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Research Article
Revised

Developing a wintering waterfowl community baseline for environmental monitoring of Narragansett Bay, Rhode Island

[version 3; peer review: 1 approved, 2 approved with reservations]
PUBLISHED 18 Dec 2015
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OPEN PEER REVIEW
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This article is included in the Ecology and Global Change gateway.

Abstract

In 2004, the Atlantic Ecology Division of the US Environmental Protection Agency’s Office of Research and Development began an annual winter waterfowl survey of Rhode Island’s Narragansett Bay. Herein, we explore the survey data gathered from 2004 to 2011 in order to establish a benchmark understanding of our waterfowl communities and to establish a statistical framework for future environmental monitoring. The abundance and diversity of wintering waterfowl were relatively stable during the initial years of this survey, except in 2010 when there was a large spike in abundance and a reciprocal fall in diversity. There was no significant change in ranked abundance of most waterfowl species, with only Bufflehead (Bucephala albeola) and Hooded Merganser (Lophodytes cucllatus) showing a slight yet significant upward trend during the course of our survey period. Nonmetric multidimensional scaling (NMDS) was used to examine the community structure of wintering waterfowl. The results of the NMDS indicate that there is a spatial structure to the waterfowl communities of Narragansett Bay and this structure has remained relatively stable since the survey began. Our NMDS analysis helps to solidify what is known anecdotally about the bay’s waterfowl ecology, and provides a formalized benchmark for long-term monitoring of Narragansett Bay’s waterfowl communities. Birds, including waterfowl, are preferred bioindicators and we propose using our multivariate approach to monitor the future health of the bay. While this research focuses on a specific area of New England, these methods can be easily applied to novel areas of concern and provide a straightforward nonparametric approach to community-level monitoring. The methods provide a statistic test to examine potential drivers of community turnover and well-suited visualization tools.

Keywords

Baseline Data; Community; Environmental Monitoring; Narragansett Bay; Nonmetric Multidimensional Scaling; Waterfowl

Revised Amendments from Version 2

This version of the manuscript mainly addresses confusion about the figures. We have added clarification about how the figures were created and what data were used to construct them.  We also included a new version of the waterfowl survey data. Previously omitted in the earlier version, bufflehead is now included. This dataset was the final dataset we used to conduct our analysis. We also took advantage of this revision to address minor semantic and grammatical issues.

See the authors' detailed response to the review by José Manuel Arcos
See the authors' detailed response to the review by L. Ignacio Vilchis

Introduction

As modern environmental pressures continue to adversely impact natural habitats, global waterfowl populations are declining at accelerated rates. According to the Millennium Ecosystem Assessment, approximately 12% of all bird species are presently threatened with extinction, and 41% of all waterfowl populations are declining in abundance (Assessment, 2003; Assessment, 2005). Narragansett Bay’s waterfowl communities are not immune to the global drivers of waterfowl population decline and modifications of waterfowl communities; Narragansett Bay is exposed to habitat conversion, shoreline hardening, increased sedimentation and pollution, and increased threats from climate change (Nixon & Fulweiler, 2012). Even though we know that these changing conditions are having a global impact on waterfowl populations, we are uncertain about the specific ramifications on Narragansett Bay’s wintering waterfowl communities. Twenty-three North American waterfowl species have been observed wintering in Narragansett Bay, including 11 of the 15 known species of sea ducks, a guild of waterfowl that breed in boreal Canada and winter as far south as Chesapeake Bay (McKinney, 2004). Understanding or predicting deviations from normal is not possible without baseline monitoring data on waterfowl communities (Temple & Wiens, 1989).

In 2004, the Atlantic Ecology Division (AED) of the US Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA’s) Office of Research and Development, in collaboration with state wildlife agencies and local environmental groups, began an annual winter waterfowl survey of Rhode Island’s Narragansett Bay (hence forth referred to as the Bay). Every year in January, local wildlife biologists and environmental scientists conduct a comprehensive survey of the Bay’s waterfowl. The waterfowl survey was implemented in an attempt to fill critical gaps in our ecological knowledge about the Bay’s waterfowl communities. While there have been numerous waterfowl studies conducted in the Narragansett Bay watershed (Caron & Paton, 2007; Loring et al., 2013; McKinney & McWilliams, 2005), we are unaware of any long-term multispecies studies. Consequently, we are still relatively ill-informed about long-term trends of the Bay’s waterfowl populations and communities. The survey data can also provide us a means to monitor the Bay’s overall environmental health by using waterfowl as a bioindicator. Due to waterfowl’s comparatively high trophic status, waterfowl communities provide insight about local food webs’ relative health and stability.

To determine the underlying waterfowl community structure, we used a multivariate ordination technique, Nonmetric multidimensional scaling (NMDS) (Austin, 1976; Clarke, 1993). Additionally, we propose employing the NMDS as a statistical framework for environmental monitoring of the Bay (Gabrey & Afton, 2004; Urban, 2006). Like other ordination methods, the NMDS approach reduces data complexity, which is critical when analyzing data that are complex and highly variable. Yet unlike other ordination methods, NMDS requires few, if any, a priori assumptions about the distribution of the data. This multivariate approach allows us to detect any relative shifts in community composition between sites and years, and also to explore relationships with potential environmental drivers of change (Clarke & Ainsworth, 1993; Karydis, 1992).

Birds, especially waterfowl, are often the logical candidates for monitoring environmental health (Amat & Green, 2010; Kushlan, 1993). Since waterfowl are high trophic level foragers, the environmental stressors of all lower trophic levels accumulate in waterfowl (Matsinos & Wolff, 2003; O’Connell et al., 2000). Waterfowl have, therefore, been used successfully to monitor a wide array of environmental stressors. For example, these species have been used to monitor a range of heavy metals, including cadmium, mercury, and lead (Mochizuki et al., 2002; Ribeiro et al., 2005), and the impacts of habitat conversion, e.g., forested land to agriculture or road (Koper & Schmiegelow, 2006; Maisonneuve et al., 2006). Birds respond to habitat conversion at multiple temporal and spatial scales (DeLuca et al., 2004). Waterfowl respond to these stressors at the local up to the regional scale and their responses can be apparent nearly immediately and continue after substantial time lags (Findlay & Bourdages, 2000). These species have a high detection probability and are easy to identify by even novice birders (Pagano & Arnold, 2009), which further strengthen the argument of using waterfowl as bioindicators of environmental health.

It is nearly impossible to overstate the economic and environmental significance of Narragansett Bay to New England. Narragansett Bay contributes meaningfully to the economy through recreation, tourism, fishing, and shipping (Pastore, 2011; Tyrrell et al., 1994). Its economic contributions are equally matched by its environmental contributions. The Bay serves as critical habitat to numerous species and provides innumerable ecosystem services. This study analyzes the first eight years of our survey data in order to develop a baseline understanding of waterfowl community spatial and temporal structure in the Bay, which can be used to track future changes in the overall health of the Bay.

Methods

Study site

Narragansett Bay is a well-mixed embayment containing a complex of estuaries (Figure 1). The Bay is 234 km2 in area and has a mean depth of 8.7m (Calabretta & Oviatt, 2008; Nixon et al., 2009). In the northern portion of the Bay, the Seekonk and Providence Rivers are the main freshwater sources. The land surrounding the northern portion of Narragansett Bay is also more urban, and exposed to periodic hypoxia, especially in the summer months (Codiga et al., 2009). The southern portion of the Bay is deeper than the portion near Providence, Rhode Island and has more intense oceanic influences. Additionally, the land surrounding the southern portion tends to be less densely developed and populated.

60bf5701-415d-4297-87fc-5547cfad52e1_figure1.gif

Figure 1. Map of Narragansett Bay, Rhode Island.

Inset of Rhode Island (USA). Sections are color-coded and site boundaries delineated. The points represent the approximate observation locations for the surveys.

Survey method

Initiated in 2004, the NBWWS was completed annually by eight teams composed of 2–4 observers who survey waterfowl at 67 site locations throughout Narragansett Bay (McKinney, 2004). Survey locations were determined by dividing the bay first into sections, and then further into sites within the sections (Figure 1). The number of sites in each section ranged from eight sites in sections 4 and 5 to 15 sites in section 6. The division of sections and sites was based on the geography of the Bay; this layout ensures that all areas of the Bay will be visible from the survey locations (Figure 1). The survey location points were selected to optimize the visual perspectives of the surveyors. Surveyors were given maps of the area and general descriptions of site boundaries. Since the sites were relatively far apart, it is unlikely that individual birds or groups were double counted. Most surveyors also conducted the surveys of adjacent sites.

Coordinated sampling occurs at all sites during a single day in early to mid-January, beginning at approximately 0730 in the morning and ending by 1645 in the afternoon. This is a shore-based survey and observers use direct counts to record all waterfowl present at a location at the time of the observation. We define waterfowl species as ducks, geese, swans, and grebes. All birds were identified to the species level, except Lesser and Greater Scaups, that were simple categorized into a single Scaup (Aythya spp.) taxonomic group due to the difficulty of distinguishing them.

Counting is completed from a stationary point from which the entire area (i.e., cove or embayment) is scanned with binoculars or a spotting scope. Every bird seen on the water surface or on the adjoining shoreline up to 50 m from the water edge is counted; when possible sex and age were also noted. Large flocks of > 100 birds are estimated by counting in groups of ten or one hundred. Observers take as much time as necessary to accurately count and record all waterfowl observed. Most locations require between 10–20 minutes to survey.

Data analysis

We initially explored basic population trends for each waterfowl species. This included average abundance and standard deviations between years. We calculated ranked abundance for non-rare species and fitted regression trends and tested significance for each species. Ranked abundance allowed us to examine the relative dominance or rarity of a species given the current community. Furthermore, we assessed total waterfowl abundance and Shannon diversity index by year.

We used nonmetric multidimensional scaling to identify the community level structure of wintering waterfowl in Narragansett Bay (Austin et al., 2001; Clarke & Ainsworth, 1993; Kruskal, 1964). Nonmetric multidimensional scaling is a nonparametric ordination technique used to reduce the dimensionality of a complex data set while maintaining the relative relationship between species composition of sites (Dixon, 2009). This specific ordination method does not require a prior constraining of axes or assumptions of normality. NMDS fits all ordination axes simultaneously not by sequentially finding orthogonal linear axes. Therefore, calculating variance explained by axis or linear goodness of fit measures are not applicable to this specific ordination method.

Nonmetric multidimensional scaling was conducted using survey data collected from 2004 to 2011. A Wisconsin double transform, standardized by species percent abundance and by maximum for each species, was conducted on the species data. This transformation allows for effective detection of species gradient and improves ordination quality. Bray-Curtis distance was used to calculate community distance (for in-depth discussion of methods see Faith et al., 1987; Minchin, 1987). We iteratively fit NMDS solutions of increasing dimensionality to determine the solution with adequate levels of decreased stress. Stress is a measure of goodness of fit; it is a measure of the agreement between the distance in ordination space and observed waterfowl community distance (Kruskal, 1964). Our goal was to minimize stress while avoiding superfluous ordination axes. To find the global stress minimization of an NMDS, random configurations of start locations were interjected into the fitting algorithm (Kruskal & Wish, 1978). All analyses were conducted in R version 2.13.1 (R Development Core Team, 2013) and NMDS was conducted with the Vegan package (Oksanen et al., 2007).

To explore relationships between environmental conditions and the waterfowl community structure, we tested for correlations between the NMDS axes and ancillary variables (Table 1). Ancillary variable selection was hypothesis driven. Initially, we examined the area effect and spatial structure of the waterfowl community composition. Also, we explored the impacts of near shore habitat conversion. Furthermore, we hypothesized that winter intensity and extreme wind events might be driving inter-annual variation. All ancillary variables (Table 1) were initially tested for significance to the final four-dimensional NMDS structure and then cross correlation between variables. Among highly correlated variables, only the most significant variables to the NMDS structure were included in the final analysis.

Table 1. Ancillary variables.

AbbreviationDescription
Latitude Latitude of site centroid
Longitude Longitude of site centroid
mean_bath Average bathymetry of site
Depth Deepest point in the site
low_bath Shallowest point in the site
std_bath Standard deviation of bathymetry in the site
Area Total area of the site
Perimeter Total length of the site perimeter
degr_wet_area Total area of wetlands classified as degraded within the site
Wetland Total wetland area within the site
NAO.1 North Atlantic Oscillation Index for January of survey year
NAO.12 North Atlantic Oscillation Index for December prior to survey
NAO.11 North Atlantic Oscillation Index for November prior to survey
NAO.win Average North Atlantic Oscillation Index for January,
December, and November prior to survey
NAO.10 North Atlantic Oscillation Index for October prior to survey
NAO.9 North Atlantic Oscillation Index for September prior to survey
NAO.8 North Atlantic Oscillation Index for August prior to survey
NAO.fall Average North Atlantic Oscillation Index for October,
September, and August prior to survey
WS_day Wind speed the day of survey
WS_day_b4 Wind speed the day before survey
WS_3day Average wind speed for the three days prior to survey
WS_7day Average wind speed for the seven days prior to survey
WS_30day Average wind speed for the thirty days prior to survey
WD_day Wind direction the day of survey
WD_day_b4 Wind direction the day before survey
WD_3day Average wind direction for the three days prior to survey
WD_7day Average wind direction for the seven days prior to survey

Location was measured as the latitude and longitude of each site’s centroid. Delineated site boundaries were used to calculate area and site perimeter length (Figure 1). Degraded wetland area was calculated using RI Department of Environmental Management (RI DEM) Statewide Planning Program’s impacted wetland digital vector data, which were downloaded from the RI Geographic Information System (RIGIS) (http://www.edc.uri.edu/rigis). Total wetland area was calculated from the US Fish and Wildlife Service (US FWS) National Wetland Inventory (http://www.fws.gov/wetlands). National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) bathymetry data were also downloaded from RIGIS.

The North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO) is a large-scale climate index that measures the atmospheric pressure at sea level between the Icelandic low and Azores high, which captures information about the relative intensity of the winter (Hurrell, 1995). A strongly positive NAO index is related to above normal temperatures in the study region, whereas a negative NAO index is associated with colder, more severe winters (Visbeck et al., 2001). The NAO index data were obtained from the National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR) (climatedataguide.ucar.edu). We used the NAO index to investigate whether winter waterfowl habitat selection was impacted by the relative severity of the winter weather. Wind speed variables were calculated from data downloaded from the NOAA National Climatic Data Center (http://www.ncdc.noaa.gov).

Results

site_idsiteSite_Namesection_latitudelongitudemean_bathdepth_bathlow_bathstd_bathareaperimeterdegra_wet_areadegrad_wet_cntimpact_lenNAO-1NAO-12NAO-11NOA-winNAO-10NAO-9NAO-8NAO-fallws_day_ofws_day_b4ws_3dayws_7dayws_30daywd_day_ofwd_day_b4wd_3daywd_7day
4101101Point Judith141.366912-71.477826-28.1053-118321.3754991.7554377.433202000-0.290.640.860.403333333-0.070.01-1.26-0.445955503743290260200213
4102102Narragansett South141.406775-71.45014-37.131301-176434.80648.31930716.449304000-0.290.640.860.403333333-0.070.01-1.26-0.445955503743290260200213
4103103Narragansett Central a-d141.447517-71.427438-37.387001-189530.70264.60047219.898889144353.58953420.206568-0.290.640.860.403333333-0.070.01-1.26-0.445955503743290260200213
4104104Bonnet Point141.464399-71.41905-25.2698-80319.35794.69183211.551678000-0.290.640.860.403333333-0.070.01-1.26-0.445955503743290260200213
4105105Narragansett North141.502277-71.410661-22.446599-70313.9113.1288967.277157000-0.290.640.860.403333333-0.070.01-1.26-0.445955503743290260200213
4106106Casey Point141.52093-71.408099-17.688699-91312.24742.4205916.226811000-0.290.640.860.403333333-0.070.01-1.26-0.445955503743290260200213
4107107Plum Point / Rome Point141.542096-71.413658-16.913299-5148.370283.5035968.0867687593.246173350.636382-0.290.640.860.403333333-0.070.01-1.26-0.445955503743290260200213
4108108Bissel Cove141.556029-71.420593-19.104299-60611.6333992.82962311.90816248.56729710-0.290.640.860.403333333-0.070.01-1.26-0.445955503743290260200213
4109109Wickford Harbor141.569464-71.419435-24.724599-110420.75626.17242219.138682102043.000740-0.290.640.860.403333333-0.070.01-1.26-0.445955503743290260200213
4110110Quonset Point141.598239-71.384624-45.728801-171433.39749913.54772120.223494000-0.290.640.860.403333333-0.070.01-1.26-0.445955503743290260200213
4111112Allen Harbor141.623072-71.412812-22.798-4949.9924490.2613692.735376000-0.290.640.860.403333333-0.070.01-1.26-0.445457303541310270193161
4112111Davisville North141.623401-71.389762-22.465099-104414.5575.59286510.061208000-0.290.640.860.403333333-0.070.01-1.26-0.445457303541310270193161
4202202Potowomut241.660187-71.382386-37.131301-176434.806410.84607820.90429923247.67881108.084265-0.290.640.860.403333333-0.070.01-1.26-0.445457303541310270193161
4203203Greenwich Cove241.656045-71.446908-37.387001-189530.70261.72417711.033636000-0.290.640.860.403333333-0.070.01-1.26-0.445457303541310270193161
4204204Apponaug Cove241.683557-71.441777-25.2698-80319.35791.3026338.053971472856.37432168.79368-0.290.640.860.403333333-0.070.01-1.26-0.445457303541310270193161
4205205Greenwich Bay N241.681812-71.425441-22.446599-70313.9113.3799689.6612740091.696162-0.290.640.860.403333333-0.070.01-1.26-0.445457303541310270193161
4206206Brush Neck Cove241.687066-71.405616-17.688699-91312.24740.4614736.795905000-0.290.640.860.403333333-0.070.01-1.26-0.445457303541310270193161
4207207Warwick Cove241.697986-71.384884-16.913299-5148.370280.4406826.6499020048.919913-0.290.640.860.403333333-0.070.01-1.26-0.445457303541310270193161
4208208Lower Providence River West241.696495-71.356495-19.104299-60611.63339911.40099116.1850395496.750007238.648861-0.290.640.860.403333333-0.070.01-1.26-0.445457303541310270193161
4209209Gaspee Point241.728688-71.367498-24.724599-110420.75626.1045713.2294687471.2820941149.104558-0.290.640.860.403333333-0.070.01-1.26-0.445457303541310270193161
4210210Passeonkquis Cove241.749085-71.376248-45.728801-171433.3974991.3563536.39611500303.742956-0.290.640.860.403333333-0.070.01-1.26-0.445457303541310270193161
4211211Pawtuxet Cove241.761742-71.380602-22.798-4949.9924491.6727746.46639900410.556533-0.290.640.860.403333333-0.070.01-1.26-0.445457303541310270193161
4212212Providence River NW241.777049-71.384011-22.465099-104414.5571.9024456.04339747264.7030820-0.290.640.860.403333333-0.070.01-1.26-0.445457303541310270193161
4301301Providence Harbor341.810453-71.399014-28.1053-118321.3754990.9826545.45346517072.257190.721134-0.290.640.860.403333333-0.070.01-1.26-0.445457303541310270193161
4302302Upper Providence River341.799201-71.385123-37.131301-176434.80642.3975519.87277340217.50025473.983279-0.290.640.860.403333333-0.070.01-1.26-0.445457303541310270193161
4303303Watchemoket Cove341.798936-71.376843-37.387001-189530.70260.3019383.5450643003421.02881592.127547-0.290.640.860.403333333-0.070.01-1.26-0.445457303541310270193161
4304304Sabin Point341.770983-71.373448-25.2698-80319.35793.38602310.71256500291.361618-0.290.640.860.403333333-0.070.01-1.26-0.445457303541310270193161
4305305Bullock's Cove341.740886-71.36442-22.446599-70313.9111.59870710.00731948133.52181319.282153-0.290.640.860.403333333-0.070.01-1.26-0.445457303541310270193161
4306306Bullock's Point341.731868-71.347845-17.688699-91312.24742.4343798.47839747908.495522173.668931-0.290.640.860.403333333-0.070.01-1.26-0.445457303541310270193161
4307307Barrington Beach341.705899-71.321874-16.913299-5148.3702811.48063313.6033811251.82006610-0.290.640.860.403333333-0.070.01-1.26-0.445457303541310270193161
4308308Upper Barrington River341.742875-71.306042-19.104299-60611.6333990.9306698.23133687158.7613911586.463241-0.290.640.860.403333333-0.070.01-1.26-0.445457303541310270193161
4309309 Warren River341.719141-71.289255-24.724599-110420.75621.82136311.82633302459.407611366.727881-0.290.640.860.403333333-0.070.01-1.26-0.445457303541310270193161
4310310Kikemuit River341.69421-71.237519-45.728801-171433.3974992.7031311.131266001.105049-0.290.640.860.403333333-0.070.01-1.26-0.445457303541310270193161
4311311Colt State Park341.666108-71.312328-22.798-4949.9924498.57644920.7469512218887.97381001.580563-0.290.640.860.403333333-0.070.01-1.26-0.445457303541310270193161
4312312Bristol Harbor341.654536-71.289773-22.465099-104414.5577.12775817.073373701429.28563801.256343-0.290.640.860.403333333-0.070.01-1.26-0.445955503743290260200213
4401401T-Dock441.593974-71.35572-28.1053-118321.37549916.67874422.690639000-0.290.640.860.403333333-0.070.01-1.26-0.445955503643290260200213
4402402Lighthouse441.602254-71.299041-37.131301-176434.80642.5114268.144549000-0.290.640.860.403333333-0.070.01-1.26-0.445955503643290260200213
4403403Ferry Landing441.628538-71.301041-37.387001-189530.70265.584949.802353000-0.290.640.860.403333333-0.070.01-1.26-0.445955503643290260200213
4404404Nag Pond441.628442-71.320327-25.2698-80319.35790.0615091.51261252816.664910-0.290.640.860.403333333-0.070.01-1.26-0.445955503643290260200213
4405405Prudence West441.619156-71.35013-22.446599-70313.91110.1690112.302898000-0.290.640.860.403333333-0.070.01-1.26-0.445955503643290260200213
4406406Potter Cove441.644773-71.325205-17.688699-91312.24746.22158914.18902971000.9755920-0.290.640.860.403333333-0.070.01-1.26-0.445457302841310270193161
4407407Coggeshal Cove441.639116-71.363541-16.913299-5148.370282.94146111.152658178141.70630-0.290.640.860.403333333-0.070.01-1.26-0.445457302841310270193161
4501501Portsmouth Cove541.631067-71.223995-28.1053-118321.3754991.3374529.16791002503.30761-0.290.640.860.403333333-0.070.01-1.26-0.445955503543290260200213
4502502Sakonnet River / Island Park541.619324-71.232035-37.387001-189530.70263.33001611.625559000-0.290.640.860.403333333-0.070.01-1.26-0.445955503543290260200213
4503503Tiverton Harbor541.632129-71.215175-37.131301-176434.80640.7354914.279483000-0.290.640.860.403333333-0.070.01-1.26-0.445955503543290260200213
4504504Nannaquacket541.611479-71.201465-25.2698-80319.35790.8452434.96333177855.10972102.063345-0.290.640.860.403333333-0.070.01-1.26-0.445955503543290260200213
4505505Sapowet541.584466-71.218244-22.446599-70313.9114.13403514.38620989112.799124159.0426-0.290.640.860.403333333-0.070.01-1.26-0.445955503543290260200213
4506506Fogland541.564119-71.214699-17.688699-91312.24741.4127218.049312000-0.290.640.860.403333333-0.070.01-1.26-0.445955503243290260200213
4507507Mary Donovan541.522114-71.212315-16.913299-5148.370286.14642113.187372000-0.290.640.860.403333333-0.070.01-1.26-0.445955503243290260200213
4508508Sakonnet Point541.477207-71.20155-19.104299-60611.6333998.94069320.15060700204.13896-0.290.640.860.403333333-0.070.01-1.26-0.445955503243290260200213
4601601Newport Harbor641.482548-71.322585-28.1053-118321.3754994.00143910.212302000-0.290.640.860.403333333-0.070.01-1.26-0.445955503743290260200213
4602602Fort Adams641.474862-71.348731-37.131301-176434.80642.76455811.8921941618.3480210-0.290.640.860.403333333-0.070.01-1.26-0.445955503743290260200213
4603603Brenton Point641.44672-71.346243-37.387001-189530.702610.09506519.354248000-0.290.640.860.403333333-0.070.01-1.26-0.445955503743290260200213
4604604Newport East641.471658-71.284418-25.2698-80319.35797.71411715.762173000-0.290.640.860.403333333-0.070.01-1.26-0.445955503743290260200213
4605605Sachuest Point641.4789-71.261206-22.446599-70313.91113.80395922.7158526620.81987210-0.290.640.860.403333333-0.070.01-1.26-0.445955503743290260200213
4606606Sandy Point641.527867-71.22292-17.688699-91312.24743.4763179.63081000-0.290.640.860.403333333-0.070.01-1.26-0.445955503743290260200213
4607607McCorrie Point641.57349-71.2305-16.913299-5148.370289.17620516.290404000-0.290.640.860.403333333-0.070.01-1.26-0.445955503743290260200213
4608608Sakonnet River NW641.608914-71.2307-19.104299-60611.6333992.7018426.661124000-0.290.640.860.403333333-0.070.01-1.26-0.445955503743290260200213
4609609Arnold Point641.562474-71.308328-24.724599-110420.756215.16950728.0737950067.437782-0.290.640.860.403333333-0.070.01-1.26-0.445955503743290260200213
4610610Jamestown East641.526008-71.343792-45.728801-171433.39749931.20237238.06741117622.6407210-0.290.640.860.403333333-0.070.01-1.26-0.445955503743290260200213
4611611Jamestown North641.572976-71.393865-22.798-4949.9924496.23595312.254974000-0.290.640.860.403333333-0.070.01-1.26-0.445955503743290260200213
4612612Jamestown West641.503524-71.391306-22.465099-104414.55714.17552631.595052343297.37494397.933258-0.290.640.860.403333333-0.070.01-1.26-0.445955503743290260200213
4613613Beavertail641.45244-71.406811-68.858703-123-126.74796.56358614.395951000-0.290.640.860.403333333-0.070.01-1.26-0.445955503743290260200213
4614614Hull Cove641.468311-71.375436-66.145103-112032.9016991.1051255.104586000-0.290.640.860.403333333-0.070.01-1.26-0.445955503743290260200213
4615615Mackerel / Sheffield Cove641.482989-71.382533-14.8991-52113.56041.2712976.78924114469.8184424.720966-0.290.640.860.403333333-0.070.01-1.26-0.445955503743290260200213
5101101Point Judith141.366912-71.477826-28.1053-118321.3754991.7554377.4332020000.731.211.521.153333333-0.480.38-1.1-0.45950515543320310267286
5102102Narragansett South141.406775-71.45014-37.131301-176434.80648.31930716.4493040000.731.211.521.153333333-0.480.38-1.1-0.45950515543320310267286
5103103Narragansett Central a-d141.447517-71.427438-37.387001-189530.70264.60047219.898889144353.58953420.2065680.731.211.521.153333333-0.480.38-1.1-0.45950515543320310267286
5104104Bonnet Point141.464399-71.41905-25.2698-80319.35794.69183211.5516780000.731.211.521.153333333-0.480.38-1.1-0.45950515543320310267286
5105105Narragansett North141.502277-71.410661-22.446599-70313.9113.1288967.2771570000.731.211.521.153333333-0.480.38-1.1-0.45950515543320310267286
5106106Casey Point141.52093-71.408099-17.688699-91312.24742.4205916.2268110000.731.211.521.153333333-0.480.38-1.1-0.45950515543320310267286
5107107Plum Point / Rome Point141.542096-71.413658-16.913299-5148.370283.5035968.0867687593.246173350.6363820.731.211.521.153333333-0.480.38-1.1-0.45950515543320310267286
5108108Bissel Cove141.556029-71.420593-19.104299-60611.6333992.82962311.90816248.567297100.731.211.521.153333333-0.480.38-1.1-0.45950515543320310267286
5109109Wickford Harbor141.569464-71.419435-24.724599-110420.75626.17242219.138682102043.0007400.731.211.521.153333333-0.480.38-1.1-0.45950515543320310267286
5110110Quonset Point141.598239-71.384624-45.728801-171433.39749913.54772120.2234940000.731.211.521.153333333-0.480.38-1.1-0.45950515543320310267286
5111112Allen Harbor141.623072-71.412812-22.798-4949.9924490.2613692.7353760000.731.211.521.153333333-0.480.38-1.1-0.45442405040360310303166
5112111Davisville North141.623401-71.389762-22.465099-104414.5575.59286510.0612080000.731.211.521.153333333-0.480.38-1.1-0.45442405040360310303166
5201201Mount View241.642646-71.384681-28.1053-118321.3754997.97947911.3889430000.731.211.521.153333333-0.480.38-1.1-0.45442405040360310303166
5202202Potowomut241.660187-71.382386-37.131301-176434.806410.84607820.90429923247.67881108.0842650.731.211.521.153333333-0.480.38-1.1-0.45442405040360310303166
5203203Greenwich Cove241.656045-71.446908-37.387001-189530.70261.72417711.0336360000.731.211.521.153333333-0.480.38-1.1-0.45442405040360310303166
5204204Apponaug Cove241.683557-71.441777-25.2698-80319.35791.3026338.053971472856.37432168.793680.731.211.521.153333333-0.480.38-1.1-0.45442405040360310303166
5205205Greenwich Bay N241.681812-71.425441-22.446599-70313.9113.3799689.6612740091.6961620.731.211.521.153333333-0.480.38-1.1-0.45442405040360310303166
5206206Brush Neck Cove241.687066-71.405616-17.688699-91312.24740.4614736.7959050000.731.211.521.153333333-0.480.38-1.1-0.45442405040360310303166
5207207Warwick Cove241.697986-71.384884-16.913299-5148.370280.4406826.6499020048.9199130.731.211.521.153333333-0.480.38-1.1-0.45442405040360310303166
5208208Lower Providence River West241.696495-71.356495-19.104299-60611.63339911.40099116.1850395496.750007238.6488610.731.211.521.153333333-0.480.38-1.1-0.45442405040360310303166
5209209Gaspee Point241.728688-71.367498-24.724599-110420.75626.1045713.2294687471.2820941149.1045580.731.211.521.153333333-0.480.38-1.1-0.45442405040360310303166
5210210Passeonkquis Cove241.749085-71.376248-45.728801-171433.3974991.3563536.39611500303.7429560.731.211.521.153333333-0.480.38-1.1-0.45442405040360310303166
5211211Pawtuxet Cove241.761742-71.380602-22.798-4949.9924491.6727746.46639900410.5565330.731.211.521.153333333-0.480.38-1.1-0.45442405040360310303166
5212212Providence River NW241.777049-71.384011-22.465099-104414.5571.9024456.04339747264.70308200.731.211.521.153333333-0.480.38-1.1-0.45442405040360310303166
5301301Providence Harbor341.810453-71.399014-28.1053-118321.3754990.9826545.45346517072.257190.7211340.731.211.521.153333333-0.480.38-1.1-0.45442405040360310303166
5302302Upper Providence River341.799201-71.385123-37.131301-176434.80642.3975519.87277340217.50025473.9832790.731.211.521.153333333-0.480.38-1.1-0.45442405040360310303166
5303303Watchemoket Cove341.798936-71.376843-37.387001-189530.70260.3019383.5450643003421.02881592.1275470.731.211.521.153333333-0.480.38-1.1-0.45442405040360310303166
5304304Sabin Point341.770983-71.373448-25.2698-80319.35793.38602310.71256500291.3616180.731.211.521.153333333-0.480.38-1.1-0.45442405040360310303166
5305305Bullock's Cove341.740886-71.36442-22.446599-70313.9111.59870710.00731948133.52181319.2821530.731.211.521.153333333-0.480.38-1.1-0.45442405040360310303166
5306306Bullock's Point341.731868-71.347845-17.688699-91312.24742.4343798.47839747908.495522173.6689310.731.211.521.153333333-0.480.38-1.1-0.45442405040360310303166
5307307Barrington Beach341.705899-71.321874-16.913299-5148.3702811.48063313.6033811251.820066100.731.211.521.153333333-0.480.38-1.1-0.45442405040360310303166
5308308Upper Barrington River341.742875-71.306042-19.104299-60611.6333990.9306698.23133687158.7613911586.4632410.731.211.521.153333333-0.480.38-1.1-0.45442405040360310303166
5309309 Warren River341.719141-71.289255-24.724599-110420.75621.82136311.82633302459.407611366.7278810.731.211.521.153333333-0.480.38-1.1-0.45442405040360310303166
5310310Kikemuit River341.69421-71.237519-45.728801-171433.3974992.7031311.131266001.1050490.731.211.521.153333333-0.480.38-1.1-0.45442405040360310303166
5311311Colt State Park341.666108-71.312328-22.798-4949.9924498.57644920.7469512218887.97381001.5805630.731.211.521.153333333-0.480.38-1.1-0.45442405040360310303166
5312312Bristol Harbor341.654536-71.289773-22.465099-104414.5577.12775817.073373701429.28563801.2563430.731.211.521.153333333-0.480.38-1.1-0.45950515543320310267286
5401401T-Dock441.593974-71.35572-28.1053-118321.37549916.67874422.6906390000.731.211.521.153333333-0.480.38-1.1-0.45950513743320310267286
5402402Lighthouse441.602254-71.299041-37.131301-176434.80642.5114268.1445490000.731.211.521.153333333-0.480.38-1.1-0.45950513743320310267286
5403403Ferry Landing441.628538-71.301041-37.387001-189530.70265.584949.8023530000.731.211.521.153333333-0.480.38-1.1-0.45950513743320310267286
5404404Nag Pond441.628442-71.320327-25.2698-80319.35790.0615091.51261252816.6649100.731.211.521.153333333-0.480.38-1.1-0.45950513743320310267286
5405405Prudence West441.619156-71.35013-22.446599-70313.91110.1690112.3028980000.731.211.521.153333333-0.480.38-1.1-0.45950513743320310267286
5406406Potter Cove441.644773-71.325205-17.688699-91312.24746.22158914.18902971000.97559200.731.211.521.153333333-0.480.38-1.1-0.45442403540360310303166
5407407Coggeshal Cove441.639116-71.363541-16.913299-5148.370282.94146111.152658178141.706300.731.211.521.153333333-0.480.38-1.1-0.45442403540360310303166
5408408Providence Point441.671793-71.333741-19.104299-60611.6333999.49804515.1601511299.688465100.731.211.521.153333333-0.480.38-1.1-0.45442403540360310303166
5501501Portsmouth Cove541.631067-71.223995-28.1053-118321.3754991.3374529.16791002503.307610.731.211.521.153333333-0.480.38-1.1-0.45950513743320310267286
5502502Sakonnet River / Island Park541.619324-71.232035-37.387001-189530.70263.33001611.6255590000.731.211.521.153333333-0.480.38-1.1-0.45950513743320310267286
5503503Tiverton Harbor541.632129-71.215175-37.131301-176434.80640.7354914.2794830000.731.211.521.153333333-0.480.38-1.1-0.45950513743320310267286
5504504Nannaquacket541.611479-71.201465-25.2698-80319.35790.8452434.96333177855.10972102.0633450.731.211.521.153333333-0.480.38-1.1-0.45950513743320310267286
5505505Sapowet541.584466-71.218244-22.446599-70313.9114.13403514.38620989112.799124159.04260.731.211.521.153333333-0.480.38-1.1-0.45950513743320310267286
5506506Fogland541.564119-71.214699-17.688699-91312.24741.4127218.0493120000.731.211.521.153333333-0.480.38-1.1-0.45950513743320310267286
5507507Mary Donovan541.522114-71.212315-16.913299-5148.370286.14642113.1873720000.731.211.521.153333333-0.480.38-1.1-0.45950513743320310267286
5508508Sakonnet Point541.477207-71.20155-19.104299-60611.6333998.94069320.15060700204.138960.731.211.521.153333333-0.480.38-1.1-0.45950513743320310267286
5601601Newport Harbor641.482548-71.322585-28.1053-118321.3754994.00143910.2123020000.731.211.521.153333333-0.480.38-1.1-0.45950515543320310267286
5602602Fort Adams641.474862-71.348731-37.131301-176434.80642.76455811.8921941618.34802100.731.211.521.153333333-0.480.38-1.1-0.45950515543320310267286
5603603Brenton Point641.44672-71.346243-37.387001-189530.702610.09506519.3542480000.731.211.521.153333333-0.480.38-1.1-0.45950515543320310267286
5604604Newport East641.471658-71.284418-25.2698-80319.35797.71411715.7621730000.731.211.521.153333333-0.480.38-1.1-0.45950515543320310267286
5605605Sachuest Point641.4789-71.261206-22.446599-70313.91113.80395922.7158526620.819872100.731.211.521.153333333-0.480.38-1.1-0.45950515543320310267286
5606606Sandy Point641.527867-71.22292-17.688699-91312.24743.4763179.630810000.731.211.521.153333333-0.480.38-1.1-0.45950515543320310267286
5607607McCorrie Point641.57349-71.2305-16.913299-5148.370289.17620516.2904040000.731.211.521.153333333-0.480.38-1.1-0.45950515543320310267286
5608608Sakonnet River NW641.608914-71.2307-19.104299-60611.6333992.7018426.6611240000.731.211.521.153333333-0.480.38-1.1-0.45950515543320310267286
5609609Arnold Point641.562474-71.308328-24.724599-110420.756215.16950728.0737950067.4377820.731.211.521.153333333-0.480.38-1.1-0.45950515543320310267286
5610610Jamestown East641.526008-71.343792-45.728801-171433.39749931.20237238.06741117622.64072100.731.211.521.153333333-0.480.38-1.1-0.45950515543320310267286
5611611Jamestown North641.572976-71.393865-22.798-4949.9924496.23595312.2549740000.731.211.521.153333333-0.480.38-1.1-0.45950515543320310267286
5612612Jamestown West641.503524-71.391306-22.465099-104414.55714.17552631.595052343297.37494397.9332580.731.211.521.153333333-0.480.38-1.1-0.45950515543320310267286
5613613Beavertail641.45244-71.406811-68.858703-123-126.74796.56358614.3959510000.731.211.521.153333333-0.480.38-1.1-0.45950515543320310267286
5614614Hull Cove641.468311-71.375436-66.145103-112032.9016991.1051255.1045860000.731.211.521.153333333-0.480.38-1.1-0.45950515543320310267286
5615615Mackerel / Sheffield Cove641.482989-71.382533-14.8991-52113.56041.2712976.78924114469.8184424.7209660.731.211.521.153333333-0.480.38-1.1-0.45950515543320310267286
6101101Point Judith141.366912-71.477826-28.1053-118321.3754991.7554377.433202000-0.31-0.441.26510.17170.370.63-0.980.0066666673531333237180190220252
6102102Narragansett South141.406775-71.45014-37.131301-176434.80648.31930716.449304000-0.31-0.441.26510.17170.370.63-0.980.0066666673531333237180190220252
6103103Narragansett Central a-d141.447517-71.427438-37.387001-189530.70264.60047219.898889144353.58953420.206568-0.31-0.441.26510.17170.370.63-0.980.0066666673531333237180190220252
6104104Bonnet Point141.464399-71.41905-25.2698-80319.35794.69183211.551678000-0.31-0.441.26510.17170.370.63-0.980.0066666673531333237180190220252
6105105Narragansett North141.502277-71.410661-22.446599-70313.9113.1288967.277157000-0.31-0.441.26510.17170.370.63-0.980.0066666673531333237180190220252
6106106Casey Point141.52093-71.408099-17.688699-91312.24742.4205916.226811000-0.31-0.441.26510.17170.370.63-0.980.0066666673531333237180190220252
6107107Plum Point / Rome Point141.542096-71.413658-16.913299-5148.370283.5035968.0867687593.246173350.636382-0.31-0.441.26510.17170.370.63-0.980.0066666673531333237180190220252
6108108Bissel Cove141.556029-71.420593-19.104299-60611.6333992.82962311.90816248.56729710-0.31-0.441.26510.17170.370.63-0.980.0066666673531333237180190220252
6109109Wickford Harbor141.569464-71.419435-24.724599-110420.75626.17242219.138682102043.000740-0.31-0.441.26510.17170.370.63-0.980.0066666673531333237180190220252
6110110Quonset Point141.598239-71.384624-45.728801-171433.39749913.54772120.223494000-0.31-0.441.26510.17170.370.63-0.980.0066666673531333237180190220252
6112111Davisville North141.623401-71.389762-22.465099-104414.5575.59286510.061208000-0.31-0.441.26510.17170.370.63-0.980.0066666672444343034200210250277
6201201Mount View241.642646-71.384681-28.1053-118321.3754997.97947911.388943000-0.31-0.441.26510.17170.370.63-0.980.0066666672444343034200210250277
6202202Potowomut241.660187-71.382386-37.131301-176434.806410.84607820.90429923247.67881108.084265-0.31-0.441.26510.17170.370.63-0.980.0066666672444343034200210250277
6203203Greenwich Cove241.656045-71.446908-37.387001-189530.70261.72417711.033636000-0.31-0.441.26510.17170.370.63-0.980.0066666672444343034200210250277
6204204Apponaug Cove241.683557-71.441777-25.2698-80319.35791.3026338.053971472856.37432168.79368-0.31-0.441.26510.17170.370.63-0.980.0066666672444343034200210250277
6205205Greenwich Bay N241.681812-71.425441-22.446599-70313.9113.3799689.6612740091.696162-0.31-0.441.26510.17170.370.63-0.980.0066666672444343034200210250277
6206206Brush Neck Cove241.687066-71.405616-17.688699-91312.24740.4614736.795905000-0.31-0.441.26510.17170.370.63-0.980.0066666672444343034200210250277
6207207Warwick Cove241.697986-71.384884-16.913299-5148.370280.4406826.6499020048.919913-0.31-0.441.26510.17170.370.63-0.980.0066666672444343034200210250277
6208208Lower Providence River West241.696495-71.356495-19.104299-60611.63339911.40099116.1850395496.750007238.648861-0.31-0.441.26510.17170.370.63-0.980.0066666672444343034200210250277
6209209Gaspee Point241.728688-71.367498-24.724599-110420.75626.1045713.2294687471.2820941149.104558-0.31-0.441.26510.17170.370.63-0.980.0066666672444343034200210250277
6210210Passeonkquis Cove241.749085-71.376248-45.728801-171433.3974991.3563536.39611500303.742956-0.31-0.441.26510.17170.370.63-0.980.0066666672444343034200210250277
6211211Pawtuxet Cove241.761742-71.380602-22.798-4949.9924491.6727746.46639900410.556533-0.31-0.441.26510.17170.370.63-0.980.0066666672444343034200210250277
6212212Providence River NW241.777049-71.384011-22.465099-104414.5571.9024456.04339747264.7030820-0.31-0.441.26510.17170.370.63-0.980.0066666672444343034200210250277
6301301Providence Harbor341.810453-71.399014-28.1053-118321.3754990.9826545.45346517072.257190.721134-0.31-0.441.26510.17170.370.63-0.980.0066666672444343034200210250277
6302302Upper Providence River341.799201-71.385123-37.131301-176434.80642.3975519.87277340217.50025473.983279-0.31-0.441.26510.17170.370.63-0.980.0066666672444343034200210250277
6303303Watchemoket Cove341.798936-71.376843-37.387001-189530.70260.3019383.5450643003421.02881592.127547-0.31-0.441.26510.17170.370.63-0.980.0066666672444343034200210250277
6304304Sabin Point341.770983-71.373448-25.2698-80319.35793.38602310.71256500291.361618-0.31-0.441.26510.17170.370.63-0.980.0066666672444343034200210250277
6305305Bullock's Cove341.740886-71.36442-22.446599-70313.9111.59870710.00731948133.52181319.282153-0.31-0.441.26510.17170.370.63-0.980.0066666672444343034200210250277
6306306Bullock's Point341.731868-71.347845-17.688699-91312.24742.4343798.47839747908.495522173.668931-0.31-0.441.26510.17170.370.63-0.980.0066666672444343034200210250277
6307307Barrington Beach341.705899-71.321874-16.913299-5148.3702811.48063313.6033811251.82006610-0.31-0.441.26510.17170.370.63-0.980.0066666672444343034200210250277
6308308Upper Barrington River341.742875-71.306042-19.104299-60611.6333990.9306698.23133687158.7613911586.463241-0.31-0.441.26510.17170.370.63-0.980.0066666672444343034200210250277
6309309 Warren River341.719141-71.289255-24.724599-110420.75621.82136311.82633302459.407611366.727881-0.31-0.441.26510.17170.370.63-0.980.0066666672444343034200210250277
6310310Kikemuit River341.69421-71.237519-45.728801-171433.3974992.7031311.131266001.105049-0.31-0.441.26510.17170.370.63-0.980.0066666672444343034200210250277
6311311Colt State Park341.666108-71.312328-22.798-4949.9924498.57644920.7469512218887.97381001.580563-0.31-0.441.26510.17170.370.63-0.980.0066666672444343034200210250277
6312312Bristol Harbor341.654536-71.289773-22.465099-104414.5577.12775817.073373701429.28563801.256343-0.31-0.441.26510.17170.370.63-0.980.0066666673531333237180190220252
6401401T-Dock441.593974-71.35572-28.1053-118321.37549916.67874422.690639000-0.31-0.441.26510.17170.370.63-0.980.0066666673531335537180190220252
6402402Lighthouse441.602254-71.299041-37.131301-176434.80642.5114268.144549000-0.31-0.441.26510.17170.370.63-0.980.0066666673531335537180190220252
6403403Ferry Landing441.628538-71.301041-37.387001-189530.70265.584949.802353000-0.31-0.441.26510.17170.370.63-0.980.0066666673531335537180190220252
6404404Nag Pond441.628442-71.320327-25.2698-80319.35790.0615091.51261252816.664910-0.31-0.441.26510.17170.370.63-0.980.0066666673531335537180190220252
6405405Prudence West441.619156-71.35013-22.446599-70313.91110.1690112.302898000-0.31-0.441.26510.17170.370.63-0.980.0066666673531335537180190220252
6406406Potter Cove441.644773-71.325205-17.688699-91312.24746.22158914.18902971000.9755920-0.31-0.441.26510.17170.370.63-0.980.0066666672444345034200210250277
6407407Coggeshal Cove441.639116-71.363541-16.913299-5148.370282.94146111.152658178141.70630-0.31-0.441.26510.17170.370.63-0.980.0066666672444345034200210250277
6408408Providence Point441.671793-71.333741-19.104299-60611.6333999.49804515.1601511299.68846510-0.31-0.441.26510.17170.370.63-0.980.0066666672444345034200210250277
6501501Portsmouth Cove541.631067-71.223995-28.1053-118321.3754991.3374529.16791002503.30761-0.31-0.441.26510.17170.370.63-0.980.0066666673531335537180190220252
6502502Sakonnet River / Island Park541.619324-71.232035-37.387001-189530.70263.33001611.625559000-0.31-0.441.26510.17170.370.63-0.980.0066666673531335537180190220252
6503503Tiverton Harbor541.632129-71.215175-37.131301-176434.80640.7354914.279483000-0.31-0.441.26510.17170.370.63-0.980.0066666673531335537180190220252
6504504Nannaquacket541.611479-71.201465-25.2698-80319.35790.8452434.96333177855.10972102.063345-0.31-0.441.26510.17170.370.63-0.980.0066666673531335537180190220252
6505505Sapowet541.584466-71.218244-22.446599-70313.9114.13403514.38620989112.799124159.0426-0.31-0.441.26510.17170.370.63-0.980.0066666673531335537180190220252
6506506Fogland541.564119-71.214699-17.688699-91312.24741.4127218.049312000-0.31-0.441.26510.17170.370.63-0.980.0066666673531335537180190220252
6507507Mary Donovan541.522114-71.212315-16.913299-5148.370286.14642113.187372000-0.31-0.441.26510.17170.370.63-0.980.0066666673531335537180190220252
6508508Sakonnet Point541.477207-71.20155-19.104299-60611.6333998.94069320.15060700204.13896-0.31-0.441.26510.17170.370.63-0.980.0066666673531335537180190220252
6601601Newport Harbor641.482548-71.322585-28.1053-118321.3754994.00143910.212302000-0.31-0.441.26510.17170.370.63-0.980.0066666673531333237180190220252
6602602Fort Adams641.474862-71.348731-37.131301-176434.80642.76455811.8921941618.3480210-0.31-0.441.26510.17170.370.63-0.980.0066666673531333237180190220252
6603603Brenton Point641.44672-71.346243-37.387001-189530.702610.09506519.354248000-0.31-0.441.26510.17170.370.63-0.980.0066666673531333237180190220252
6604604Newport East641.471658-71.284418-25.2698-80319.35797.71411715.762173000-0.31-0.441.26510.17170.370.63-0.980.0066666673531333237180190220252
6605605Sachuest Point641.4789-71.261206-22.446599-70313.91113.80395922.7158526620.81987210-0.31-0.441.26510.17170.370.63-0.980.0066666673531333237180190220252
6606606Sandy Point641.527867-71.22292-17.688699-91312.24743.4763179.63081000-0.31-0.441.26510.17170.370.63-0.980.0066666673531333237180190220252
6607607McCorrie Point641.57349-71.2305-16.913299-5148.370289.17620516.290404000-0.31-0.441.26510.17170.370.63-0.980.0066666673531333237180190220252
6608608Sakonnet River NW641.608914-71.2307-19.104299-60611.6333992.7018426.661124000-0.31-0.441.26510.17170.370.63-0.980.0066666673531333237180190220252
6609609Arnold Point641.562474-71.308328-24.724599-110420.756215.16950728.0737950067.437782-0.31-0.441.26510.17170.370.63-0.980.0066666673531333237180190220252
6610610Jamestown East641.526008-71.343792-45.728801-171433.39749931.20237238.06741117622.6407210-0.31-0.441.26510.17170.370.63-0.980.0066666673531333237180190220252
6611611Jamestown North641.572976-71.393865-22.798-4949.9924496.23595312.254974000-0.31-0.441.26510.17170.370.63-0.980.0066666673531333237180190220252
6612612Jamestown West641.503524-71.391306-22.465099-104414.55714.17552631.595052343297.37494397.933258-0.31-0.441.26510.17170.370.63-0.980.0066666673531333237180190220252
6613613Beavertail641.45244-71.406811-68.858703-123-126.74796.56358614.395951000-0.31-0.441.26510.17170.370.63-0.980.0066666673531333237180190220252
6614614Hull Cove641.468311-71.375436-66.145103-112032.9016991.1051255.104586000-0.31-0.441.26510.17170.370.63-0.980.0066666673531333237180190220252
6615615Mackerel / Sheffield Cove641.482989-71.382533-14.8991-52113.56041.2712976.78924114469.8184424.720966-0.31-0.441.26510.17170.370.63-0.980.0066666673531333237180190220252
7101101Point Judith141.366912-71.477826-28.1053-118321.3754991.7554377.4332020000.436811.33660.222650.665353333-1.7264-1.6219-2.2439-1.8640666673642544535220300270237
This is a portion of the data; to view all the data, please download the file.
Dataset 1.Environmental data.
Ancillary variables: The abbreviation definitions can be found in Table 1.
new_site_IDsite_yearCOEIKIEIHADULTDUBLSCSUSCWWSCCOGOBAGOBUFFHOMECOMERBMESCAUPABDUMALLAMWIGADWSWANCAGOBRANCOLOHOGR
101410100000003000000000000010
102410239800024039329010020700000000
10341030000000800001460400000010
104410400000002000020000000000
10541054000000101001004000021505
106410600000002070000000407200
1074107000000068000000000000000
10841080000000110700202140020000
10941090000000201430070083000271000
110411000000000000030400000000
111411100000003000008017150000000
112411200000000060000000000000
20242020000000103700130175017229000
20342030000000400105298547100795000
20442040000000100401201111816774254000
205420500000000000010511170008475100
2064206000000000566000845805180031327400
207420700000005030070661000194000
208420800000000000000457420041100
20942090000000707003084020601560000
210421000000000000000570741900000
211421100000000000000101801270000
212421200000003000014002911102257000
301430100000000000000070047000
3024302000000020100000200020000
30343030000000309403521350175133000
3044304000000010308008522201300020000
305430500000000035000612421110128018700
306430600000005690000838707220000000
3074307000000051019003014000000061
30843080000000002600102130108000
30943090000000260600805406216000
3104310000000016000020070007000
31143110000000770212000808242120050000
31243120000000490860702170000000
4014401000000060000144350000010
4024402000000011000040400000001
40344030000000131000020300006000
4044404000000000000001200008000
40544050000000225000060370000171400
4064406000000024202800003200005005
4074407000000080046008080007174600
501450100000000083006020036021000
50245020000000150100000000052000
50345030000000210000190000000000
504450400000003022001603385000178000
50545050000000115032002000000048014
50645060000000109000045100000003
507450700000000000010000000000
50845081580200054000030118000000000
60146012000000502005204800014000
6024602000000000700640266800079000
60346033800000039060040000000820
60446041701407800120200500000000300
605460529069047202604500140600000030
6064606000041007604002103803600041625
6074607100000013305000024002101400
60846080000000120400330000400404
6094609000000017000050000000600
610461000000002700003402013010119010
6114611000000560000180000000010
6124612000000013020045012210000000
613461329202008180000020000000000
61446140000000150120030000000010
6154615200000018017001600001600009
101510150000001000010000000010
102510271200010080200300000000042
103510300000008052130400718643754561390
10451040000010104003000000113000
10551051300060053010090010002000
106510600000002000000000000004
10751070000000720000001470009000
108510800000001000080819001526000
10951090000000004100880012700275000
1105110000000080000302800000000
1115111000000000200800000109000
1125112000000000000140000000000
20152010000000000000020000010300
2025202000000000300004501400111124700
203520300000004000019042301000189000
204520400000000000014017137370101454000
20552050000000000001602604400023213400
20652060000000003220000192800141000
20752070000000002200802100022211800
2085208000000070000002211616075000
209520900000000000000265822801910000
210521000000000002700033180610000
211521100000000000000000030000
212521200000000000000412540055000
30153010000000800003020400216000
3025302000000000100100000006000
3035303000000020500502800040000
3045304000000030020017500020020000
30553050000000304512071862108085600400
306530600000003100001350190740022274400
30753070000000230000200000037002
3085308000000000220100846002103000
3095309000000010000190290003337500
31053100000000830400803217004409010
31153110000000250000101000003700
31253120000000400341018003349204170200
401540100000231900052013340308000
402540200000001000050000000000
40354030000000210000003000018000
4045404000000000000000000022000
405540500000007000000290200291800
4065406000000019011000034000046000
40754070000000000000077000026745000
408540800000003000040000000000
501550100000000079002018000213524200
5025502000000062022000000004661200
50355030000000000003421760000000
50455040000000003001061580000200
5055505000000068000000101100222700
506550615000000003001010000174900
507550790000001000000001004662600
50855087580004001607300025000021000
6015601000000060000700000028000
6025602000000000000400220000600
603560315000000480500322300500000
60456042750008030042000020000000040
60556055805104005103600733829150000370
606560600004000030030000000400
607560700000007000020000000700
608560800000000001000000000001
6095609000000017000050000000600
6105610000000000000002800000000
611561100000001000000200000000
61256120000000000005040000102600
61356132670150000170000200000000000
6145614338000000230190000030000000
6155615000100000300003150000000
101610112000422428000050000000010
10261022400000002000010000000055
1036103220000000000000030000000
10461048120005003000050000000053
10561053430002000000030000000010
106610620000002000050000000040
107610700000004001002491100000000
1086108000000000800401600000000
109610900000001401070051028600090000
110611000000001000000000000000
1126112000000000000530000020000
201620100000000000010600000700
2026202000000020200138101400077200
20362030000000505405901000470000
204620400000000030036028581018020642000
20562050000000300001102420070200
20662060000000006910031240161230039395000
207620700000000019601602421755023001600
208620800000001800503044210300600
20962090000000250450012025002602500350040002
21062100000000000000047075200200
21162110000000104000250000120000
212621200000000000000450000000
301630100000000000000220000000
3026302000000000011060000215000
3036303000000030880143722371108132000
304630400000001904500340000084600
3056305000000000180061201017100692023000
3066306000000020000000280305033700
3076307000000075000000250000030033
30863080000000006001003260004000
309630900000003100005021300070500
3106310000000010000020000006800
3116311000000026006090290000057601
3126312000000017015106010000002600
4016401000000480100504200002000
402640200000000000000000002000
4036403000000017000010000000000
4046404000000000000201000000000
40564050000000300000040000020001
406640600000001380000804300000010
4076407000000018073012066000001900
40864080000000110000101000000000
5016501000000000530012000001015800
5026502000000036040000080000019000
50365030000000200000170020000110
5046504000000000135004003400008500
5056505000000025030010000000000
50665061000000005001104800038014000
5076507000000000000001000012518600
5086508120000001070010000000001
6016601000000040500800000028000
6026602100000017000030250000600
603660318900080005020000000000000
6046604100000010000000000000000
605660512402604261103110526200000050
606660600001300010040000000010
6076607000011101010100000600000020
608660800001001010000000000004
6096609000000016000050000000000
610661040000002100001205200026000
611661100000000000010300000020
61266121100000000000903200000010
6136613109010000030000020000000000
6146614120000000000000200000000
615661570000006050210270000000
101710190000001000090000000000
This is a portion of the data; to view all the data, please download the file.
Dataset 2.Winter waterfowl survey.
Species data: The abbreviation definitions can be found in Table 2.

A total of 23 waterfowl taxa were recorded and included in the analysis presented within this study (Table 2). The total waterfowl population for the Bay averaged approximately 20,000 individuals annually. Total count was lowest in 2006 (15,090 individuals) and highest in 2010 (26,503 individuals) (Figure 2). The 2010 peak in abundance was due to a spike in the number of Scaup spp. present in the Bay. This jump in Scaup spp. abundance corresponded to a reciprocal dip in the 2010 Shannon diversity index (Figure 2). Ranked abundances of individual species showed no significant trends of increase or decrease over the course of this study, except for slight increases in Bufflehead (Bucephala albeola) and Hooded Merganser (Lophodytes cucullatus) (Figure 3).

Table 2. Species summary of the Narragansett Bay Winter Waterfowl Survey for 2004–2011.

Mean is the average abundance for each species throughout the entire study area. Percent represents the fraction that each species contributes to the total for duration of the study.

SpeciesSpecies
Code
Mean (+/-)
SD
Percent
American Black Duck
Anas rubripes
ABDU1205 ± 1765.95
American Wigeon
Anas americana
AMWI456 ± 3342.25
Barrow’s Goldeneye*
Bucephala islandica
BAGO0.3 ± 0.7~0
Black Scoter
Melanitta americana
BLSC316 ± 3551.56
Brant
Branta bernicla
BRAN2525 ± 88112.5
Bufflehead
Bucephala albeola
BUFF1052 ± 4315.19
Canada Goose
Branta canadensis
CAGO2713 ± 124913.4
Common Eider
Somateria mollissima
COEI1302 ± 5796.43
Common Goldeneye
Bucephala clangula
COGO1374 ± 5326.78
Common Loon*
Gavia immer
COLO67 ± 410.332
Common Merganser*
Mergus merganser
COME26 ± 230.128
Gadwall*
Anas strepera
GADW144 ± 1050.712
Harlequin Duck*
Histrionicus histrionicus
HADU71 ± 220.351
Hooded Merganser*
Lophodytes cucullatus
HOME171 ± 1100.842
Horned Grebe*
Podiceps auritus
HOGR138 ± 1850.682
King Eider*
Somateria spectabilis
KIEI0.1 ± 0.3~0
Long-tailed Duck*
Clangula hyemalis
LTDU1 ± 2~0
Mallard
Anas platyrhynchos
MALL1002 ± 4104.94
Red-breasted Merganser
Mergus serrator
RBME771 ± 2053.8
Scaup spp.
Aythya spp.
SCAUP6146 ± 275030.3
Surf Scoter*
Melanitta perspicillata
SUSC81 ± 660.401
Swan
Cygnus spp.
SWAN618 ± 2673.05
White-winged Scoter*
Melanitta fusca
WWSC78 ± 1300.386
60bf5701-415d-4297-87fc-5547cfad52e1_figure2.gif

Figure 2. Waterfowl abundance and Shannon diversity index.

60bf5701-415d-4297-87fc-5547cfad52e1_figure3.gif

Figure 3. Species ranked abundances.

Our final NMDS fit had four dimensions and a stress value of 0.1449 (Figure 4A), and is well within the acceptable stress limits of NMDS (Clarke, 1993; Kruskal & Wish, 1978). The final four dimensional NMDS was selected based on a considerable decrease in stress from the three dimensional solution; however, a fifth dimensional solution offered only a slight decrease in stress. Sites in the NMDS plot that are closer in ordination space are more similar in species composition. As the distance between points increases, the species composition becomes more dissimilar. Our final presentation of the NMDS rotated the data so that greatest distance between site scores are plotted on NMDS axis 1. There is some spatial clustering of survey sections across the first two NMDS axes. Sections 1 and 6 are concentrated on the left side of the NMDS axis 1, while sections 2 and 3 are predominantly on the right side. Sections 4 and 5 are located approximately in the middle, as they are in actual Bay position.

60bf5701-415d-4297-87fc-5547cfad52e1_figure4.gif

Figure 4. Final NMDS results.

The circles illustrate the location of a single site for each surveyed year. The sites are color-coded by section. Figure 4A: Species locations are illustrated with four-letter abbreviation. Long-tailed duck and king eider were rare and therefore plotted a considerable distance from all other species. To increase the legibility of this figure, we zoomed in on the main cluster. However, long-tailed was 0.09 on NMDS 1 and -1.54 on NMDS 2, and king eider was -1.041 and -1.45. Figure 4B: Bi-plot of NMDS axis one and two with vectors of significant environmental variables overlaid. The arrow’s direction illustrates the environmental gradient and the length is proportional to the correlation strength between the variable and the NMDS (See Table 3).

Table 3. Results of final NMDS.

VariableNMDS 1NMDS 2
Latitude*** 0.916-0.401
mean_bath** 0.987-0.160
Area*** -0.9200.392
NAO.12 0.247-0.969
NAO.11 -0.06180.998
NAO.win 0.145-0.989
WS_3day** -0.9880.157
WS_30day 0.6000.799
WD_day** 0.563-0.826
WD_day_b4* -0.3350.942

Significance codes: “***” < 0.001, “**” <0.01, “*” <0.05

Species location in the ordination space can approximate how species sort into habitat types along the spatial gradient in the Bay (Figure 4a). The upper left of the ordination space reflects predominantly open ocean, deep-water sites (sections 1 and 6). In line with the habitat location in ordination space, indicator species of deeper water oceanic habitat (e.g. Harlequin Duck (Histrionicus histrionicus) and Common Eider (Somateria mollissima)) are also positioned in the upper left hand corner of the ordination. Northern sites in the Bay are more shallow and marsh-like (sections 2 and 3), with species indicative of this habitat type (e.g. Atlantic Brant (Branta bernicla) and Canada Goose (Branta canadensis)).

After the removal of correlated variables, ten ancillary variables were fit to the NMDS results (Table 3). Only latitude, mean bathymetry, area, and the average wind speed three days prior to the survey were significantly correlated to the NMDS (Figure 4B). Wind speed the day of the survey and day before were slightly less significant. Although not significant, the NAO index for November, December, and winter average showed strong relationships with NMDS axis 2.

Most sections’ locations in the ordination space did not change drastically between years; they remained in the same relative location of the ordination (Figure 5). The relative stability of sections in ordination space among years indicates that communities had consistent species composition between years. Section 2 shifted the most among years, especially between 2008 and 2009 (Figure 5). Additionally, when compared to the other sections, section 2 had the greatest between group average distances through the duration of this study.

60bf5701-415d-4297-87fc-5547cfad52e1_figure5.gif

Figure 5. Final NMDS illustrating average community ordination location of section by year.

Illustrates where the section exists in the overall ordination space and how that position changes through the study period. The gray symbol represent the site locations- as were presented in Figure 4. In other words, all Figure 5 subplots are constructed from the NMDS presented above. Here we have added the average position for each section (based on all sites within that section) by year.

Discussion

Our community level analysis allowed us to establish the expected spatial and temporal structure of the Bay’s winter waterfowl communities which can be used to monitor future environmental changes. Spatially, the NMDS analysis formalized several aspects of the Bay’s waterfowl community that were previously understood only anecdotally, and provided a clear depiction of the community spatial structure across the Bay. NMDS results in conjunction with the baseline conditions identified in this study could be particularly useful in identifying any future changes in waterfowl community structure in this region and change in the Bay’s overall health.

In the upper portions of the Bay (sections 2 and 3), waterfowl habitat is characterized by shallow, salt-marsh dominated coves and sheltered coves and shorelines with ample freshwater inputs. These sites mapped predominantly on the right-side of the NMDS (Figure 4). Dabbling duck species such as Mallard (Anas platyrhynchos) and American Black Duck (Anas rubripes) use salt-marsh sites at high tide for cover, protection from predators, and feeding, and as sites for roosting at low tide (Bellrose, 1980). Several smaller diving ducks, including benthic-feeding Bufflehead and piscivorous Hooded Merganser use sheltered coves and shorelines for feeding during the day (McKinney, 2004). Canada Goose and Mute Swan (Cygnus olor) also utilize these sites as they presumably provide ready access to submerged aquatic vegetation on which these species feed (Mowbray et al., 2002). An urban center (city of Providence) and several expansive suburban cities are located in close proximity to the upper Bay sites, and it is in this region of the Bay where urban development would be expected to most influence waterfowl distribution.

The middle portion of the Bay is characterized by an increase in deeper, open water habitats, which continue towards the Bay mouth where they are supplemented by rocky shoreline habitats. These sites concentrated on the left-side of the NMDS (Figure 4, color-coded red and yellow). Open-water species such as Red-breasted Merganser (Mergus serrator), Common Goldeneye (Bucephal clangula), Scoter species (Melanitta spp.), and Common Eider use this region of the Bay. These species have larger body sizes that enable them to dive in deeper water to take advantage of prey not found in shallow water areas (e.g., Blue Mussel, Mytilus edulis), and of benthic prey such as crabs that migrate to deeper water during winter (Ehrlich et al., 1988). Harlequin Duck uses rocky shoreline habitats found near the mouth of the Bay that reflect their northern rocky stream breeding sites and where they can feed on benthic invertebrates such as amphipods (Robertson & Ian Goudie, 1999). The lower Bay sites are currently less impacted by adjacent urbanization effects as shorelines tend to be more sparsely populated. However, knowledge of baseline conditions could lend insight into interpreting data from future monitoring and aid in identifying any impacts of increased urbanization, or changes in waterfowl community structure resulting from displacement of upper Bay species.

In addition to species’ life history strategies, climatic factors can potentially influence waterfowl distribution in estuaries. In our study, wind speed, averaged over the three day period before sampling, was the only significant dynamic variable included in the final NMDS. This too reinforces what was communicated anecdotally about the movement of waterfowl through the Bay. Large groups of birds will shift their location in the Bay during prolonged high wind events, such as nor’easters. Typically before and during large storms, birds will relocate to the leeward side of islands or into wind protected coves. Due to global climate change, nor’easter frequency and intensity have increased on a global scale (Yohe & Hope, 2013). It is assumed that Narragansett Bay will be impacted by this increase in predicted probability of severe winter events. Our study suggests waterfowl respond to short-term changes in wind speed, and it will be of interest to monitor how waterfowl respond to any increase in both intensity and frequency of extreme wind events.

We observed a small, yet significant, increase in the ranked abundance of Hooded Merganser, and an even more apparent upward trend of the Bufflehead population. The Bufflehead trend may be the effect of increased level of protection for this species. In the early 20th century, Bufflehead populations were in decline due to over harvest and in response received increased protection through such means as reduced bag limits (Gauthier, 1993). In addition, Bufflehead nesting boxes were installed to compensate for loss of breading habitat (Erskine, 1960; Owen & Black, 1990). Population numbers have been growing steadily since, and perhaps this rebound could explain the increasing trend we saw in Narragansett Bay. Since we used ranked abundance, we hypothesize that the elevated conservation status of Bufflehead and subsequent population growth is providing the Bufflehead a competitive advantage in the Bay. However, more research is needed to fully understand the dynamics and drivers of the changes in Bufflehead populations in the Bay.

As we move forward with our monitoring, the NMDS approach can provide a useful means to compare future survey data with baseline conditions established during the first ten years of the survey. The NMDS provides a statistical framework to analyze monitoring data at the site and section level, but in context of the entire Bay (Faith et al., 1987). Due to random noise, we expect the position of the site or the average position of the section (as in Figure 5) to undergo relatively small changes in ordination space from year to year. In contrast, locations that jump from one year to the next, or that display a trajectory through NMDS space through time may indicate environmental forcing that is more than random.

For example, the relatively large shifts of section 2 between years may be a characteristic of this particular section; it is thought that waterfowl communities in this part of the Bay vary greatly according to the intensity of winter and amount of ice (McKinney, 2004). However, large shifts among years or over the course of several years may be an indicator of environmental change. Additionally, if we see more variability in the amount of ice in this section, it may be more difficult to define a collective waterfowl community for this section. The turnover between years might simply overwhelm any potential community signal. To highlight the effectiveness of the method for monitoring, we already know from this baseline analysis that section 2 is an area that requires special consideration in the future.

Although the NMDS shows promise as an effective statistical framework, there are obvious limitations to our approach. First and foremost, annual surveys provide discrete snapshots of the Bay’s waterfowl community through time. We survey one day a year, and only in the winter when these species are present. We do not have a quantitative estimate of the amount of variability data arising from either short-term (i.e., daily) or longer-term (weekly or monthly) movements of individuals among sites, or into and out of our study area. Because of this, our ability to detect change in community composition may require data collection over an extended time period. Yet despite these shortcomings, the ease of data collection and robustness of the NMDS method make it a viable long-term monitoring option.

In this study we proposed an approach to analyzing long-term waterfowl monitoring data in order to establish baseline conditions against which future trends in community composition and habitat utilization can be compared. This approach provides a quantitative yet visual means to represent baseline community structure and observed patterns of waterfowl distribution, and provides an easily interpreted series of templates against which future observations or patterns of change can be evaluated. Our approach was developed for waterfowl Narragansett Bay, but can be applied to other estuaries and potentially other species, although environmental factors in the model may need to be modified to reflect those relevant to the species investigated. Overall, our approach will help facilitate the use of waterfowl populations, as well as other relevant species, to monitor the environmental health of a large bay.

Data availability

F1000Research: Dataset 1. Environmental data, 10.5256/f1000research.6080.d42953 (Kreakie et al., 2014a).

F1000Research: Dataset 2. Winter waterfowl survey, 10.5256/f1000research.6080.d108872 (Kreakie et al., 2014b).

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Kreakie BJ, Winiarski K and McKinney R. Developing a wintering waterfowl community baseline for environmental monitoring of Narragansett Bay, Rhode Island [version 3; peer review: 1 approved, 2 approved with reservations]. F1000Research 2015, 4:40 (https://doi.org/10.12688/f1000research.6080.3)
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ApprovedThe paper is scientifically sound in its current form and only minor, if any, improvements are suggested
Approved with reservations A number of small changes, sometimes more significant revisions are required to address specific details and improve the papers academic merit.
Not approvedFundamental flaws in the paper seriously undermine the findings and conclusions
Version 3
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Reviewer Report 23 Mar 2016
José Manuel Arcos, SEO/BirdLife, Barcelona, Spain 
Approved
VIEWS 7
The manuscript has substantially improved since its first version. The authors have addressed satisfactorily most of my previous concerns, while trying to find the balance with comments from the other referees that occasionally pointed in the opposite direction (e.g. local ... Continue reading
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Manuel Arcos J. Reviewer Report For: Developing a wintering waterfowl community baseline for environmental monitoring of Narragansett Bay, Rhode Island [version 3; peer review: 1 approved, 2 approved with reservations]. F1000Research 2015, 4:40 (https://doi.org/10.5256/f1000research.7858.r13027)
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Reviewer Report 27 Jul 2015
José Manuel Arcos, SEO/BirdLife, Barcelona, Spain 
Approved with Reservations
VIEWS 32
This is an interesting paper describing a waterfowl winter community and its evolution through time. Authors use non-metric dimensional scaling to assess changes in community structure, taking into account environmental features (habitat, climatic, metheorological). The work seems adequately conducted and ... Continue reading
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Manuel Arcos J. Reviewer Report For: Developing a wintering waterfowl community baseline for environmental monitoring of Narragansett Bay, Rhode Island [version 3; peer review: 1 approved, 2 approved with reservations]. F1000Research 2015, 4:40 (https://doi.org/10.5256/f1000research.6509.r7882)
NOTE: it is important to ensure the information in square brackets after the title is included in all citations of this article.
  • Author Response 24 Sep 2015
    Betty Kreakie, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Research and Development, Atlantic Ecology Division, Narragansett, 02882, USA
    24 Sep 2015
    Author Response
    Thank you so much for taking the time to give us such a thoughtful review. It is clear that your recommendations have greatly improved the text. Below we can included ... Continue reading
  • Author Response 23 Oct 2015
    Betty Kreakie, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Research and Development, Atlantic Ecology Division, Narragansett, 02882, USA
    23 Oct 2015
    Author Response
    I now realize that I should have waited to post the response after the new version was published.  Version 2, which addresses your concerns, is now published.  Sorry for any ... Continue reading
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  • Author Response 24 Sep 2015
    Betty Kreakie, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Research and Development, Atlantic Ecology Division, Narragansett, 02882, USA
    24 Sep 2015
    Author Response
    Thank you so much for taking the time to give us such a thoughtful review. It is clear that your recommendations have greatly improved the text. Below we can included ... Continue reading
  • Author Response 23 Oct 2015
    Betty Kreakie, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Research and Development, Atlantic Ecology Division, Narragansett, 02882, USA
    23 Oct 2015
    Author Response
    I now realize that I should have waited to post the response after the new version was published.  Version 2, which addresses your concerns, is now published.  Sorry for any ... Continue reading
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Reviewer Report 09 Jul 2015
Nigel Yoccoz, Department of Arctic and Marine Biology, University of Tromsø, Tromsø, Norway 
Approved with Reservations
VIEWS 32
General comments
Environmental monitoring means different things to different people. It always involves a long-term commitment – that is, a given system is followed up over time, years to decades – but how much this is driven by hypotheses about what ... Continue reading
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Yoccoz N. Reviewer Report For: Developing a wintering waterfowl community baseline for environmental monitoring of Narragansett Bay, Rhode Island [version 3; peer review: 1 approved, 2 approved with reservations]. F1000Research 2015, 4:40 (https://doi.org/10.5256/f1000research.6509.r8808)
NOTE: it is important to ensure the information in square brackets after the title is included in all citations of this article.
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Reviewer Report 30 Mar 2015
L. Ignacio Vilchis, Wildlife Health Center, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California Davis, Davis, CA, USA 
Approved with Reservations
VIEWS 36
General Comments

This study provides an excellent contribution to our knowledge of baseline species diversity and abundance for the waterfowl community in Narragansett Bay, Rhode Island. The authors analyze longitudinal survey data from the Narragansett Bay Winter Waterfowl Survey (NBWWS) in ... Continue reading
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HOW TO CITE THIS REPORT
Vilchis LI. Reviewer Report For: Developing a wintering waterfowl community baseline for environmental monitoring of Narragansett Bay, Rhode Island [version 3; peer review: 1 approved, 2 approved with reservations]. F1000Research 2015, 4:40 (https://doi.org/10.5256/f1000research.6509.r7881)
NOTE: it is important to ensure the information in square brackets after the title is included in all citations of this article.
  • Author Response 18 Dec 2015
    Betty Kreakie, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Research and Development, Atlantic Ecology Division, Narragansett, 02882, USA
    18 Dec 2015
    Author Response
    We greatly appreciate your feedback on our manuscript.  Your thorough and thoughtful review has allowed us to significantly improve the manuscript.  Below are point-by-point responses to your comments.  Your concerns ... Continue reading
COMMENTS ON THIS REPORT
  • Author Response 18 Dec 2015
    Betty Kreakie, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Research and Development, Atlantic Ecology Division, Narragansett, 02882, USA
    18 Dec 2015
    Author Response
    We greatly appreciate your feedback on our manuscript.  Your thorough and thoughtful review has allowed us to significantly improve the manuscript.  Below are point-by-point responses to your comments.  Your concerns ... Continue reading

Comments on this article Comments (0)

Version 3
VERSION 3 PUBLISHED 10 Feb 2015
Comment
Alongside their report, reviewers assign a status to the article:
Approved - the paper is scientifically sound in its current form and only minor, if any, improvements are suggested
Approved with reservations - A number of small changes, sometimes more significant revisions are required to address specific details and improve the papers academic merit.
Not approved - fundamental flaws in the paper seriously undermine the findings and conclusions
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