AndreaBozzo/ceres-open-data-index huggingface dataset:
Results of DFO fish health audits of British Columbian marine finfish aquaculture sites, by facility

This report provides summary fish health data collected by Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) from randomly selected licensed marine facilities culturing salmon in British Columbia (BC). Results of polymerase chain reaction (PCR) screening are provided, as well as a list of the bacterial pathogens isolated by culture, and whether a pathogen or disease has been confirmed by histopathology (microscopic examination). DFO veterinarians provide a farm-level diagnosis and identify any conditions of note based on these laboratory findings and any other information collected during the fish health audit or reported by companies as a condition of licence.

The terminology used in the report’s column headings can be found in the terminology file below. 

DFO Science is engaged in numerous active research projects examining issues such as fish diseases, wild-cultured species interactions and habitat impacts related to aquaculture. Information on some of these projects, as well as on aquaculture research occurring in other regions, is available on our [website](http://www.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/aquaculture/science-eng.html"website"). 

Related links:
 
+ Infographic: [Monitoring fish health from hatchery to harvest](https://www.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/about-notre-sujet/publications/infographics-infographies/hatchery-ecloserie-eng.html)
+ Infographic: [How DFO inspects fish health at BC aquaculture sites](http://www.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/aquaculture/publications/infographics-infographie/health-sante-eng.html)

Organization: Fisheries and Oceans Canada | Pêches et Océans Canada
Atmospheric Forcing Index (AFI)

The Atmospheric Forcing Index (AFI) utilizes standardized scores of the first component from a principal components analysis on the Aleutian Low Pressure Index (ALPI), Pacific Interdecadal Oscillation Index, and the northwesterly atmospheric circulation anomalies for the North Pacific (December through March). Positive values represent intense Aleutian lows, above average frequency of westerly and southwesterly winds, cooling of sea surface temperatures in the central North Pacific, and warming within North American coastal waters.

Correct citation: Gordon A McFarlane, Jacquelynne R King, Richard J Beamish, Have there been recent changes in climate? Ask the fish, Progress in Oceanography, Volume 47, Issues 2–4, 2000, Pages 147-169, ISSN 0079-6611, https://doi.org/10.1016/S0079-6611(00)00034-3.

Abstract: http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0079661100000343

Organization: Fisheries and Oceans Canada | Pêches et Océans Canada
Winter occurrence of killer whale populations off eastern Vancouver Island, British Columbia (2015-2018)

This study constitutes the first quantitative assessment of winter use of the northern Strait of Georgia by killer whales, which presents a substantial contribution to the limited knowledge of killer whale habitat use in British Columbia during the winter. Passive acoustic monitoring revealed extensive use of this area by three sympatric killer whale populations from November to April over three seasons. This study also evaluated the effect of using multiple simultaneous acoustic recorders to characterize killer whale habitat use, and developed a data-driven approach to define acoustic residency time.

Organization: Fisheries and Oceans Canada | Pêches et Océans Canada
Movement patterns and predator-prey interactions of domestic Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) following an experimental release in a highly dynamic marine environment

The global seafood production of marine finfish is dominated by Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) reared in marine net-pens. Incidents and structural failures may lead to salmon escaping net-pens with their fate being poorly understood, particularly for small-scale escape events (N < 100). This study sought to identify spatial patterns and the fate of Atlantic salmon post-smolts following a simulated escape event from an aquaculture site in the Bay of Fundy. Farmed salmon (N = 99) were implanted with an ultrasonic acoustic tag and were released from a farm in small groups (N ≤ 5). Using an established acoustic array, we tracked fish movement patterns and mortality over a ~4 month period. Predation events by warm-bodied predators were assayed using the tag’s temperature sensors. Fish took ~5.0 h to leave the release site and initially opted to either move further inshore (N = 8) or out to sea (N = 73), though a large number of fish returned to the release site spending a large proportion of their time budget there (~26.4%). Several fish (N = 14) were also observed in nearby river estuaries. Most fish (72.7%) succumbed to predation shortly after release (mean time to predation = 57.9 h). Our findings suggest that there is a strong association of salmon with the release site that may result from seasonal migratory tendencies, which could be exploited to improve recovery of escapees. Also, predation may serve to limit the number of escapee salmon entering the natural environment following a small-scale release.

Cite this data as: Lawrence, M.J., Wilson, B.M., Wringe, B.F., Hawkes, J.P., Hardie, D.C., Hamoutene, D., Flávio, H., English, G., Black, M., McKindsey, C.W., Trudel, M. Movement patterns and predator-prey interactions of domestic Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) following an experimental release in a highly dynamic marine environment. Published April 2025. Coastal Ecosystem Science Division, Fisheries and Oceans Canada, St Andrews, NB.

Organization: Fisheries and Oceans Canada | Pêches et Océans Canada
Arctic Voyage Planning Guide

A compilation of data and services relevant to mariners travelling in the Arctic region of Canada. The AVPG is not intended to replace official carriage information or products provided from Canadian sources. In case of disparity, the information contained in official publications will prevail. The mariners remain responsible for navigational decisions and safety of their ships. The information provided in this guide should be used together with all other relevant information, as required by law, standards and good seamanship practices.

Organization: Fisheries and Oceans Canada | Pêches et Océans Canada
National Aquaculture Public Reporting Data

The National Aquaculture Public Reporting Data contains information submitted to the Department of Fisheries and Oceans by industry owners or operators as a reporting requirement under the Aquaculture Activities Regulations.

Before accessing the dataset for the National Aquaculture Public Reporting Data, it is recommended to first access the Aquaculture Activities Regulations guide for important context and background information.

Organization: Fisheries and Oceans Canada | Pêches et Océans Canada
Salmon Coded-Wire-Tag Fishery Sampling -- Release Data

The Coded-Wire Tag (CWT) database contains the Release, Recovery, Catch/Sample, and Location data. CWT is the Pacific Region’s centralized Oracle database that holds adult salmon escapement data.

Release Data

When a group of fish is released from a hatchery or other release site containing any number of coded wire tagged fish, the group is associated with a unique tag code. Any pertinent information from releasing agencies regarding the release group is submitted to the Regional Mark Processing Center (RMPC) by the responsible state, provincial, or federal agencies. 

When groups of fish are released without coded wire tagged fish present, the release group is called an untagged/unassociated group. The release group is assigned a 12-character alpha-numeric identifier. This information is likewise submitted to the RMPC.

Organization: Fisheries and Oceans Canada | Pêches et Océans Canada
Marine mammal interactions at British Columbia marine finfish aquaculture sites

Marine mammal predator control is governed by the Marine Mammal Regulations under the Fisheries Act. Records of marine mammal mortalities are maintained and results reported publicly. Additional licences can be obtained for control of other species.

Fisheries and Oceans Canada works with industry to improve marine mammal deterrent and control measures. At present, the most common system includes anti-predator netting that surrounds the facility structure on all sides and from below. Fisheries and Oceans Canada biologists conduct site audits and inspections to ensure that licence holders are complying with their licence conditions and implementing elements of their predator management plans. Aquaculture facilities must report marine mammal fatalities to Fisheries and Oceans Canada.

Organization: Fisheries and Oceans Canada | Pêches et Océans Canada
Sea Otter (Enhydra lutris) Population Counts, British Columbia, 1977-2013

The smallest marine mammals in North America, sea otters occupy chilly coastal waters in the central and north Pacific Ocean.

Averaging 1.2 metres in length, male sea otters typically weigh about 45 kilograms. Females are slightly smaller. Otters have large, flat heads, large teeth to crush shells, and blunt noses with long, stiff whiskers. The animals have black eyes, very small ears, and a short, stout tail. Their front legs are small and fairly weak; their rear legs are also small, but much stronger as they're used for paddling. The otters' thick fur varies in colour from rust to dark brown to black, and is lighter on the head, throat and chest. Female sea otters mature at five to six years of age, and bear a single pup—very occasionally two—at one or two year intervals. Pups are usually born in the water.

Sea otters favour shallow, coastal waters, seldom ranging more than one or two kilometres from shore. All otters, particularly mothers with pups, seem to prefer areas with kelp canopies, but seaweed is not an essential habitat requirement. Habitat use varies with weather and marine conditions. Otters have been known to move offshore during extended periods of calm, and congregate in sheltered, inshore areas during storms.

Once extinct from Canada, the sea otter has successfully been reintroduced to British Columbia. The otters mainly live off Vancouver Island, but can also be seen near Goose Island.

Organization: Fisheries and Oceans Canada | Pêches et Océans Canada
Salmon Coded-Wire-Tag Fishery Sampling -- Catch/Sample Data

The Coded-Wire Tag (CWT) database contains the Release, Recovery, Catch/Sample, and Location data. CWT is the Pacific Region’s centralized Oracle database that holds adult salmon escapement data.

Catch / Sample Data
Tagged fish are sampled at various commercial, recreational, tribal and escapement fisheries Pacific Coastwide by sampling agencies. These agencies usually record the sampling area, number caught, and percent of catch that was sampled and related information. This information is called Catch/Sample data and is collected by sampling agencies for submission to the RMPC on a yearly basis by specific reporting agencies.

Organization: Fisheries and Oceans Canada | Pêches et Océans Canada
Concentrations of flame retardants (PBDE), polychlorinated biphenyls (PCB) and organochlorinated pesticides measured in the blubber of belugas from the St. Lawrence Estuary population (Delphinapterus leucas)

The endangered St. Lawrence Estuary (SLE) beluga population is in decline and has shown no signs of recovery despite multiple protection measures. Changes in prey availability and exposure to organohalogen contaminants have been proposed as potential factors limiting the its recovery. Studies on SLE belugas show that exposure to contaminants may actually disrupt the individual’s energy metabolism. However, whether this translates into changes in energy reserves and body condition of individuals is still unknown. This dataset was developed to study the potential relationships between the body condition of individuals and their concentrations of organohalogen contaminants and lipid metabolites.

The sampling consisted in the recovery of 51 beluga carcasses (37 females and 14 males) stranded in the St. Lawrence estuary between 1998 and 2016 and deemed fresh enough (Geraci-Lounsbury code = <3) to undergo a laboratory necropsy. The necropsy included the following procedures: determination of cause of death, morphometric measurements, sampling of the outer layer of blubber, age measurement and assessment of physical condition. The blubber samples were then subjected to lipid extraction and measurement of their concentration of polybrominated or emerging flame retardants, polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and organochlorine pesticides. Their concentration of the following lipid metabolites were also measured: fatty acids, acylcarnitines, lysophosphatidylcholines, phosphatidylcholines and sphingomyelins. The methods are described in further detail in Bernier-Graveline et al. (2021, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.envres.2020.110272). Data quality control procedures included triplicate analyses of method blanks and standard reference material. 

This dataset contains morphometric measurements, sex and age, cause of death, a body condition index, the relative proportion of lipids in blubber, the concentration of polybrominated or emerging flame retardants, polychlorinated biphenyls ( PCB) and organochlorine pesticides and derived products.

The contact for the main co-authors of Bernier-Graveline et al. (2021, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.envres.2020.110272) are included in the file "Authors_contact_auteurs.pdf"

Organization: Fisheries and Oceans Canada | Pêches et Océans Canada
British Columbia Spot Prawn (Pandalus platyceros) Spawner Index

Recruitment overfishing in the Spot Prawn (Pandalus platyceros) trap fishery in British Columbia on the west coast of Canada is managed using a fixed escapement system.    Fixed escapement targets in the fishery are set and implemented as the number of female spawners caught per trap in the commercial fishery, obtained by monitoring the age and sex composition of the catch.  Fishery independent sampling occurs during periods when the commercial fishery is closed to provide cohort abundance indices.  See  Boutillier, J.A. and J.A. Bond. 2000.  Using a fixed escapement strategy to control recruitment overfishing in the shrimp trap fishery in British Columbia.  [J. Northw. Atl. Fish. Sci](http://journal.nafo.int/Portals/0/2000-2/boutillier.pdf), Vol 27:261-271.  Minimal spawner index data exists for the period 1985 through 1994, limited in both number of samples taken and location (south coast only) and are not presented in this dataset. In 1995 a new funding model allowed for a considerable (2 to 3 times) increase in Spring sampling activity, with coast wide coverage. Spawner index values are presented by date and location, where locations are described using Pacific Fishery Management (PFM) Area and Subarea.  Sample season is defined as Winter (January, February, March), Spring (April, May, June), Summer (July, August, September) and Fall (October, November, December). Sample type may be R (conducted by DFO), C ( conducted by external parties)or E (conducted by DFO to undertake trap efficiency comparison studies).

Organization: Fisheries and Oceans Canada | Pêches et Océans Canada
Fishery-dependent data for southern Gulf of St. Lawrence Atlantic Silverside (Menidia menidia) stock review in 2023

PURPOSE:
These data have been updated following a Canadian Science Advice Secretariat (CSAS) Regional Science Advisory Process. Associated publications are available in the citation section below or will be posted on the Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) Science Advisory Schedule as they become available.
            

DESCRIPTION:
Commerical landings data maintained by DFO Statistical Services Unit were used to calculate fisheries-dependent catch per unit effort (CPUE) as total landings by number of licences, and total landings by number of days landed for Atlantic silverside in the southern Gulf of St. Lawrence from 1985-2022.
            

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
Salmonid Enhancement Program (SEP) Production Plan Archive

Salmon Enhancement Program (SEP) facilities are subject to the Pacific Aquaculture Regulations (PAR) under the Fisheries Act. PAR licenses include a production plan, which is developed within a formal integrated planning process involving internal and external consultation. External consultation is carried out through the Integrated Fisheries Management Plan (IFMP) process.

The production planning cycle establishes maximum number of salmon eggs to be collected and juveniles to be released for each enhanced system, using strategies that will produce the number of adult salmon desired to meet specific objectives while considering species and ecosystem interactions, effects on wild stocks, harvest, habitat capacity, project capacity, and overall conservation unit objectives.

Planning and data collection includes production from major federal facilities, contracted Community Economic Development Program hatcheries (CEDP), Public Involvement Projects (PIP) operated by volunteers, and Aboriginal Fisheries Strategy (AFS).

Some SEP licensed facilities also rear provincially managed Steelhead and Cutthroat Trout at the request of the Province. For more information regarding the hatchery enhancement of these species please contact the BC Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations: https://www.env.gov.bc.ca/fw/contact/

The Production Plan lists the production events that are to take place in a specific brood year. This Open Data page includes the final version of the Production Plans after IFMP consultation from 2015 onward. This site will be updated each year with the new plan once finalized.

Organization: Fisheries and Oceans Canada | Pêches et Océans Canada
Canadian Science Advisory Secretariat Science Responses

This series documents the responses provided by DFO Science for issues handled via the Science Response Processes (SRPs). The SRPs are generally used when Science has to respond to urgent and unforeseen requests for scientific information / advice or to respond to a request for which advisory precedents already exist.

For more information on SRPs and the circumstances they can be used, consult the [Operational Guidelines for Science Response Processes (SRPs)](http://www.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/csas/csas/Process-Processus/Special/Special_e.htm).

Organization: Fisheries and Oceans Canada | Pêches et Océans Canada
Considerations and data update for the inference of environmental quality standards for two avermectins widely used in salmon aquaculture

We have updated and reviewed toxicity data for Emamectin benzoate (EMB) and Ivermectin (IVER), two in-feed drugs used to treat sea lice in farmed Atlantic salmon, and inferred new Environmental Quality Standards (EQS) using a deterministic approach or Species Sensitivity Distributions (SSDs) based on available data. We used a SSD model averaging approach and inferred a water acute EQS value of 24.9 ng/L (SSD) for EMB, while previously established chronic water EQS of 0.17 ng/L and sediment benthic EQS of 131 ng/kg dry weight remained unchanged. For IVER, both a water acute EQS of 8.04 ng/L and a chronic water EQS of 3.98 ng/L were inferred using SSDs as well as a benthic EQS of 290 ng/kg dry weight using a deterministic approach. In light of the lack of solubility and tendency of both avermectins to sorb to material benthic EQSs remain the most relevant value to consider for regulators. 

Cite this data as: M. Kingsbury, S. Marteinson, E. Ryall, D. Hamoutene, Considerations and data update for the inference of environmental quality standards for two avermectins widely used in salmon aquaculture, Marine Pollution Bulletin, Volume 201, 2024, 116213, ISSN 0025-326X, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.marpolbul.2024.116213

Organization: Fisheries and Oceans Canada | Pêches et Océans Canada
Northern Resident Killer Whale Group Cohesion (1980-2010)

Data from: Stredulinsky et al. (2021) Family feud: permanent group splitting in a highly philopatric mammal, the killer whale (Orcinus orca). Behavioural Ecology and Sociobiology. https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s00265-021-02992-8.

Group cohesion and demographic parameters were derived from annual censuses of Northern Resident Killer Whales (NRKW) in Pacific Canadian coastal waters, conducted by DFO's Cetacean Research Program since 1973.

For animals that tend to remain with their natal group rather than individually disperse, group sizes may become too large to benefit individual fitness. In such cases, group splitting (or fission) allows philopatric animals to form more optimal group sizes without sacrificing all familiar social relationships. Although permanent group splitting is observed in many mammals, it occurs relatively infrequently. Here, we use combined generalized modeling and machine learning approaches to provide a comprehensive examination of group splitting in a population of killer whales (Orcinus orca) that occurred over three decades. Fission occurred both along and across maternal lines, where animals dispersed in parallel with their closest maternal kin. Group splitting was more common: (1) in larger natal groups, (2) when the common maternal ancestor was no longer alive, and (3) among groups with greater substructuring. The death of a matriarch did not appear to immediately trigger splitting. Our data suggest intragroup competition for food, leadership experience, and kinship are important factors that influence group splitting in this population. Our approach provides a foundation for future studies to examine the dynamics and consequences of matrilineal fission in killer whales and other taxa.

Organization: Fisheries and Oceans Canada | Pêches et Océans Canada
Salmon Coded-Wire-Tag Fishery Sampling -- Recovery Data

The Coded-Wire Tag (CWT) database contains the Release, Recovery, Catch/Sample, and Location data. CWT is the Pacific Region’s centralized Oracle database that holds adult salmon escapement data.

Recovery Data

When tags are removed from fish and decoded, the tag is linked to the specific location of catch, date of catch, fishery, and other related biological data. Where possible, the ratio of the number of fish sampled to the total catch is multiplied by the total number of tags extracted to form the Estimated Number of fish. These data are collected by sampling agencies for submission to the RMPC on a yearly basis along with Catch/Sample data.

Organization: Fisheries and Oceans Canada | Pêches et Océans Canada
Overflight monitoring observations of recreational fishing activity on the South Coast of British Columbia

These data provide the coordinates of recreational fishing boats sighted from aerial surveys as part of the Fisheries and Oceans Canada South Coast Area Creel program to estimate recreational fishing catch and effort. The recreational boats are classed as 1) fishing, or 2) running.  Aerial surveys are conducted from float planes approximately every 3-7 days during the peak fishing season according to weather and resource availability.  Digitization of the boat sightings began in recent years and complete datasets are available beginning in 2021.
 
The aerial surveys provide a snaphot of recreational fishing effort limited to the short interval the plane was passing overhead and should not be construed as total fishing effort.  Due to the volume of fishing activity in some areas, each point represents one or more boats in approximately the same area. The resolution of the observation points is decided by the survey observer. Locations and boat counts are subject to observer error. The total number of boats observed is related to the number and timing of successful aerial surveys which vary seasonally and regionally. As such, results are not directly comparable across regions or time periods.

Organization: Fisheries and Oceans Canada | Pêches et Océans Canada