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deep-water and deep-channel designated use habitats during the summer months due 
to naturally pervasive low dissolved oxygen conditions. 
Based on the evaluations conducted in the biological evaluation, EPA concluded that 
the issuance of the Regional Criteria Guidance would not adversely affect the 
continued existence of the Chesapeake Bay district population segment of shortnose 
sturgeon. No critical habitat has been designated for this species and, therefore, none 
will be affected. In fact, the EPA believed state adoption of the criteria into water 
quality standards would directly lead to increased levels of suitable habitat for short- 
nose sturgeon. 
LITERATURE CITED 
NOAA National Marine Fisheries Serv ice. 1998. Recovery Plan for the Shortnose Sturgeon 
(Acipenser brevirostrum). Prepared by the Shortnose Sturgeon Recovery Team for the 
National Marine Fisheries Service, Silver Spring, Maryland. 
NOAA National Marine Fisheries Service. 2002. Final Biological Opinion for the Motional 
Pollutant Discharge Elimination System Permit for the Washington Aqueduct. Gloucester, 
Massachusetts. 
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. 2003a. Ambient Water Quality' Criteria for Dissolved 
Oxygen, Water Clarity and Chlorophyll a for the Chesapeake Bay and Its Tidal Tributaries. 
EPA 903-R-03-002. Region III Chesapeake Bay Program Office, Annapolis. Maryland. 
U. S. Environmental Protection Agency. 2003b. Biological Evaluation for the Issuance of 
Ambient Water Quality Criteria for Dissolved Oxygen, Water Clarity and Chlorophyll a for 
the Chesapeake Bay and its Tidal Tributaries. Region III Chesapeake Bay Program Office, 
Annapolis, Maryland. 
chapter iii 
Key Findings Published in the EPA ESA Shortnose Sturgeon Biological Evaluation 
