Estuaries and nearshore marine systems are foundational habitats for the ecological, cultural, and economic vitality of southeast Alaska. These nutrient rich systems provide forage for a multitude of fish and wildlife species – and as a result, economic opportunities for coastal communities — such as commercial fishing, mariculture, subsistence, recreation and tourism. To improve understanding of the diversity and spatial distribution of human activities in the region, The Nature Conservancy (TNC) undertook a compilation of the best available spatial datasets, and developed a cumulative index to inform future conservation, management and research opportunities. This project report outlines: (1) objectives, (2) background information, and (3) a Database User’s Guide with a data-dictionary.
