    Source contribution:
    Town boundary lines as used for shellfishing jurisdiction between towns.

    Source 10 - Marinas (source 10 of 14)

    Shellfish Area Marinas.

    Type of source media: disc
    Source scale denominator: 1:24,000
    Source contribution:
    Point locations and names for marinas that are included in the shellfish area classification assessments in ESRI shapefile format.

    Source 11 - Markers (source 11 of 14)

    Shellfish Area Markers.

    Type of source media: disc
    Source scale denominator: 1:24,000
    Source contribution:
    The locations of point features such as demarcation signs, flagpoles, buoys and lighthouses that serve as important way points in the delineation of shellfish area classifications boundaries. ESRI shapefile format.

    Source 12 - Shellfish AreaTowns with Jurisdiction Line (source 12 of 14)

    2006, Shellfish Area Towns Including Jurisdiction Line.

    Online links:
    Type of source media: disc
    Source scale denominator: 1:24,000
    Source contribution:
    Town boundary lines and polygons as used for shellfishing jurisdiction between towns.The Jurisdiction Line was added to the Town lines and polygons and divides Town jurisdiction from State jurisdiction regarding shellfishing.

    Source 13 - Shellfish Area Classification Geodatabase (source 13 of 14)

    State of Connecticut, Department of Environmental Protection, 2006, Shellfish Area Classifications Geodatabase.

    Online links:
    Type of source media: disc
    Source scale denominator: 1:24,000
    Source contribution:
    The polygon, line and point features that form the shellfish area classifications and associated digital data in ESRI personal geodatabase format. Includes the Shellfish_Area_Classification_Poly, Shellfish_Area_Classification_Line, Shellfish_Area_Marina, Shellfish_Area_Marker, Shellfish_Area_Town_Poly, Shellfish_Area_Town_Line, Shellfish_Area_MapCenter.

    Source 14 - Shellfish Area shapefiles from geodatabase (source 14 of 14)

    State of Connecticut, Department of Environmental Protection, 2006, Shellfish Area Classification Shapefiles.

    Online links:
    Type of source media: disc
    Source scale denominator: 1:24,000
    Source contribution:
    Shellfish Area digital data in ESRI shapefile format. Includes Shellfish Area Classifications, Shellfish Area Classification Lines, Shellfish Area Towns, Shellfish Area Town Lines, Shellfish Area Marinas, Shellfish Area Markers. The shapefiles were created from the personal geodatabase format of the Shellfish Area Classifications and associated datalayers.

  2. What changes have been made?

    Date: 1997-1998 (change 1 of 6)
    Creation of data: At DEP a copy of the digital HYDROGRAPHY data, Source 1 - hydrography, was the starting point for creation of digital Shellfish Area Classification data. Shellfish area classification data from Source 2 - Shellfish reports was manually drafted onto Source 6 - USGS quadrangles by a cartographer at DEP. These quadrangles were registered to a digitizing tablet using the printed corners of the quadrangles as registration tics and comparing against a standard set of registration coordinates used by DEP. A registration RMS error of 0.004 or less was an acceptable value. Wherever hydrography features coincided with shellfish area classifications the feature was used for boundaries. The rest of the shellfish area classification information was digitized from the quadrangle manuscript. Any hydrogrpahy features not needed (the classifications only exist along the coastline of Long Island Sound) the features were selected and deleted. Source 5 - Shellfish area classifications coverage was created this way. The town/state juridiction line and the town boundary lines from Source 4 - Shellfish grounds were digitized on-screen into the Shellfish area classifications data. A visual assessment of the location of the  lines from Source 4 in relation to the hydrography and shellfish area classifications was used to create these lines. The town lines form town polygons. The jurisdiction line was selected and placed in its own coverage, then deleted from the Shellfish Area Classifications. The shellfish area towns were also placed in their own coverage.

    Person responsible for change:
    Diana Danenberg
    State of Connecticut, Department of Environmental Protection

    Data sources used in this process:
    • Source 1 - hydrography
    • Source 2 - Shellfish reports
    • Source 3 - NOAA charts
    • Source 4 - Shellfish grounds

    Data sources produced in this process:
    • Source 5 - Shellfish Area Classification coverage
    • Source 8 - Jurisdiction line
    • Source 9 - Town lines

    Date: 1999 (change 2 of 6)
    Editing data: The digital data, Source 5 -Shellfish area classifications coverage, was printed as several 1:50,000 scale maps covering the Connecticut coastline. The classifications were color coded. The jurisdiction line and the town lines were included. The data was inspected and edited by staff at DA/BA. Changes were incorporated into the digital data by DEP staff. Point features for marinas classified by DA/BA were added to the original quad maps with the draft shellfish area classifications. This was then digitized by DEP and became a separate marina data layer. Further editing was done by DA/BA staff using ArcView 3.2. Additional changes to Shellfish Area Classifications were screen digitized.  Point locations for markers used in delineating the classification areas were screen digitized. DEP staff used this information to edit the Shellfish Area Classifications coverage and to create a Shellfish Area Marker point data layer.

    Person responsible for change:
    Diana Danenberg
    State of Connecticut, Department of Environmental Protection

    Data sources used in this process:
    • Source 5 -Shellfish area classifications coverage
    • Source 8 - Jurisdiction line
    • Source 9 - Town lines

    Data sources produced in this process:
    • Source 5 -Shellfish area classifications coverage
    • Source 10 - Marinas
    • Source 8 - Jurisdiction line
    • Source 9 - Town lines
    • Source 11 - Markers

    Date: 2000 (change 3 of 6)
    Format conversion: The shellfish area classifications, jurisdiction line and  shellfish area town coverages were converted to shapefile format. The conversion from coverage format to shapefile format results in separate polygon feature  (ShellfishArea Classifications and ShellfishAreaTowns) and line feature (ShellfishAreaClassLines and ShellfishAreaTownLines) files.

    Person responsible for change:
    Diana Danenberg
    State of Connecticut, Department of Environmental Protection

    Data sources used in this process:
    • Source 5 - Shellfish area classifications coverage
    • Source 8 - Jurisdiction line
    • Source 9 - Town lines

    Data sources produced in this process:
    • Source 7 - Shellfish area shapefiles

    Date: 2006 (change 4 of 6)
    Merging Datalayers: The Shellfish Area Towns and the Jurisdiction Line were combined and attributed to provide a Town line and Town polygon datalayer that indicates jurisdiction over shellfishing waters. Territorial town and shellfishing town areas may overlap, for example, the Town of Madison controls shellfishing in some of the waters of the Town of Clinton. The Jurisdiction Line demarcates Town and State control of shellfishing waters. The standalone Jurisdiction Line coverage and shapefile were eliminated.

    Person responsible for change:
    Diana Danenberg
    State of Connecticut, Department of Environmental Protection

    Data sources used in this process:
    • Source 9 - Town lines
    • Source 8 - Jurisdiction Line

    Data sources produced in this process:
    • Source 12 - Shellfish AreaTowns with Jurisdiction Line

    Date: 2006 (change 5 of 6)
    Convert to GeoDatabase Feature Class format - Shellfish Area Classification and associated datalayers were converted to personal geodatabase format feature classes according to the following steps: Defined new Feature Class, imported the spatial reference, defined or imported the attribute definitions, loaded features from coverage or shapefile,  imported metadata from shapefile. From coverages: Shellfish Area Classifications lines and polygons, Shellfish Area Town lines and polygons. From shapefiles: Shellfish Area Marinas, Shellfish Area Markers, Shellfish Area Map Centers. Shellfish Area Map Centers is a point datalayer of center point and mapscale information that is used for preparation of Shellfish maps.
    
    Spatial Reference Properties for Feature Classes:
    Coordinate System: NAD_1983_StatePlane_Connecticut_FIPS_0600_Feet
    XY Domain MinX: 100000; MaxX: 2247483.645 XY Domain MinY: 200000; MaxY: 2347483.645
    Precision: 1000
    
    Some changes to field names and the addition of fields occured as part of the format change. Uppercase field names were changed to lowercase capitalized. In Shellfish Area Markers, Marker_Typ changed to MarkerType and Description changed to Detail because of the 10 character field name limit in ArcView, and a Label_Flag field was added for use in automated labeling.

    Person responsible for change:
    Diana Danenberg
    State of Connecticut, Department of Environmental Protection

    Data sources used in this process:
    • Source 5 - Shellfish Area Classifications
    • Source 7 - Shellfish Area Shapefiles

    Data sources produced in this process:
    • Source 13 - Shellfish Area Classification geodatabase

    Date: 2006 (change 6 of 6)
    Format conversion: The shellfish area classification line and polygon, shellfish area town line and polygon, shellfish area marker and shellfish area marina feature classes were converted to shapefile format. Metadata for shapefiles was updated from the geodatabase metadata.

    Person responsible for change:
    Diana Danenberg
    State of Connecticut, Department of Environmental Protection

    Data sources used in this process:
    • Source 13 - Shellfish Area Classification Geodatabase

    Data sources produced in this process:
    • Source 14 - Shellfish Area shapefiles from geodatabase

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How reliable are the data; what problems remain in the data set?

  1. How well have the observations been checked?

    The Shellfish Area Classifications layer retains the feature types and information identified by the State of Connecticut, Department of Environmental Protection and obtained from the shellfish area classifications annual or triennial assessment  maps and reports from the DA/BA. All attributes have valid values. Values are within defined domains. The accuracy test for the CLASS attribute values was conducted by comparing the Shellfish Area Classifications information presented in the source data with 1:24,000-scale check plots or interactive displays of the data on a computer graphic system. These check plot maps and computer displays depicted and labeled the Shellfish Area Classifications features in different colors based on CLASS values for comparison with the original data source. CLASS is the English language equivalent of (decodes) the AV_LEGEND field values. AV_LEGEND is abbreviated classifications of Shellfish Area Classifications features.  AREANAME attribute is the name of specific shellfish areas designated within larger classified areas. CLASS,  AV_LEGEND,  AREANAME attribute values were manually entered.
    
    

  2. How accurate are the geographic locations?

    The horizontal positional accuracy of the HYDROGRAPHY base data from the USGS 7.5 minute topographic quadrangle maps complies with the United States National Map Accuracy Standards for 1:24,000 scale maps. According to this standard, not more than 10 percent of the locations tested are to be in error by more than 1/50 inch (40 feet) measured on the publication scale of a USGS 7.5 minute topographic quadrangle map. Shellfish Area Classifications feature locations were built on this base or interpolated from features, such as navigation buoys, rocks, shoreline features or other markers, found on NOAA navigation charts for Long Island Sound. Interpolated locations do not conform to the United States National Map Accuracy Standards.

  3. How accurate are the heights or depths?

  4. Where are the gaps in the data? What is missing?

    The completeness of the data reflects the feature content of the data sources, which include the shellfish area classifications annual or triennial assessment  maps and reports from the State of Connecticut, Department of Agriculture, Bureau of Aquaculture. The Shellfish Area Classifications layer is complete in the sense that it accurately reflects the contents of the shellfish area classifications information available at the time the State of Connecticut, Department of Environmental Protection created the layer. This data is updated.

  5. How consistent are the relationships among the observations, including topology?

    Polygon features conform to the following topological rules. Polygons are single part. There are no duplicate polygons. Polygons do not self overlap. Polygons do not overlap other polygons. 
    
    Line features conform to the following topological rules. Lines are single part. There are no duplicate lines. Lines do not self overlap. Lines do not overlap other lines. Lines intersect only at nodes, and nodes anchor the ends of all lines. Lines do not overshoot or undershoot other lines they are supposed to meet and intersect.
    
    The tests of logical consistency were performed by the State of Connecticut using ESRI ArcInfo software to maintain feature topology in ArcInfo coverage format. The data is topologically clean. The ArcInfo Clean function was repeatedly used following edits to verify topology and enforce a minimum distance between vertices of 4 feet (fuzzy tolerance) and a minimum allowed overshoot length of 10 feet (dangle length). The data was converted to ESRI Shapefile format for distribution.

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How can someone get a copy of the data set?

Are there legal restrictions on access or use of the data?

Access constraints: None. The data is in the public domain and may be redistributed.
Use constraints:
No restrictions or legal prerequisites for using the data. The data is suitable for use at appropriate scale, and is not intended for maps printed at scales greater or more detailed than 1:24,000 scale (1 inch = 2,000 feet). Although this data set  has been used by the State of Connecticut, Department of Agriculture and Department of Environmental Protection , no warranty, expressed or implied, is made by the State of Connecticut, Department of Agriculture and Department of Environmental Protection as to the accuracy of the data and or related materials.  The act of distribution shall not constitute any such warranty, and no responsibility is assumed by the State of Connecticut, Department of Agriculture and Department of Environmental Protection in the use of these data or related materials. The user assumes the entire risk related to the use of these data. Once the data is distributed to the user, modifications made to the data by the user should be noted in the metadata. When printing this data on a map or using it in a software application, analysis, or report, please acknowledge the State of Connecticut, Department of Agriculture and Department of Environmental Protection as the source for this information.

Distributor 1 of 1

  1. Who distributes the data set?

    Connecticut Department of Environmental Protection
    79 Elm Street
    Hartford, CT 06106-5127
    USA

    860-424-3540 (voice)
    860-424-4058 (FAX)
    dep.gisdata@ct.gov
    Hours of Service: Monday to Friday, 08:30 to 16:30 Eastern Standard Time

  2. What's the catalog number I need to order this data set?

    Shellfish Area Classification Line

  3. What legal disclaimers am I supposed to read?

  4. How can I download or order the data?

    • Availability in digital form:


    • Data format:
      in format Shapefile, Feature Class (version ArcGIS)
      Network links:http://www.ct.gov/deep

  5. Is there some other way to get the data?

    The data distributor does not provide custom GIS analysis or mapping services. Data is available in a standard format and may be converted to other formats, projections, coordinate systems, or selected for specific geographic regions by the party receiving the data.

  6. What hardware or software do I need in order to use the data set?

    Geographic information sytem (GIS), computer-aided drawing or other mapping software is necessary to display, view and access the information.

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Who wrote the metadata?

Dates:
Last modified: 20111209

Metadata author:
Diana Danenberg
State of Connecticut Department of Environmental Protection
Environmental Analyst - GIS
79 Elm Street
OIM, Store Level
Hartford, CT 06106-5127
USA

860-424-3540 (voice)
860-424-4058 (FAX)
dep.gisdata@ct.gov
Hours of Service: 8:00 to 4:00 EST

Metadata standard:
FGDC Content Standards for Digital Geospatial Metadata(FGDC-STD-001-1998)

Metadata extensions used:
  • http://www.esri.com/metadata/esriprof80.html
  • http://www.esri.com/metadata/esriprof80.html
  • http://www.esri.com/metadata/esriprof80.html
  • http://www.esri.com/metadata/esriprof80.html

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