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PREFACE The Habitat Suitability Index (HSI) models and instream flow Suitability Index (SI) curves presented in this publication aid in identifying important variables that determine the quality of striped bass habitat. Facts, concepts, and opinions obtained from published and unpublished reports, a Delphi panel of 18 striped bass experts/authorities, and the Striped Bass Committee, Southern Division, American Fisheries Society, are synthesized and presented in a format that can be used for habitat impact assessment and development of management alternatives. Use of the HSI models with the Habitat Evaluation Procedures (HEP) or the SI curves with the Instream Flow Incremental Methodology (IFIM) requires project scoping, including the setting of clear study objectives. Armour et al. (1984) present comparisons of the uses of NEP and IFIM for impact assessment and helpful recommendations for selecting the method most appro- priate for achieving study objectives. If the HEP process is to be used, HSI model building techniques presented by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (1981) and the general guidelines for modifying HSI models and estimating variables presented by Terrell et al. (1982) may be useful for simplifying and applying the HSI models to specific striped bass habitat assessment problems. Users of the SI curves for IFIM analyses should be familiar with the guide to stream habitat analysis (Bovee 19$2) and the user's guide to the physical habitat simulation system (Milhous et al. 1984). The HSI models and SI curves are hypotheses of species-habitat relation- ships, and users should recognize that the degree of veracity of the models, curves, and assumptions will likely vary according to geographical area, and the extent of the data base for the individual variables. The models and curves have not been tested against field data. Therefore, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service encourages users of the models or curves to provide comments, suggestions, and field results that may help us increase the utility and effectiveness of this habitat-based approach to impact assessment. Please send commments to: Habitat Evaluation Procedures Group or Instream Flow and Aquatic Systems Group Western Energy and Land Use Team U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service 2627 Redwing Road Fort Collins, CO 80526-2899 iii