CHAPTER IV: WILDLIFE HABITATS FOR MISSISSIPPI’S SGCN,
THREATS AND CONSERVATION ACTIONS^279Hard bottoms and oceanic reefs are considered vulnerable in the state due to increased potential for
over-fishing, physical damage to delicate bottom dwelling species and exposure to pollution.
SPECIES OF GREATEST CONSERVATION NEED ASSOCIATED WITH
HARD BOTTOMS AND OCEANIC REEFS
GROUP SCIENTIFIC NAME COMMON NAME TIER
Birds Pelagic Birds 1
Reptiles Lepidochelys kempii Kemp's or Atlantic Ridley 1
Caretta caretta Loggerhead; Cabezon 2
Eretmochelys imbricata Hawksbill; Carey 4
THREATS TO HARD BOTTOMS AND OCEANIC REEFS
Over Exploitation/Incidental Capture high
Miscellaneous Threats Described: Oil/Chemical Spills medium
Miscellaneous Threats Described: Marine Litter and Overboard Discharge medium
Industrial Development: Pipelines, LNG low
Invasive Species low
PRIORITY CONSERVATION ACTIONS
A Plan and conduct additional research (i.e. habitat needs, status surveys, breeding status, disease,
etc.) on SGCN.
A Develop/implement/continue recovery plans for individual SGCN.
A Encourage restoration and improved management of altered/degraded habitat when possible.
A Monitor/address SGCN harvest/over harvest issues (including bycatch or incidental take).
A Monitor/limit commercial/residential/industrial point source erosion and sedimentation or
pollution into streams/atmosphere.
A Improve environmental review and permit process and oversight and enforcement of existing
regulations in important habitats/populations.
A Control exotic and invasive species (plant and animal).
A Provide public education about conservation of SGCN and/or their habitats.
A Encourage proper disposal and cleanup of waste and litter.
A Miscellaneous conservation actions as described: Contingency plan for oil/chemical spills