AndreaBozzo/ceres-open-data-index huggingface dataset:
Cumulative human impact maps for the Bay of Fundy and Scotian Shelf

DFO Maritimes Region has conducted a cumulative human impact mapping analysis for the Scotian Shelf-Bay of Fundy management area to support ongoing Marine Spatial Planning initiatives (Murphy et al. 2024). Cumulative human impact mapping (CIM) combines spatial information on human activities and habitats with a matrix of vulnerability weights, into an intuitive relative ‘cumulative impact score’ that shows where cumulative human impacts are greatest and least. To map cumulative impacts in DFO’s Maritimes Region, a recently developed ecosystem vulnerability assessment for Atlantic Canadian waters (Murray et al. 2022) was combined with spatial information on 21 different habitat types and 45 human activities across five different sectors (climate change, land-based, marine-based, coastal, commercial fishing) following the methodology from Halpern et al. (2008). An uncertainty analysis of the cumulative impact map was conducted to assess the robustness of results and identify hot and cold spots of cumulative impacts. 

This dataset provides: 1) cumulative impact maps for the DFO Maritimes Region at 1 km2 resolution: a total cumulative impact map (i.e. including all 45 human activities), as well as cumulative impact maps for each of the five sectors, 2) a layer that identifies which grid cells are considered hot and cold spots of cumulative human impacts, and 3) the habitat layers included in the CIM.

For further information concerning specifics of the maps and methods see Murphy et al. (2024) or contact the data provider. 

References:
Halpern, B.S., Walbridge, S., Selkoe, K.A., Kappel, C.V., Micheli, F., D'Agrosa, C., Bruno, J.F., Casey, K.S., Ebert, C., Fox, H.E., Fujita, R., Heinemann, D., Lenihan, H.S., Madin, E.M.P., Perry, M.T., Selig, E.R., Spalding, M., Steneck, R., and Watson, R. 2008. A Global Map of Human Impact on Marine Ecosystems. Science. 319(5865): 948-952. doi:10.1126/science.1149345.

Murray, C.C., Kelly, N.E., Nelson, J.C., Murphy, G.E.P., and Agbayani, S. 2022. Cumulative impact mapping and vulnerability of Canadian marine ecosystems to anthropogenic activities and stressors. DFO Can. Sci. Advis. Sec. Res. Doc. 2022/XXX. vi. + 52 p.

Murphy, G.E.P., Stock, A., and Kelly, N.E. 2024 (in press). From land to deep sea: A continuum of cumulative human impacts on marine habitats in Atlantic Canada. Ecosphere.


Cite this data as: Murphy, Grace; Kelly, Noreen (2023) Cumulative human impact maps for the Bay of Fundy and Scotian Shelf. Published September 2023. Coastal Ecosystems Science Division, Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Dartmouth, N.S. https://open.canada.ca/data/en/dataset/37b59b8b-1c1c-4869-802f-c09571cc984b

Organization: Fisheries and Oceans Canada | Pêches et Océans Canada
Groundfish Hard Bottom Longline Surveys

Catch, effort, location (latitude, longitude), and associated biological data from groundfish multi-species longline surveys in British Columbia.

Introduction 

This is a set of long-term and coordinated surveys that together cover most of the nearshore, hard-bottom habitat of coastal British Columbia.  The objective of these surveys is to provide fishery-independent abundance indices and associated biological data for the assessment of nearshore rockfishes and other groundfish species that live on untrawlable, hard bottom habitats. The surveys use standardized “snap and swivel” longline hook gear set on the ocean floor.  The surveys follow a random depth-stratified design and the sampling units are 2 km by 2 km blocks. 

The Inside Hard Bottom Longline (HBLL) Surveys are conducted by Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO)  and take place on the Canadian Coast Guard Research Vessel Neocaligus.  The Inside surveys cover the inlets and protected waters east of Vancouver Island (Pacific Fishery Management areas 12 – 20 and 27- 29). The survey area is divided into a northern and southern region, which are surveyed in alternating years.  The Inside North region includes Johnstone Strait and Broughton Archipelago.  The Inside South region includes Desolation Sound, the Strait of Georgia and southern Gulf Islands.  The Inside HBLL surveys use size 13/0 circle hooks, baited with frozen squid.

The Outside HBLL Surveys are conducted by DFO in collaboration with the Pacific Halibut Management Association (PHMA) and take place on several chartered commercial fishing vessels each year. The Outside surveys cover most of the British Columbia coastline, excluding the inlets and protected waters east of Vancouver Island (i.e. excluding Pacific Fishery Management areas 12 – 20 and 27- 29).  The survey area is divided into a northern and southern region, which are surveyed in alternating years.  The Outside North region includes the mainland coast north of Milbanke Sound, Dixon Entrance, and the east and west coasts of Haida Gwaii.  The Outside South region includes the mainland coast south of Milbanke Sound, Queen Charlotte Sound, and the north and west coasts of Vancouver Island. The PHMA provides the chartered commercial fishing vessels and field technicians, while DFO provides support for running the surveys, including survey design and equipment.  The Outside HBLL surveys use size 14/0 circle hooks, baited with frozen squid.

Organization: Fisheries and Oceans Canada | Pêches et Océans Canada
Distribution of kelp on the coast of British Columbia extracted from CHS source data: 1904 - 2004

Kelp features were taken from digitized survey source fieldsheets produced by the Canadian Hydrographic Service (CHS).  The area covered by this dataset encompasses various surveyed areas along the western coast of North America in British Columbia coastal waters.  CHS has an extensive collection of hydrographic survey data in the form of field sheets based on over 100 years of surveying in Canada. Data has been collected using a wide range of methods and systems, from lead-line to modern day multi-transducer and multibeam systems. Positions have been established using the different types of terrestrial systems and methods available over many years - up to the latest advanced satellite positioning systems.

Fieldsheets that had not been previously digitizted were imported into ESRI ArcMap and georeferenced directly to WGS84 using CHS georeferencing standards and principles (charts.gc.ca). In order to minimize error, a hierarchy of control points was used, ranging from high survey order control points to comparing conspicuous stable rock features apparent in satellite imagery. The georeferencing result was further validated against satellite imagery, CHS charts and fieldsheets, the CHS-Pacific High Water Line (charts.gc.ca), and adjacent and overlapping Fieldsheets.  Finally, the kelp features were digitized, and corresponding chart information (category of kelp, scale, source, title, year, and comments) was added as attributes to each feature.  When digitizing kelp features the points were located at the optical center of the feature being digitized.  This dataset includes a point and a polygon layer.  Kelp that is located on land is historically valid. 

Symbolized kelp is not always an exact location but indicates that kelp is present in the area.  The symbol is a proxy.

The kelp attribute field does not distinguish between different types of kelp.  The field has three variables that are kelp, seaweed and Aquatic Plants.  Seaweed is the general name for marine plants of the Algae class which grow in long narrow ribbons. (International Maritime Dictionary, 2nd Ed.)

Kelp is one of an order (laminariales) of usually large, blade-shaped or vine-like brown algae. (IHO Dictionary, S-32, 5th Edition, 2611)

Aquatic Plants – Aquatic plants are used as to represent vegetation in fresh water rivers and lakes.

Geographically encompasses the kelp in the Western Coastal waters of North America (mainly Canada) and Temporally overlaps/continues from data extracted from the British Admiralties.

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

This layer details Important Areas (IAs) relevant to key cetacean species 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, coral and sponges, fish, 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
Important Areas for Sponge Reefs in Strait of Georgia Ecoregion

This layer details Important Areas (IAs) relevant to sponge reefs (Hexactinosida) in the Strait of Georgia (SOG) 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 IA's 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, fish, geographic features, invertebrates, and other vertebrates.

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

Organization: Fisheries and Oceans Canada | Pêches et Océans Canada
Marine Conservation Targets (MCT) - Camera surveys of the subtidal flora of Nova Scotia and Southwest New Brunswick 2022-2023

To assess the current distribution of kelp beds and other macroalgae in Nova Scotia and Southwest New Brunswick, subtidal drop camera surveys were performed from 2022-2023 at 140 sites. For each site, a GoPro HERO 10 camera was towed along a deep (7-12m) and shallow (3-5m) depth contour until 20 images were acquired per depth. Where possible, species were identified from photos, with particular care given to kelps (defined here as orders Laminariales and Tilopteridales) and fucoids (order Fucales). Crust-forming algae was not counted. Percent cover was calculated using a 10x10 point grid overlaid on each image and recording the dominant cover type at each point. The depth (in meters) of each photo after correcting for tide height ranged from ~0.5m to ~12m. Depths were corrected to chart datum (lowest astronomical tide) using tide predictions from the nearest tide station, taken from tides.gc.ca. Sampling was performed between July and October.

 Cite this data as: Krumhansl K, Brooks C, Lowen B, DiBacco C, (2025). Camera Surveys of the Subtidal Flora of Nova Scotia and Southwest New Brunswick 2022-2023. Version 1.7. Fisheries and Oceans Canada. Samplingevent dataset. https://ipt.iobis.org/obiscanada/resource?r=camera_surveys_of_the_subtidal_flora_of_nova_scotia_2022-2023&amp;v=1.7

For additional information please see:

Krumhansl K.A., Brooks C.M., Lowen B., O’Brien J., Wong M., DiBacco C. Loss, resilience and recovery of kelp forests in a region of rapid ocean warming. Annals of Botany 2024 Mar 8; 133(1):73-92. 

Brooks C.M., Krumhansl K.A. 2023. First record of the Asian Antithamnion sparsum Tokida, 1932 (Ceramiales, Rhodophyta) in Nova Scotia, Canada. BioInvasions Records 12(3):745-725.

Organization: Fisheries and Oceans Canada | Pêches et Océans Canada
Projected extreme sea levels under a low emission scenario SSP126 for harbours in British Columbia

This dataset provides projected 30-year, 50-year, and 100-year return levels for harbours in British Columbia by 2050 and 2100 under a low emission scenario SSP126, relative to the mean sea level over 1993-2020. The return levels are a combination of estimated present extreme sea levels and projected mean sea level rise. The present extreme sea levels are derived from hourly coastal sea levels for the period from 1993 to 2020, simulated using a high-resolution Northeast Pacific Ocean Model (NEPOM). The projected mean sea level rise is derived from the regional mean sea level rise data of the IPCC 6th Assessment Report under SSP126, adjusted for the local vertical land motion

Organization: Fisheries and Oceans Canada | Pêches et Océans Canada
Speckled Dace Critical Habitat Survey Data

Speckled Dace (Rhinichthys osculus) are listed under the Species at Risk Act (SARA) as endangered. These fresh water fish, of the family Cyprinidae, are found in Canada only in the Kettle Valley of British Columbia. Proposed critical habitat was based on minimum viable population analysis and assumed densities of fish. From October 19th to the 22nd of 2015, night time pole seining surveys were conducted to enumerate Speckled Dace in proposed critical habitat on the West Kettle River; one of three rivers containing Speckled Dace. The estimated population abundance of Speckled Dace within the survey area was 8,978 (6,143-11,814), however only 1,014 of these are estimated to be adults.

Organization: Fisheries and Oceans Canada | Pêches et Océans Canada
Community Aquatic Monitoring Program (CAMP) data for the Southern Gulf of St. Lawrence Dataset

Each summer, environmental community groups collect important data to determine if groupings of fish, shrimp and crab – what is called a community- can be used as an indicator of the health status of bays and estuaries. Sampling was conducted from May through September for the first years then from June through August. In 2018 and 2019, the sampling was conducted just once in each estuary. Community group members and staff sample six stations once a month in their designated estuary.

Fish, shrimps and crabs are collected with a beach seine net and later released live back to the water once identified and counted. From this, the community groups provide important information to Fisheries and Oceans Canada, including:

- identification and numbers of fish, shrimp and crab species;
- water conditions and samples;
- information on aquatic plants;
- sediment samples.

With this information, Fisheries and Oceans Canada scientists working with government agencies and universities can conduct analyses to determine the suitability of indicators to assess the health of bays and estuaries.

PARAMETERS COLLECTED:
Parameters: abundance, species richness, species developmental stage (young-of-the-year or adult), water temperature, water salinity, water dissolved oxygen, dissolved inorganic nutrient (nitrate, nitrite, phosphate), sediment % organic content, sediment % humidity content and sediment mean grain size, % submerged aquatic vegetation cover

NOTES ON QUALITY CONTROL:
Data entry into Excel and first quality control verification is done by CAMP summer students.  A second quality control verification is done by DFO staff. See publ # 2823 attached to this record.

In 2018, the historical data was migrated into a relationship database. From this year on, annual data will be entered into the database using a custom application. The application front end has numerous QC elements built-in.

SAMPLING METHODS:
Please see the following URL for sampling details: http://www.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/Library/319437.pdf

Organization: Fisheries and Oceans Canada | Pêches et Océans Canada
Scientific surveys on the snow crab (Chionoecetes opilio) in the estuary and northern Gulf of St. Lawrence

Since 1992, scientific surveys have been conducted annually alternately, in the estuary and the North of the Gulf of Saint Lawrence. These surveys allow DFO to monitor the population and ecosystem of the snow crab and thus understand the state of the stock and the renewal of the species.

Beam trawl hauls following a systematic sampling take place every 2 years in the estuary and in the Lower North Shore. In the estuary (zone 17), a sampling of 94 stations is carried out. In the Lower North Shore (zone 13 and 14), 60 regular stations are usually sampled and 35 exploratory stations are distributed between Baie Johan Bettz and Kegaska (zone 15 and 16) but also on the south shore of zone 13 near Newfoundland. At each station, a fishing haul of 5 to 10 minutes is carried out. The harvested crabs are measured (cephalothorax width), sexed and counted. The state of the shell, sexual maturity and egg development stages are also assessed. The number of crabs caught, classified according to different size categories, allows estimating densities and thus monitoring the state and renewal of the snow crab population in the different fishing areas. 

This dataset on the snow crab (Chionoecetes opilio) contains abundance and density data of crabs under different size classes as well as geographical and bathymetric variables by station. The dataset covers the period from 1992 to the present and is updated each year. A cleaning of aberrant data has been carried out.

For certain time periods, associated species are identified and  semi-quantitatively counted directly on the sorting table, and the results are presented in the following publications: 
- https://open.canada.ca/data/en/dataset/8fbd81a4-ce4a-40e3-81f6-e2a5c44955de
- https://open.canada.ca/data/en/dataset/268bf29e-b9d6-4267-bc86-230f4edfb80b
- https://open.canada.ca/data/en/dataset/97dac757-2ef6-4144-b7d9-a0d8d51f8319

Organization: Fisheries and Oceans Canada | Pêches et Océans Canada
Investigating residency and survival during the early phase of the Atlantic salmon smolt marine migration in northwest Placentia Bay

This project was completed by the Salmonids Section in the Newfoundland and Labrador Science Branch of Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO). The Coastal Environmental Baseline Program has supported efforts  in 2018 and 2019 of tagged Atlantic salmon smolts leaving the Bay de L’eau River and Rushoon River region of Placentia Bay. This was part of a larger four year tracking study in this region (2018, 2019, 2021, 2022) trying to improve DFO’s understanding of the residency, survival, and migration routes of Atlantic salmon smolts during the first months at sea within northwest Placentia Bay. As of spring 2023, four years of detection data were being processed with the goal of presenting this work at the next Atlantic salmon CSAS meeting and developing a primary publication. This record contains the locations there smolt were tagged in Placentia Bay, NL.

Organization: Fisheries and Oceans Canada | Pêches et Océans Canada
Inshore Lobster Trawl Survey

An annual trawl survey is conducted in Southwestern Nova Scotia and the Bay of Fundy to assess the lobster stocks in the area.  The survey is conducted with the Northeast Fisheries Science Center Ecosystem Survey Trawl (NEST), a small mesh trawl with a cod end liner, which ensures the capture of various sizes of lobster.  The dimensions and location of the trawl are monitored and recorded throughout the tow using an electronic trawl mensuration system.  In addition, water temperature and depth are also monitored.  The target tow length is 1 kilometer which is tracked using an Olex marine charting system. Vessel crew, DFO science staff and a contracted at sea observer work together to perform required tasks and collect all relevant data. Catch from each tow is separated by species, weighed and counted.  Length frequency data is collected on select groundfish and crab species and detailed morphometric data is collected on each lobster.

PARAMETERS COLLECTED:
Set information and profile - includes set date, time depth and location
Catch summary - weight and number caught of each species
Length Freqeuncies - completed for up to 100 fish for selected species
Lobster Morphological Data - detailed data collected on each lobster
Bottom Temperature
Trawl Metrics

NOTES ON QUALITY CONTROL:
Data is visually verified and double keypunched.  On loading to Oracle, data is run through rigorous automated checks to verify data accuracy and integrity.

SAMPLING METHODS:
The target tow length is 1 kilometer which is tracked using an Olex marine charting system. Vessel crew, DFO science staff and a contracted at sea observer work together to perform required tasks and collect all relevant data. Catch from each tow is separated by species, weighed and counted. Length frequency data is collected on select groundfish and crab species, detailed morphometric data is collected on each lobster. Bottom temperature and trawl metrics are collected for each tow.

CITATION LIST:
Denton, Cheryl M.. 2020. Maritimes Region Inshore Lobster Trawl Survey Technical Description. Canadian technical reports of fisheries and aquatic sciences (DFO) 3376.

Organization: Fisheries and Oceans Canada | Pêches et Océans Canada
Spatiotemporal variation of ringed seal blubber cortisol levels in the Canadian Arctic

This dataset contains the data reported in Wesley R Ogloff, Randi A Anderson, David J Yurkowski, Cassandra D Debets, W Gary Anderson, Steven H Ferguson, Spatiotemporal variation of ringed seal blubber cortisol levels in the Canadian Arctic, Journal of Mammalogy, 2022;, gyac047, https://doi.org/10.1093/jmammal/gyac047

Cite this data as:
Wesley R Ogloff, Randi A Anderson, David J Yurkowski, Cassandra D Debets, W Gary Anderson, Steven H Ferguson. 2022 Spatiotemporal variation of ringed seal blubber cortisol levels in the Canadian Arctic. Arctic and Aquatic Research Division, Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Winnipeg, MB. https://open.canada.ca/data/en/dataset/e1c6b350-0159-11ed-8212-1860247f53e3

Organization: Fisheries and Oceans Canada | Pêches et Océans Canada