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The Atlas contains metadata and shape files of 18 different species in the Gulf of Mexico as of 1985. The shapefiles display the spatial and temporal distribution of 18 different species in the Gulf of Mexico as of 1985. The species shown include Brown Shrimp, Cobia, Dolphin, Gray Snapper, Greater Amberjack, King Mackerel, Lane Snapper, Pink Shrimp, Red Drum, Red Grouper, Red Snapper, Spanish Mackerel, Spiny Lobster, Stone Crab, Tilefish, Vermilion Snapper, White Shrimp, and Yellowtail Snapper. Data fields include categories for adult, spawning, nursery, commercial fishing and recreational fishing. Data was derived from maps produced for the "Gulf of Mexico Coastal and Ocean Zones Strategic Assessment: Data Atlas" published by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Strategic Environmental Assessment Division, Rockville, MD 1985. This coverage was developed as a part of the Gulf of Mexico Ecosystem Pilot Project. This pilot project was designed to improve identification and remote access to habitat data for fishery managers and researchers, and to provide habitat mapping capabilities within the Gulf of Mexico region. To reach this goal, a consortium built on shared expertise and resources from within National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), National Environmental Satellite, Data and Information Service (NESDIS), and state participants has focused on several tasks, including developing an inventory and clearinghouse for existing habitat-related data and information, continuing developing a searchable FGDC compliant habitat metadata catalog, developing remote internet gateways to life history, habitat, and ecological data sets, and producing geographic information system (GIS) products for habitat mapping.