The aquatic core networks is one of a suite of products from the Nature’s Network project (naturesnetwork.org).

These datasets represent the aquatic core networks, which include lotic and lentic core areas and aquatic buffers. NOTE - The aquatic buffers dataset has been converted to integers and only contain values of 90 -100 (0.9 - 1) for online purposes, the original dataset is included in the download and contains all values. All datasets in this map are included in the download.

The aquatic core networks represents intact, well-connected stream reaches, lakes, and ponds in the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic region that, if protected as part of stream networks and watersheds, will continue to support a broad diversity of aquatic species and the ecosystems on which they depend. The cores include especially intact, resilient examples of each major aquatic ecological system across the region along with habitat for priority aquatic species. The core network offers guidance for conserving aquatic biodiversity and ecological function into the future by providing tools to help identify, prioritize, protect, and effectively manage the full range of aquatic systems in the region along with representative and priority fish and wildlife species.

The aquatic core networks are comprised of three datasets: lotic (river and stream) cores, lentic (lake and pond) cores, and the aquatic buffers. The lotic cores and lentic cores represent the most intact examples of each aquatic habitat class based on UMass’ Index of Ecological Integrity (IEI). IEI assesses 21 stream classes based on gradient, temperature, and size (lotic) and 12 lake/pond classes based on temperature, depth, and trophic class (lentic). The cores also represent habitat for representative priority aquatic species using a range of these habitat types across the region. These include headwater streams with the highest probability of occurrence for Eastern brook trout, and known rivers and streams supporting Atlantic and shortnose sturgeon, salter brook trout, the highest priority watersheds for alewife, American shad, and blueback herring, and priority rearing habitat for Atlantic salmon in the Gulf of Maine watershed. Lentic cores also include lakes and ponds with the highest habitat suitability for common loon. Aquatic buffers surround the aquatic (both lotic and lentic) cores. Buffers represent the areas estimated to have a strong influence on the integrity of the aquatic cores based on watershed processes. They include the areas that are hydrologically connected to the cores, based on the idea that human actions (such as development or pollution) within the buffer area may impact the integrity of the aquatic cores. As a result, the land underlying the buffers is not necessarily of high ecological integrity.

Intended Uses

- Determine where to start protection and management for a range of intact aquatic systems
- Identify areas and networks of high ecological value
- Pinpoint important areas for aquatic core buffers
- Restore connectivity to otherwise intact areas

The aquatic core and buffer network can serve as a starting point for a regional conservation network that can be used in combination with other sources of information to direct action. Suggestions include:

Lotic and lentic cores can serve as a starting point for a regional conservation network that can be used in combination with other sources of information to direct action. Suggestions include: