Habitat--Hueneme Canyon and Vicinity, California

This part of DS 781 presents data for the habitat map of the seafloor of the Hueneme Canyon and Vicinity map area, California. The vector data file is included in "Habitat_HuenemeCanyon.zip," which is accessible from http://pubs.usgs.gov/ds/781/HuenemeCanyon/data_catalog_HuenemeCanyon.html. These data accompany the pamphlet and map sheets of Johnson, S.Y., Dartnell, P., Cochrane, G.R., Golden, N.E., Phillips, E.L., Ritchie, A.C., Kvitek, R.G., Greene, H.G., Krigsman, L.M., Endris, C.A., Clahan, K.B., Sliter, R.W., Wong, F.L., Yoklavich, M.M., and Normark, W.R. (S.Y. Johnson, ed.), 2012, California State Waters Map Series-—Hueneme Canyon and Vicinity, California: U.S. Geological Survey Scientific Investigations Map 3225, 41 p., 12 sheets, scale 1:24,000, https://pubs.usgs.gov/sim/3225/. Using multibeam echosounder (MBES) bathymetry and backscatter data, potential marine benthic habitat maps were constructed. The habitats were based on substrate types and documented or "ground truthed" using underwater video images and seafloor samples obtained by the USGS. These maps display various habitat types that range from flat, soft, unconsolidated sediment-covered seafloor to hard, deformed (folded), or highly rugose and differentially eroded bedrock exposures. Rugged, high-relief, rocky outcrops that have been eroded to form ledges and small caves are ideal habitat for rockfish (Sebastes spp.) and other bottom fish such as lingcod (Ophiodon elongatus).