AndreaBozzo/ceres-open-data-index huggingface dataset:
Demersal fish and benthic invertebrate assemblages in the Northwest Atlantic

Marine classification schemes based on abiotic surrogates often inform regional marine conservation planning in lieu of detailed biological data. However, theses chemes may poorly represent ecologically relevant biological patterns required for effective design and management strategies. We used a community-level modeling approach to characterize and delineate representative mesoscale (tens to thousands of kilometers) assemblages of demersal fish and benthic invertebrates in the North-west Atlantic. Hierarchical clustering of species occurrence data from four regional annual multispecies trawl surveys revealed three to six groupings (predominant assemblage types) in each survey region, broadly associated with geomorphic and oceanographic features. Indicator analyses identified 3–34 emblematic taxa of each assemblage type. Random forest classifications accurately predicted assemblage dis-tributions from environmental covariates (AUC > 0.95) and identified thermal limits (annual minimum and maximum bottom temperatures) as important pre-dictors of distribution in each region. Using forecasted oceanographic conditions for the year 2075 and a regional classification model, we projected assemblage dis-tributions in the southernmost bioregion (Scotian Shelf-Bay of Fundy) under ahigh emissions climate scenario (RCP 8.5). Range expansions to the north eastare projected for assemblages associated with warmer and shallower waters of the Western Scotian Shelf over the 21st century as thermal habitat on the rela-tively cooler Eastern Scotian Shelf becomes more favorable. Community-level modeling provides a biotic-informed approach for identifying broadscale ecolog-ical structure required for the design and management of ecologically coherent, representative, well-connected networks of Marine Protected Areas. When com-bined with oceanographic forecasts, this modeling approach provides a spatial tool for assessing sensitivity and resilience to climate change, which can improve conservation planning, monitoring, and adaptive management.

Cite this data as: O'Brien, J.M., Stanley, R.R.E., Jeffery, N.W., Heaslip, S.W., DiBacco, C., and Wang, Z. Demersal fish and benthic invertebrate assemblages in the Northwest Atlantic.
Published: December 2024. Coastal Ecosystems Science Division, Maritimes region, Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Dartmouth NS.
https://open.canada.ca/data/en/dataset/14d55ea5-b17d-478c-b9ee-6a7c04439d2b

Organization: Fisheries and Oceans Canada | Pêches et Océans Canada
Biodiversity of the Benthic Epifauna Trawl Survey from CBS-MEA program (2021-2024)

This dataset documents the epifauna occurrences collected from 2021 to 2024 during the Canadian Beaufort Sea Marine Ecosystem Assessment (CBS-MEA) conducted by the Department of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO). This scientific program focuses on the integration of oceanography, food web linkages, physical-biological couplings, and spatial and interannual variabilities. The program also aims to expand the baseline coverage of species diversity, abundances, and habitat associations in previously unstudied areas of the Beaufort Sea and Western Canadian Archipelago. The study took place mainly in the Canadian Beaufort Sea and the Amundsen Gulf. Sampling is done along transects at fixed stations in the study area. Catches are collected with a 3 m benthic beam trawl for 10 minutes bottom-contact time at a target speed of 2 knots and with a modified Atlantic Western IIA otter trawl for 20 minutes bottom-contact time at a target speed of 2.9 knots. A total of 32 stations were sampled for epifauna in 2021, 22 in 2022, 23 in 2023 and 22 in 2024, between 22-655 m depth. Epibenthic invertebrates were identified to the lowest taxonomic level possible and photographed. All unknown specimens are frozen. In the lab, the identifications are validated or refined with the photos and the frozen specimens.

The data are presented in Darwin Core and are separated in two files:
The "Activité_épifaune_CBSMEA_epifauna_event_en" file which contains information about missions, stations and deployments, which are presented under a hierarchical activity structure.
The "Occurrence_épifaune_CBSMEA_epifauna_en" file that contains the taxonomic occurrences.

Organization: Fisheries and Oceans Canada | Pêches et Océans Canada
Shrimp catch and bycatch estimates from trawling and trapping in Clio Channel, British Columbia

These data sets provide information pertaining to shrimp and bycatch estimates associated with beam-trawling and trapping (2001-2002) in Clio Channel. Data sets were compiled and formatted by Meagan Mak.

Abstract from report:
As part of a project investigating possible modification of marine ecosystems by shrimp trawling and trapping, we enumerated beam trawl and prawn trap catches at two locations in Clio Channel, south -central coast of British Columbia. Beam trawl surveys were conducted in Bones Bay and Turnour Bay during October 2001 and January 2002, respectively, and a prawn trap survey was conducted in Turnour Bay during March 2002. Catch data from the two gear types are presented.

Organization: Fisheries and Oceans Canada | Pêches et Océans Canada
Removal of American eel from Port Dalhousie

In 2018 and 2019 Fisheries and Oceans Canada conducted a project to relocate American Eel (Anguilla rostrata) from Port Dalhousie Harbour to mitigate potential impacts of in-water construction prior to and during an essential harbour revitalization project. American Eel are designated as Endangered under the Province of Ontario’s Endangered Species Act and were confirmed to be present in the area during initial sampling efforts of this project. While a combination of passive eel traps and boat electrofishing were used to capture eels, this dataset includes passive capture data only. A total of four eels were captured using eel traps and all individuals were relocated to Hamilton Harbour. Only two of the four eels captured were large enough to be tagged with acoustic transmitters, both of which eventually returned to Port Dalhousie from Hamilton Harbour. All other fish species captured in the traps were identified, counted and released at Port Dalhousie.

Organization: Fisheries and Oceans Canada | Pêches et Océans Canada
Pacific Region Commercial Salmon Fishery In-season Catch Estimates

The Fishery Operations System (FOS) is the Department of Fisheries and Oceans Canada’s (DFO) centralized Oracle database that holds commercial salmon fishery catch, effort and biological data. The FOS database was built in 2001 and continues to be the current repository for all data pertaining to DFO’s Pacific Region Commercial Salmon Logbook program.

The Commercial Salmon Logbook program was initiated in 1998 with fleet wide participation made mandatory during the 2001 season. The program requires all commercial salmon fishers to record their daily catch and effort information in a harvest logbook and to subsequently report it to DFO using a service provider within deadlines defined in the conditions of licence. A portion of the information collected from the logbook program contains fisher personal information and is therefore protected and un-releasable.  

Fishery Managers use the fisher reported catch and effort, in addition to information collected from other sources such as overflights, to calculate in-season catch estimates.

NOTES:

- This report contains ONLY commercial catch estimates; it DOES NOT include test fishing, recreational or First Nations data.

- These figures are preliminary in-season catch estimates and are subject to change.

- Consult the applicable Fishery Manager or Biologist as to the status of particular catch estimates

- All catch estimates are reported in pieces (numbers of fish).

- Catch estimates include adults and jacks combined.

----------------------------------------------------------
Pacific Fishery Management Areas (PFMAs):

https://www.pac.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/fm-gp/maps-cartes/areas-secteurs/index-eng.html
----------------------------------------------------------
DFO Integrated Fisheries Management Plans (IFMP):

http://www.pac.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/fm-gp/ifmp-eng.html 
----------------------------------------------------------
DFO Salmon Catch Statistics and Logbook Reports:

http://www.pac.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/stats//smon/index-eng.htm
----------------------------------------------------------
Pacific Region Commercial Salmon Fishery Post-Season Catch Estimates, 1996 - 2004:

https://open.canada.ca/data/en/dataset/82c7eaa7-7078-4d38-a880-25d53f00c579
----------------------------------------------------------

Organization: Fisheries and Oceans Canada | Pêches et Océans Canada
Mobile gear sentinel fisheries program - northern Gulf of St. Lawrence

In place since fall 1994, the sentinel fisheries program is the result of a collaboration between Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) and Quebec and Newfoundland commercial fishermen's associations. Under this program, contracts are awarded by tender to fishermen’s associations to carry out fishing activities according to scientific protocols developed by DFO. The main objective of this survey is to collect data that will be used to calculate abundance indices for various fish stocks, including cod, Greenland halibut, Atlantic halibut and rockfish.

Description of mobile survey

The mobile gear sentinel fisheries of the northern Gulf of St. Lawrence are conducted in the sub-division 3Pn and the divisions 4R, 4S and the northern part of the division 4T of the Northwest Atlantic Fisheries Organization (NAFO). This program follows a stratified random survey plan according to depth strata, NAFO divisions and the type of substrate at the bottom.  A standard tow is 30 minutes long and made at a speed of 2.5 knots. The fishing gear is a 300 Star Balloon trawl mounted on a Rock Hopper footgear. The trawl mesh size is 145 mm with a liner of 40 mm in the codend. Unless conditions at sea compromise safety during fishing activity, a retaining cable must be used to standardize the horizontal opening between vessels and the various depths fished. Data are collected by observers at sea or by technicians.

The data contained in this program are divided into 4 different projects.

-The summer series, carried out during the month of July
-The fall series, which covers the period from 1995 to 2002
-The winter series, to study the mixing between the different stocks
-The CRP (Cod reproductive potential) series, which targets the reproductive potential.

Data

For each trait, the total catch is sorted and weighed for each species. The number of individuals caught for each unmeasured fish species is noted. Biological data such as length, weight (sampled, per individual, gonad, liver and stomach), age, sex and maturity migth then be collected on a subsample of many species such as Atlantic halibut, Greenland halibut, lumpfish and Atlantic cod, using a variety of protocols. 

The biological data are divided into 4 files: a “Metadata” file containing set information, a “Catches” file containing catches per set for fish taxa, a “Carbio” file containing biological and morphometric measurements per individual, a “Freql” file containing the length frequency of fish.


The data collected as part of this program is available below. It is important to note, however, that 1) only traits deemed successful have been retained; 2) historical data may contain inaccuracies; 3) the most recent survey is not available for validation purposes.

Organization: Fisheries and Oceans Canada | Pêches et Océans Canada
Significant Aggregations of Krill (Euphausiide) in Summer

The objective of the study was to describe the spatial distribution of krill in eastern Canadian waters using a statistical modelling approach in support of the identification of important habitat for the western North Atlantic (WNA) blue whale (Balaenoptera musculus). Generalized Additive Models (GAMs) were used to predict ‘Significant Aggregations of Krill’ (SAK), i.e., areas where dense krill aggregations would have a greater probability of occurring. SAK cover less than 2% of the entire spatial domain and their location varied among krill categories and seasons. These SAK are interpreted as areas where environmental conditions promote krill aggregation on a regular basis and therefore are potentially important for WNA blue whale foraging in eastern Canadian waters.

Plourde, S., Lehoux, C., McQuinn, I.H., and Lesage, V. 2016. Describing krill distribution in the western North Atlantic using statistical habitat models. DFO Can. Sci. Advis. Sec. Res. Doc. 2016/111. v + 34 p.

Organization: Fisheries and Oceans Canada | Pêches et Océans Canada
Copper Redhorse critical habitat in Quebec

The Copper Redhorse (Moxostoma hubbsi) is the only fish whose distribution is exclusively restricted to Quebec. This range is restricted even further to the St. Lawrence River and some of its tributaries.

This layer represents the Copper Redhorse critical habitat defined by the analysis of available knowledge and a scientific advice.

Purpose

The Copper Redhorse population is in decline due to several threats like habitat degradation, construction of dams, contaminants, exotic or introduced species, recreational activities, commercial fishery, and low water levels. Furthermore, certain biological characteristics of the Copper Redhorse contribute to its vulnerability. The Copper Redhorse population was officialy listed as endangered in Schedule I of the Species at Risk Act in December 2007.

Additional Information

Critical habitat for the Copper Redhorse has been identified to the extent possible, based on the best available information. Two workshops held in 2009 and 2010 by Fisheries and Oceans Canada and the Ministère des Ressources Naturelles et de la Faune du Québec, allowed to review the information and take note of the new data to identify habitat use by the Copper Redhorse in the St. Lawrence and Richelieu rivers and later in the Rivière des Prairies and Rivière des Milles Îles. 

Adult feeding habitat in the St. Lawrence River between Lake Saint-Louis and Lake Saint-Pierre, was identified using modeling based on the telemetric monitoring of habitat use and on twelve habitat variables (for example: depth, current velocity, vegetation density). Also, recent telemetry and historic data confirmed the use of the lower stretches of the Rivière des Prairies and Rivière des Mille Îles. Critical adult feeding habitat is consequently identified as habitat in the fluvial reach between Montreal and Sorel presenting favorable characteristics for the copper redhorse, used in the model.

DFO. 2012. Recovery Strategy for the Copper Redhorse (Moxostoma hubbsi) in Canada. Species at Risk Act Recovery Strategy Series. Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Ottawa. xi+60 pp.

https://www.registrelep-sararegistry.gc.ca/document/doc1565p/ind_e.cfm

Organization: Fisheries and Oceans Canada | Pêches et Océans Canada
Fluorometer Data, Southern Vancouver Island (Pacific), 2004-2014

A chlorophyll fluorescence time series was collected at various locations around the coast of Vancouver Island, British Columbia, Canada for monitoring phytoplankton concentrations. A Wetlabs ECO fluorometer was deployed every few months on a schedule depending on season and sensor availability. The instrument hung by a chain attached to the side of the buoy, or dock, depending on location, and measured chlorophyll using the fluorescence emission at 695nm. The instrument also measured turbidity by detecting the scattered light at 700nm. The units had internal batteries and data storage and were programmed to make a group of 5 measurements every 30 minutes. A copper wiper covered the sampling window between groups of measurements to reduce fouling. Times are in UTC unless otherwise stated.

Organization: Fisheries and Oceans Canada | Pêches et Océans Canada
Sponge Fields in the Newfoundland-Labrador Shelves (Campelen Trawl Sample)

Polygons denoting concentrations of sea pens, small and large gorgonian corals and sponges on the east coast of Canada have been identified through spatial analysis of research vessel survey by-catch data following an approach used by the Northwest Atlantic Fisheries Organization (NAFO) in the Regulatory Area (NRA) on Flemish Cap and southeast Grand Banks. Kernel density analysis was used to identify high concentrations and the area occupied by successive catch weight thresholds was used to identify aggregations. These analyses were performed for each of the five biogeographic zones of eastern Canada. The largest sea pen fields were found in the Laurentian Channel as it cuts through the Gulf of St. Lawrence, while large gorgonian coral forests were found in the Eastern Arctic and on the northern Labrador continental slope. Large ball-shaped Geodia spp. sponges were located along the continental slopes north of the Grand Banks, while on the Scotian Shelf a unique population of the large barrel-shaped sponge Vazella pourtalesi was identified. The latitude and longitude marking the positions of all tows which form these and other dense aggregations are provided along with the positions of all tows which captured black coral, a non-aggregating taxon which is long-lived and vulnerable to fishing pressures.

These polygons identify sponge grounds from the broader distribution of sponges in the region as sampled by Campelen trawl gear in the Newfoundland - Labrador Shelves biogeographic zone. A 200 kg minimum threshold for the sponge catch was identified as the weight that separated the sponge ground habitat from the broader distribution of sponges with these research vessel tow data and gear type.

Organization: Fisheries and Oceans Canada | Pêches et Océans Canada
Canadian Extreme Water Level Adaptation Tool (CAN-EWLAT)

Extreme water level along the marine coastline is a result of a combination of storm surge, tides, and ocean waves. Future projections of climate change in the marine environment indicate that rising sea level and declining sea ice will cause changes in extreme water levels, which will impact Canada's coastlines and the infrastructure in these areas. Understanding these changes is essential for developing adaptation strategies that can minimize the harmful effects that may result.

CAN-EWLAT is a science-based planning tool for climate change adaptation of coastal infrastructure related to future water-level extremes and changes in wave climate. The tool includes two main components: 1) vertical allowance and 2) wave climate. CAN-EWLAT was developed primarily for DFO Small Craft Harbours (SCH) locations, but it should prove useful for coastal planners dealing with infrastructure along Canada’s ocean coastlines.

Cite this data as: Greenan B. Canadian Extreme Water Level Adaptation Tool (CAN-EWLAT) Published June 2022. Oceans Ecosystems Science Division, Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Dartmouth, N.S.

Organization: Fisheries and Oceans Canada | Pêches et Océans Canada
Daily freshwater discharge from 477 eastern Canadian rivers (1990-2100)

PURPOSE:
Freshwater discharge is used to force eastern Canadian ocean models
            

DESCRIPTION:
Neural network post-processed WRF-Hydro streamflow timeseries at 477 oceanic river outlets, where lat/lon are proxy position, riverlat/lon are outlet position, and oceanlat/lon are ocean pour points that are displaced slightly into the ocean (next to outlet position on the WRF-Hydro grid).  The 477 eastern Canadian rivers were modelled using WRF-Hydro, which was forced by four CMIP models subject to WRF downscaling of atmospheric forcing.  The four models are an NCAR Community Climate System Model (CCSM-4 SSP5 8.5) simulation (Meehl et al., 2012), two Met Office Hadley Centre Global Environmental Model (HadGEM2 SSP2 4.5 and SSP5 8.5) simulations (Collins et al., 2011), and a Max Planck Institute for Meteorology Earth System Model (MPI-ESM1.2-LR SSP5 8.5) simulation (Mauritsen et al., 2019).  Variables and their descriptions are included in the NetCDF file.
            

USE LIMITATION:
To ensure scientific integrity and appropriate use of the data, we would encourage you to contact the data custodian.

Organization: Fisheries and Oceans Canada | Pêches et Océans Canada
Evaluating an Autonomous eDNA Sampler for Marine Environmental Monitoring: Short- and Long-Term Applications

We evaluated an autonomous environmental DNA sampler produced by Dartmouth Ocean Technologies Inc (Dartmouth, Canada) compared to time-at-sample filtration in the laboratory to determine the performance of moored samplers for monitoring in the marine world. We deployed three autonomous samplers from DOT in the Bedford Basin (Canada) over a nine-week period in summer/fall 2023. The samplers filtered seawater in situ at programmed interviews over this time period, and we collected contemporaneous samples with a standard vacuum pump during each sampling period. Both eDNA sample types captured similar fish diversity, including typical diversity for the Northwest Atlantic. The invertebrate community detected using the COI marker was different between each sample type, likely due to differences in filter pore size. We found biofouling on the moored samplers was minimal over the study period, even in a high-traffic area such as the Bedford Basin, likely due to the relatively short experimental period, and copper screening covering in the inlet and outlet valves of the instruments. Overall, our results show promise to deploy autonomous eDNA samplers in marine conservation areas to contribute to monitoring in the temperate ocean, but further testing over longer periods of time is needed to determine if DNA remains well-preserved in the autonomous samplers at ambient ocean temperatures.

Cite this data as: Jeffery, N.W., Van Wyngaarden, M., and Stanley, R.R.E. Evaluating an Autonomous eDNA Sampler for Marine Environmental Monitoring: Short- and Long-Term Applications. Published: December 2024. Coastal Ecosystems Science Division, Maritimes Region, Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Dartmouth NS.

Organization: Fisheries and Oceans Canada | Pêches et Océans Canada
Important Areas for Fish in West Coast Vancouver Island Ecoregion

This layer details Important Areas (IAs) relevant to key fish species in the West Coast Vancouver Island (WCVI) ecoregion. This data was mapped to inform the selection of marine Ecologically and Biologically Significant Areas (EBSA). Experts have indicated that these areas are relevant based upon their high ranking in one or more of three criteria (Uniqueness, Aggregation, and Fitness Consequences). The distribution of IAs within ecoregions is used in the designation of EBSAs.

Canada’s Oceans Act provides the legislative framework for an integrated ecosystem approach to management in Canadian oceans, particularly in areas considered ecologically or biologically significant. DFO has developed general guidance for the identification of ecologically or biologically significant areas. The criteria for defining such areas include uniqueness, aggregation, fitness consequences, resilience, and naturalness. This science advisory process identifies proposed EBSAs in Canadian Pacific marine waters, specifically in the Strait of Georgia (SOG), along the west coast of Vancouver Island (WCVI, southern shelf ecoregion), and in the Pacific North Coast Integrated Management Area (PNCIMA, northern shelf ecoregion).

Initial assessment of IAs in PNCIMA was carried out in September 2004 to March 2005 with spatial data collection coordinated by Cathryn Clarke. Subsequent efforts in WCVI and SOG were conducted in 2009, and may have used different scientific advisors, temporal extents, data, and assessment methods. WCVI and SOG IA assessment in some cases revisits data collected for PNCIMA, but should be treated as a separate effort.

Other datasets in this series detail IAs for birds, cetaceans, coral and sponges, geographic features, invertebrates, and other vertebrates.

Though data collection is considered complete, the emergence of significant new data may merit revisiting of IAs on a case by case basis.

Organization: Fisheries and Oceans Canada | Pêches et Océans Canada