. Months Coastal Study Area Data Content and Quality An important aspect of the ELMR program, especially since it is based primarily on published and unpublished literature and consultations, is to determine the quality of available data. For many species, gearselectivity, difficulty in identifying larvae, and difficulty in sampling various habitats has limited the amount of reliable information. Therefore, a deliberate effort was made to assess the overall reliability of the data base so that it could be used appropriately. Estimates of the reliability of the distribution and abundance inform
. Months Coastal Study Area Data Content and Quality An important aspect of the ELMR program, especially since it is based primarily on published and unpublished literature and consultations, is to determine the quality of available data. For many species, gearselectivity, difficulty in identifying larvae, and difficulty in sampling various habitats has limited the amount of reliable information. Therefore, a deliberate effort was made to assess the overall reliability of the data base so that it could be used appropriately. Estimates of the reliability of the distribution and abundance information organized by species, life stage, and estuary are presented in Table 4 (pp. 49- 56) of the Data Summary Tables section. Data reliability was classified using the foltowing categories: Highly certain: Considerable sampling data available. Distribution, behavior, and preferred habitats well documented within an estuary. Moderately certain: Some sampling data available for an estuary. Distribution, preferred habitat, and behavior well documented in similar estuaries. Reasonable inference: Little or no sampling data available. Information on distributions, ecology, and preferred habitats documented in similar estuaries. The quality and quantity of available data vary by species, life stage, and estuary. For example, a large amount of information is availableon shrimp because they are highly valued both commercially and recreationally. For most species, the least amount of information available and poorest quality of data are forthe spawning, egg, and larval life stages. Except for a few species (, brown shrimp), very little data has been generated on particular habitat preferences and environmental ranges. This is particularly true for the smaller forage and/or non-commercial fishes and invertebrates. Gear selectivity, inability to correctly identify larval stages, and difficulty of sampling various habitats limits the development and reliability of this information. In a
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