Delaware Inland Bays Habitat Management Plan

Project Description

The shallow estuary and 292 square mile watershed comprising Delaware’s Inland Bays are uniquely linked in dynamic equilibrium. This equilibrium is threatened by climate change and sea level rise. Recognizing these threats and seeking to protect the biodiversity of the Inland Bays in the context of a changing environment, the Delaware Center for Inland Bays wanted to develop a plan to conserve and restore a healthy and diverse mosaic of habitat types for generations to come. For help, they turned to Biohabitats.

Biohabitats’ team of landscape and restoration ecologists reviewed relevant background data from previous action plans and other available sources; synthesized spatial data sets to establish a comprehensive baseline condition; analyzed land use/land cover change and landscape connectivity; vetted various sea level rise and climate scenarios; and integrated these data into a vulnerability assessment for both coastal and upland habitats. Before drafting the plan narrative, Biohabitats collaborated with the Center and its stakeholders to establish goals and objectives, and develop specific strategies to conserve and restore habitat within the Inland Bays, with a specific focus on species of greatest conservation need.