A GIS web mapping portal provides real time weather information that integrates real-time oceanographic and meteorological and NOAA forecasting and is used by the fishing community and mariners. Other projects focus on geological mapping (e.g. Boston Harbor and approaches), aggregate resources (Maine to North Carolina), and integrating mapping activities with oceanographic data including ocean circulation.
Habitat maps include specific areas, e.g. outer Cape Cod, Platts Bank, Hudson Canyon, and benthic habitats in Massachusetts in the northeast, whereas on the West Coast, essential fish habitat mapping is broader in scope. Species tracking and mapping have been conducted for lobsters, sea scallops, butterfish discards, cod (including tagged cod) and American plaice. Biotoxins associated with shellfish poisoning (e.g. sea scallops) and archeological resources are two other uses of GIS in support of fisheries management issues.
Spatial datasets representing various types of oceanographic data are used to improve management of protected species, reduce bycatch of sea turtles in the Gulf of Mexico and establish a behavior database for marine wildlife. Marine protected areas and habitat areas of particular concern have also benefited from GIS, e.g. Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary.