AndreaBozzo/ceres-open-data-index huggingface dataset:
Modelled Mean Summer Circulation and Conditions in Bute Inlet, British Columbia

This dataset contains the outputs for Bute Inlet from two simulations shown in the publication "Fjord circulation permits persistent subsurface water mass in a long, deep mid-latitude inlet" by Laura Bianucci et al., DFO Ocean Sciences Division, Pacific Region (published in the journal Ocean Science in 2024). The Finite Volume Community Ocean Model (FVCOM v4.1) was run with two different sets of initial conditions for the Discovery Islands region of British Columbia, Canada, from May 24 to June 27, 2019. The "Baseline" simulation used observed initial conditions, while the "Sensitivity" simulation removed the observed cold subsurface water mass from the initial profiles. Here in this dataset, we provide 29-day averages of the following variables in a transect along Bute Inlet: potential temperature, density, along-inlet velocity, and Brunt-Väisälä frequency (N^2). The averaging properly removes the tidal effects.

Organization: Fisheries and Oceans Canada | Pêches et Océans Canada
Demersal fish group richness in the Estuary and Gulf of St.Lawrence

2014 to 2023 demersal fish group richness in the Estuary and Gulf of St.Lawrence estimated by the number of species found in each grid cell 10 km x 10 km. Input data are from the annual August and September multidisciplinary surveys.

Purpose

Since 1990, the Department of Fisheries and Oceans has been conducting an annual multidisciplinary survey in the Estuary and northern Gulf of St. Lawrence using a standardized protocol. In the southern Gulf of St. Lawrence, these bottom trawl surveys has been carrying out each September since 1971. These missions are an important source of information about the status of the marine ressources.

The objectives of the surveys are multiple: 
to estimate the abundance and biomass of groundfish and invertebrates, to identify the spatial distribution and biological characteristics of these species, to monitor the biodiversity of the Estuary and Gulf and finally, to describe the environmental conditions observed in the area at the moment of the sampling.

The southern Gulf surveys are realized using the following standardized protocol:
Hurlbut,T. and D.Clay (eds) 1990. Protocols for Research Vessel Cruises within the Gulf Region (Demersal Fish) (1970-1987). Can. MS Rep. Fish. Aquat. Sci. No. 2082: 143p.

The sampling protocols used for the Estuary and northern Gulf surveys are described in details in the following publications:

Bourdages, H., Archambault, D., Bernier, B., Fréchet, A., Gauthier, J., Grégoire, F., Lambert, J., et Savard, L. 2010. Résultats préliminaires du relevé multidisciplinaire de poissons de fond et de crevette d’août 2009 dans le nord du golfe du Saint-Laurent. Rapp. stat. can. sci. halieut. aquat. 1226 : xii+ 72 p. 

Bourdages, H., Archambault, D., Morin, B., Fréchet, A., Savard, L., Grégoire, F., et Bérubé, M. 2003. Résultats préliminaires du relevé multidisciplinaire de poissons de fond et de crevette d’août 2003 dans le nord du golfe du Saint-Laurent. Secr. can. consult. sci. du MPO. Doc. rech. 2003/078. vi + 68 p.

Annual reports are available at the Canadian Science Advisory Secretariat (CSAS), (http://www.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/csas-sccs/index-eng.htm).

Bourdages, H., Brassard, C., Desgagnés, M., Galbraith, P., Gauthier, J., Légaré, B., Nozères, C. and Parent, E. 2017. Preliminary results from the groundfish and shrimp multidisciplinary survey in August 2016 in the Estuary and northern Gulf of St. Lawrence. DFO Can. Sci. Advis. Sec. Res. Doc. 2017/002. v + 87 p.

Organization: Fisheries and Oceans Canada | Pêches et Océans Canada
High Occupancy Vehicle (HOV) lanes

High-Occupancy Vehicle (HOV) lanes are designated lanes that can only be used by vehicles carrying two or more people or other specifc types of vehicles, such as licensed taxis and motorcycles. For more information regarding HOV lanes, please visit [HOV](https://www.ontario.ca/page/high-occupancy-vehicle-hov-lanes). HOV lanes can also be viewed on a map, by visiting [Ontario 511](https://511on.ca), and can be found under the "service" layer.

Organization: Government of Ontario | Gouvernement de l'Ontario
Canada Nature Fund for Species at Risk (CNFASAR) Priority Places and Priority Marine Threats

The Canada Nature Fund for Aquatic Species at Risk (CNFASAR) is a contribution program that focuses on providing funding for recovery and threat mitigation activities in nine priority places and to address two marine threats to aquatic species at risk. The Priority Places and Marine Threats layer supports CNFASAR by delineating the location of the places and threats.

The Canada Nature Fund for Aquatic Species at Risk (CNFASAR) supports applicants in the design and delivery of stewardship projects. These projects support the recovery and protection of aquatic species at risk. DFO has identified 2 priority marine threats and 9 priority places as the focus for projects funded by CNFASAR, these areas are included in this dataset.

Organization: Fisheries and Oceans Canada | Pêches et Océans Canada
Fish Habitat Assessment Output from Bay of Quinte Suitability Modelling: High Water Level (75.4m ASL) - Spawning Habitat - High Vegetation Association Species (All Temperature Windows)

Fish Habitat Assessment Output: 1 of 16

High Water Level (75.4m ASL) - Spawning Habitat - High Vegetation Association Species (All Temperature Windows)

Habitat suitability was assessed for the Bay of Quinte Area of Concern, at a 3 m grid resolution, using the Habitat Ecosystem Assessment Tool (HEAT), temperature algorithms, vegetation models, and water level input. Habitat classifications were based on three variables: depth (elevation), vegetation, and substrate; and modified by temperature suitabilities. The final suitability maps were based on documented habitat and temperature associations for the fish in the area. Different life stages (spawning requirements, nursery habitat, adult habitat) were modeled for the years of 1972-2011. Suitability values were scaled from 0 (not suitable) to 1 (highly suitable) and converted to suitability classes of very low, low, medium, and high. The final maps for each guild – life stage combination are maximum suitability values from the 39-year period modelled.

Organization: Fisheries and Oceans Canada | Pêches et Océans Canada
Great Lakes Aquatic Invasive Species Surveillance Database

The Aquatic Invasive Species Surveillance Database is a compilation of fish community and habitat data from DFO’s Aquatic Invasive Species and Invasive Carp Program early detection surveillance efforts in Canadian waters of the Great Lakes basin. Data includes: sampling site location, date, fish species and counts, and associated habitat information. Annual project-specific details including purpose/objectives and study methodology are often reported in the DFO Canadian manuscript report of fisheries and aquatic sciences series.

Organization: Fisheries and Oceans Canada | Pêches et Océans Canada
Important Areas for Invertebrates in Pacific North Coast Integrated Management Area

This layer details Important Areas (IAs) relevant to key invertebrate species (which are not corals or sponges) in the Pacific North Coast Integrated Management Area (PNCIMA). 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, fish, geographic features, 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
SCUBA-Based Assessment of Lobster Density and Structure in the Southern Gulf

PURPOSE:
The SCUBA survey was designed to assess the density of small lobsters (1-3 years of age) in rocky reefs, in the nearshore habitat.

DESCRIPTION:
Total number of transects surveyed and total number of lobsters measured for each site in each year. There are some sites that do not have any coordinates identified, therefore these have not been included in the Web Map Services (WMS).
            
PARAMETERS COLLECTED:
Size measurement (biological); species counts (ecological); substrate (geological)

SAMPLING METHODS:
Transects are laid out from a small vessel using buoys, anchors, and a 100 m leaded rope along the bottom, marked at 5 m intervals.  A strip transect survey method is used whereas two divers sample a 1 or 2 m strip (dependent on lobster density) alongside either side of the leaded rope. All captured lobsters are measured (carapace length) and all lobsters of ≥20 mm carapace length are sexed. The complexity and suitability of the habitat is assessed in the 5 m sections (e.g. rocky reefs, sand, large boulders).

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
Distribution and abundance of whales in the Mackenzie estuary, southeast Beaufort Sea, and west Amundsen Gulf during late July 1992

This dataset contains digital data files on transects flown and reported in Harwood, L.A. and P. Norton (1996). Aerial survey data from the southeast Beaufort Sea, Mackenzie River estuary and west. Amundsen Gulf, July 1992. Canadian Data Report of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences No. 964

Organization: Fisheries and Oceans Canada | Pêches et Océans Canada
Bay Scale Assessment of Eelgrass Beds Using Sidescan and Video - Shippagan 2007

A towfish containing sidescan and video hardware was used to map eelgrass in two shallow northern New Brunswick estuaries. The sidescan and video data were useful in documenting suspected impacts of oyster aquaculture gear and eutrophication on eelgrass. With one boat and a crew of three, the mapping was accomplished at a rate of almost 10 km2 per day. That rate far exceeds what could be accomplished by a SCUBA based survey with the same crew. Moreover, the towfish survey applied with a complementary echosounder survey is potentially a more cost effective mapping method than satellite based remote sensing.

Cite this data as: Vandermeulen H. Data of: Bay Scale Assessment of Eelgrass Beds Using Sidescan and Video - Shippagan 2007. Published: November 2019. Coastal Ecosystems Science Division, Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Dartmouth, N.S. https://open.canada.ca/data/en/dataset/6454594e-c8f9-41c4-801a-db125b8a8875

Organization: Fisheries and Oceans Canada | Pêches et Océans Canada
Coast of Bays seawater vertical and horizontal structure: Hydrographic structure, spatial variability and seasonality, 2009-2013

This dataset was compiled as part of a multiyear effort lead by Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) to support sustainable aquaculture regulation in the Coast of Bays, an area of the south coast of Newfoundland. It is the second of a series aiming to provide an oceanographic knowledge baseline of the Coast of Bays.

This dataset includes temperature, salinity, and dissolved oxygen concentration profiles collected during CTD surveys, each survey containing a varying number of casts/profiles taken within the area of interest. In total, 760 profiles from 11 surveys, executed over 276 stations,  were collected from June 2009 to November 2013. Data were processed and quality controlled using the instrumentation manufacturer guidelines, custom tools as well as visual inspection. Data are provided in tab-delimited text-based format compatible with most data processing language and tools (e.g. MS. Excel) as well as with the Ocean Data View software (https://odv.awi.de/) for rapid visualisation. A summary of the CTD profiles and stations surveyed is also provided as a comma separated values (CSV) file.

A full description of the data and of its use in the context of the motivating project can be found in http://www.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/csas-sccs/Publications/ResDocs-DocRech/2017/2017_077-eng.html. Analyses from this dataset were presented during a Canadian Science Advisory Secretariat (CSAS) meeting which took place in St John’s in March 2015 (http://www.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/csas-sccs/schedule-horraire/2015/03_25-26b-eng.html) and from which a Science Advisory Report (http://www.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/csas-sccs/Publications/SAR-AS/2016/2016_039-eng.html) and Proceedings (http://www.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/csas-sccs/Publications/Pro-Cr/2017/2017_043-eng.html) were published.

Organization: Fisheries and Oceans Canada | Pêches et Océans Canada
Cobb Seamount Visual Survey 2012 (ROV)

This dataset contains observations of species occurrences from seafloor imagery collected by the remotely operated underwater vehicle (ROV) during the 2012 Expedition to Cobb Seamount. The ROV operated by Fisheries and Oceans Canada was a customized Deep Ocean Engineering Phantom HD2+2 which collected photographic images from 12 transects ranging from 35 m to 211 m in depth.

Organization: Fisheries and Oceans Canada | Pêches et Océans Canada
Likelihood of Presence of Grey Seal in Area Response Planning Pilot Areas

Likelihood of Presence of Grey Seal in the Bay of Fundy and Port Hawkesbury Area Response Plan. The Coastal Oceanography and Ecosystem Research section (DFO Science) reviewed reported opportunistic sightings and local knowledge sources to estimate areas where Grey Seals are present and delineated these areas.

A version of this dataset was created for the National Environmental Emergency Center (NEEC) following their data model and is available for download in the Resources section.

Cite this data as: Lazin, G., Hamer, A.,Corrigan, S., Bower, B., and Harvey, C. Data of: Likelihood of presence of Grey Seal in Area Response Planning pilot areas. Published: June 2018. Coastal Ecosystems Science Division, Fisheries and Oceans Canada, St. Andrews, N.B. https://open.canada.ca/data/en/dataset/e73c90ff-0ab6-4257-8d6d-3dfc46fc0dc5

Organization: Fisheries and Oceans Canada | Pêches et Océans Canada
A Canada-wide ocean biogeochemical model encompassing the North Atlantic, North Pacific and Arctic Oceans

Description:
This dataset consists of monthly mean simulation results from Canada's three Oceans: the Atlantic, Pacific and Arctic from 2015 to 2017.

Abstract from the report:
A numerical ocean model with biogeochemistry has been developed for a domain that spans Canada's three oceans: the Atlantic, Pacific and Arctic. The domain extends to 26°N in the Atlantic and 44°N in the Pacific, and spans the full width of each basin as well as the whole of the Arctic Ocean. The resolution is moderate to high (≈0.25°, 75 levels). A series of simulations was conducted to assess the best choices for biogeochemical model parameters across the diverse regions, using a variety of validation data sets including satellite ocean colour (surface chlorophyll and particulate organic carbon, integrated primary production), surface underway pCO2, and depth profiles of oxygen and nitrate concentration from ships and Argo floats. In addition to parameter values, processes examined include interactive sediments, fluvial nutrients, light attenuation by fluvial coloured dissolved organic matter (CDOM), and iron limitation. The results indicate that the optimal parameter set is one that limits phytoplankton losses to grazing and other processes so as to ensure strong biological drawdown of dissolved inorganic carbon and nutrients in spring and summer; among the parameter sets tested both insufficient and excessive drawdown were observed. Sensitivity to other processes such as interactive sediments, fluvial nutrients or CDOM attenuation was weak in most regions. In some regions, attenuation by CDOM or sequestration of nutrients in the sediment can substantially reduce primary production and zooplankton biomass, and fluvial nutrients can cause localized reduction of pCO2 by as much as 60 μatm. Iron limitation has an effect on the model solution in regions generally considered iron-replete; building a model that successfully spans iron-limited and non-iron-limited domains will require complete and accurate specification of iron sources and sinks.

Organization: Fisheries and Oceans Canada | Pêches et Océans Canada
Characterization of sediment and faunal attributes of Simoom Sound, British Columbia

These datasets provide information pertaining to sediment grain size, porosity, organic content, total carbon and nitrogen concentrations, trace element concentrations, chlorophyll and phaeopigment concentrations, and meiofauna and macrofaunal abundance in Simoom Sound between November, 2000, and February, 2001. Data formatting of files were performed by Meagan Mak.

Sutherland et al (2023) covers the benthic component of a broader project investigating potential modification of marine ecosystems by shrimp trawling and trapping on the central coast of British Columbia. Sediment and infaunal samples were collected before and after fishing with commercial fishing gear consisting of otter-trawl, beam-trawl, and trap-lines. Simoom Sound was sampled in November 2000 and February 2001. Tabulated data of sediment characteristics that include sediment grain size, porosity, carbon and nitrogen content, trace-element, and chlorophyll concentrations are presented in this report. In addition, the infaunal data are comprised of both macrofaunal and meiofaunal communities.

Organization: Fisheries and Oceans Canada | Pêches et Océans Canada
Fish Habitat Assessment Output from Bay of Quinte Suitability Modelling: Average Water Level (75.0m ASL) - Juvenile/Adult Habitat - Low Vegetation Association Species (Coolwater Guild)

Fish Habitat Assessment Output: 15 of 16

Average Water Level (75.0m ASL) - Juvenile/Adult Habitat - Low Vegetation Association Species (Coolwater Guild)

Habitat suitability was assessed for the Bay of Quinte Area of Concern, at a 3 m grid resolution, using the Habitat Ecosystem Assessment Tool (HEAT), temperature algorithms, vegetation models, and water level input. Habitat classifications were based on three variables: depth (elevation), vegetation, and substrate; and modified by temperature suitabilities. The final suitability maps were based on documented habitat and temperature associations for the fish in the area. Different life stages (spawning requirements, nursery habitat, adult habitat) were modeled for the years of 1972-2011. Suitability values were scaled from 0 (not suitable) to 1 (highly suitable) and converted to suitability classes of very low, low, medium, and high. The final maps for each guild – life stage combination are maximum suitability values from the 39-year period modelled.

Organization: Fisheries and Oceans Canada | Pêches et Océans Canada
Institute of Ocean Sciences Moored Instrument Data (Pacific), 1965-present

Moored instrument time series data include current velocity, temperature, salinity, oxygen, fluorescence, transmissivity, turbidity, sediment trap data and particle capture of carbon, nitrogen, and silicon.

These data were collected by researchers from the Institute of Ocean Sciences, Sidney, BC, from locations in the North Pacific.

The data links below are only a representative sample of the entire collection.  If you require more data, please send your request to the data contact.

Organization: Fisheries and Oceans Canada | Pêches et Océans Canada
Beluga whale sightings made on 24-25 July 1992 in the Beaufort Sea and Amundsen Gulf

This record contains data on beluga whale locations in the Beaufort Sea and west Amundsen Gulf  reported in Harwood, L.A. and P. Norton (1996). Aerial survey data from the southeast Beaufort Sea, Mackenzie River estuary and west. Amundsen Gulf, July 1992. Canadian Data Report of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences No. 964

Organization: Fisheries and Oceans Canada | Pêches et Océans Canada
Land Use Atlas for Coastal Watersheds in the Maritimes Region

Human activities occurring on land can impact marine coastal ecosystems. Baseline information on the locations and intensity of these activities are critical components of any impact assessment or spatial planning approach seeking to mitigate stress and protect or restore coastal ecosystems. As part of a wider project, land use maps were created for 109 coastal watersheds draining into the Scotian Shelf Bioregion – a biophysical subdivision of Canada’s marine waters in the Maritimes Region of Fisheries and Oceans Canada. Information was compiled from various national and provincial publicly available spatial data sources. Each map provides basic statistics on areal values of different land cover types (such as forested areas, pervious or impervious surfaces, agricultural areas, peatlands, parks and protected areas, wetlands and freshwater bodies), human population density, building locations, and locations of major riverine pour points. This project was funded by Fisheries and Oceans Canada through a Strategic Program for Ecosystem-based Research and Advice (SPERA) grant. 

Source 

Guijarro-Sabaniel, J., Kelly, N.E. 2022. Land Use Atlas for Coastal Watersheds in the Maritimes Region. Can. Tech. Rep. Fish. Aquat. Sci. 3494: viii + 135 p.  


Associated publication 

Kelly, N.E., Guijarro-Sabaniel, J. and Zimmerman, R., 2021. Anthropogenic nitrogen loading and risk of eutrophication in the coastal zone of Atlantic Canada. Estuarine, Coastal and Shelf Science, 263, p.107630. doi: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ecss.2021.107630

Cite this data as: Guijarro-Sabaniel, J. Kelly, N.E. Land use atlas for coastal watersheds in the Maritimes Region. Published May 2022. Coastal Ecosystems Science Division, Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Dartmouth, N.S.

Organization: Fisheries and Oceans Canada | Pêches et Océans Canada
Magpie River ramping rate study

The Magpie River ramping rate study (2000–2017) investigated the ecological effects of hydroelectric flow regulation on fish, invertebrates, and water quality in the Magpie and Batchawana rivers in the Algoma Region of Ontario. Conducted under a Fisheries and Oceans Canada–Brookfield Renewable partnership, the study employed a Before-After-Control-Impact (BACI) design to assess whether ramping rate restrictions at the Steephill Falls Waterpower Facility improved downstream conditions. Initial restrictions (2002–2005) were later removed, allowing unrestricted flow changes until 2017. In this dataset, monthly sampling from spring to fall included chlorophyll a and water chemistry at multiple sites to monitor productivity and detect irregularities. Analyses followed APHA standard methods, with chlorophyll a, pH, alkalinity, and conductivity processed at Fisheries and Oceans Canada, and major ions and nutrients at the Great Lakes Forestry Centre in Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario. Findings contribute to understanding flow management impacts on river ecosystems.

Organization: Fisheries and Oceans Canada | Pêches et Océans Canada