Habitat suitability index models: Coastal stocks of striped bass

A review and synthesis of existing information were used to develop estuarine habitat models for coastal stocks of striped bass (Morone saxatilis). Models for five life stages are scaled to produce an index of habitat suitability between 0 (unsuitable habitat) and 1 (optimally suitable habitat) for estuarine areas of the continental United States. Habitat suitability indexes are designed for use with the habitat evaluation procedures developed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Guidelines for coastal striped bass model applications and techniques for estimating model variable are described.