The presentation here depicts a series of maps created by NOAA's National Coastal Data Development Center (NCDDC) for NOAA's National Marine Fisheries Service Habitat Conservation in Galveston, Texas, in 2000. These maps delineate wetlands, submerged lands, stream segments, oyster reefs, and land use for the Galveston Bay area. The maps streamline the permitting process by increasing public awareness of protected lands.

The first map in the series displays the Stream Segments and classifications for the Galveston Bay area. The  Texas Commission on Environmental Quality created the data, which represents the stream classification and impairments for the bay and its inlets.

The second and third maps display the Oyster Reefs and Submerged Lands. The mean high-water line defines the submerged lands. Discrete contiguous and clearly distinguishable natural or artificial formations in intertidal or subtidal areas composed of oyster shell, live oysters, and other organisms define Oyster Reef areas. Oyster Reefs not only support the oyster fishery but also serve as habitat, forage ground, or hiding places for numerous estuarine species. To address issues of concern, and in response to the requirements of the Coastal Coordination Act, the Texas Coastal Coordination Council has designated Oyster Reefs as a coastal natural resource area requiring special management under the Coastal Management Program.

The fourth in the series displays the National Wetlands Inventory Map. This map shows the wetland areas mapped by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's National Wetlands Inventory (NWI). The NWI maps had their basis in 1992-93 photography within the areas of certain U.S. Geological Survey 1:24,000 quads in coastal counties of Texas. The Texas General Land Office converted the digital line graph files containing these quad areas to ARC/INFO and appended them into a single coverage.