AndreaBozzo/ceres-open-data-index huggingface dataset:
Vessel Density Mapping of 2024 Automatic Identification System (AIS) Data in the Northwest Atlantic

The Automatic Identification System (AIS) is a global, satellite-based and terrestrial-based ship tracking system that uses shipborne equipment to remotely track vessel identification and positional information and is typically required on vessels of 300 gross tonnage or more on an international voyage, of 500 gross tonnage or more not on an international voyage, and passenger ships of all sizes. AIS tracking technologies are primarily used in support of real-time maritime domain awareness and for maritime security and safety of life at sea. This report describes a geographic information system (GIS) analysis of 2019 AIS data to produce yearly and monthly vessel density maps of all vessel classes combined and yearly density maps of each vessel class. The year 2019 was selected to portray shipping densities in a pre-COVID 19 pandemic depiction of the maritime transport sector in the Northwest Atlantic. Vessel density map applications include use in spatial analysis and decision support for marine spatial planning. In 2023 the process was applied to the years 2013 through to 2022 and were made available using the same processes that were applied to the original 2019 datasets.

Organization: Fisheries and Oceans Canada | Pêches et Océans Canada
Vessel Density Mapping of 2022 AIS Data in the Northwest Atlantic

The Automatic Identification System (AIS) is a global, satellite-based and terrestrial-based ship tracking system that uses shipborne equipment to remotely track vessel identification and positional information and is typically required on vessels of 300 gross tonnage or more on an international voyage, of 500 gross tonnage or more not on an international voyage, and passenger ships of all sizes. AIS tracking technologies are primarily used in support of real-time maritime domain awareness and for maritime security and safety of life at sea. This report describes a geographic information system (GIS) analysis of 2019 AIS data to produce yearly and monthly vessel density maps of all vessel classes combined and yearly density maps of each vessel class. The year 2019 was selected to portray shipping densities in a pre-COVID 19 pandemic depiction of the maritime transport sector in the Northwest Atlantic. Vessel density map applications include use in spatial analysis and decision support for marine spatial planning. In 2023 the process was applied to the years 2013 through to 2022 and were made available using the same processes that were applied to the original 2019 datasets.

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) - Spawning Habitat - High Vegetation Association Species (All Temperature Windows)

Fish Habitat Assessment Output: 9 of 16

Average Water Level (75.0m 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
Historical trace metals concentrations from sediment samples and suspended particulate matter (SPM) samples, 1976 - 1987

This dataset is a compilation of numerous data files recovered as part of a data request in 2024 from a historical archive of DFO research data. 

Sediment and Suspended Particulate Matter (SPM) samples were collected over more than a decade as part of Dr. Douglas Loring’s research program while working at the Bedford Institute of Oceanography (BIO). Samples were collected as part of individual and collaborative research projects, and links to the relevant primary science publications and reports are included in the data in an effort to provide context to the data, as well as describe the field and laboratory techniques used to generate the attached data.

Organization: Fisheries and Oceans Canada | Pêches et Océans Canada
Canadian Marine Invasive Screening Tool (CMIST)

CMIST is a peer-reviewed screening-level risk assessment tool for marine invasive species (Drolet et al. 2016). It is a short questionnaire that follows the invasion process from arrival to impact and is designed so an informed assessor can evaluate one species in an assessment area in approximately one day using easily accessible information from internet databases, primary literature, and grey literature. Species can be those with an invasion history in an area or those that are candidates for future invasions.

CMIST is score-based and incorporates both likelihood and impact of invasion as well as uncertainty. Questions are general to make CMIST broadly applicable to different taxa, different assessment areas, and different project goals. To date, CMIST has been tested with molluscs, tunicates, crustaceans, and polychaetes introduced or at risk of introduction to three Canadian marine ecoregions (DFO 2009). CMIST has also been successfully applied to non-indigenous freshwater fish in British Columbia with adapted guidelines (T. Therriault, pers. comm.). Upon completion, CMIST produces a risk score adjusted for the assessor’s uncertainty which, combined with information collected during the assessment, can be used to assist in management decisions. For example, in 2015, CMIST assessments were used to identify high risk invaders in three Canadian marine ecoregions (DFO 2016).

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

This resource documents a dataset of epifauna occurrences collected in 2021 during The Knowledge and Ecosystem-Based Approach in Baffin Bay (KEBABB) program developed by the Department of Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) in collaboration with university partners. The overall objective of KEBABB is to characterize the variability and trends in physical, chemical, and biological oceanographic conditions and food webs supporting fisheries in the connected ecosystems of western Baffin Bay and Lancaster Sound. In 2021, DFO expanded the KEBABB program to Barrow Strait (KEBABS-Knowledge and Ecosystem-Based Approach in Barrow Strait), a key productive area of the Tallurutiup Imanga National Marine Conservation Area. The study took place in the Eastern Canadian Arctic (mainly in Baffin Bay, Davis Strait and Barrow Strait). Sampling is done along transects at fixed stations in the study area. Catches are collected with a 1.5 m Agassiz trawl (5 mm mesh net) for 3 minutes bottom-contact time at a target speed of 1.5 knots and with a 3 m benthic beam trawl (6.4 mm mesh net) for 15 minutes bottom-contact time at a target speed of 3 knots. A total of 16 stations were sampled for epifauna in 2021 between 85-850 m depth. Epibenthic invertebrates are identified to the lowest possible taxonomic level 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_KEBABB_epifauna_event_en” file which contains information about missions, stations and deployments, which are presented under a hierarchical activity structure.
The “Occurrence_épifaune_KEBABB_epifauna_en” file that contains the taxonomic occurrences.

Further details on sampling can be found in the following report: Pućko, M., Charette, J., Tremblay P., Brulotte S., St-Denis B., Ciastek S., Hedges, K., Kuzyk, Z., Roy V., and Michel, C. 2022. An ecosystem-based approach in the eastern Arctic: KEBABB/S (Knowledge and Ecosystem-Based Approach in Baffin Bay/Barrow Strait) 2021 expedition report. Can. Manuscr. Rep. Fish. Aquat. Sci. 3250: viii + 58 p. https://publications.gc.ca/collections/collection_2022/mpo-dfo/Fs97-4-3250-eng.pdf

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
Coral and Sponge Concentrations in the Scotian Shelf Region of Canada

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. 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.

Organization: Fisheries and Oceans Canada | Pêches et Océans Canada
Relative occurrence of Spotted Wolffish in the Estuary and Gulf of St. Lawrence

Spatial distribution of the relative occurrence of Spotted Wolffish in the annual DFO groundfish research surveys conducted by the Québec (1978-2008) and Gulf (1971-2008) regions. 

Catch and effort data were aggregated by 100 km² cells. The probability of catching an Spotted Wolffish in a set and within a cell (relative occurrence) was calculated as the ratio of the number of sets in which a species was recorded and the total number of sets made. This method allows the mapping of catch and effort for numerous time series based on data from different programs in both the whole study area (research surveys and Sentinel Fisheries using bottom trawls and a random stratified design) or in specific areas within the Gulf.

Source: 

Dutil, J.-D., S. Proulx, S. Hurtubise, and J. Gauthier 2011. Recent findings on the life history and catches of wolffish (Anarhichas sp.) in research surveys and in the Sentinel Fisheries and Observer Program for the Estuary and Gulf of St-Lawrence. DFO Can. Sci. Advis. Sec. Res. Doc. 2010/126: x + 71 pages.

Associated publication:

Dutil, J.-D., Proulx, S., Chouinard, P.-M., and Borcard, D. 2011. A hierarchical classification of the seabed based on physiographic and oceanographic features in the St. Lawrence. Can. Tech. Rep. Fish. Aquat. Sci. 2916: vii + 72 pages. 
http:/ / www.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/ Library/ 342703.pdf.

Organization: Fisheries and Oceans Canada | Pêches et Océans Canada
Vessel Density Mapping of 2015 AIS Data in the Northwest Atlantic

The Automatic Identification System (AIS) is a global, satellite-based and terrestrial-based ship tracking system that uses shipborne equipment to remotely track vessel identification and positional information and is typically required on vessels of 300 gross tonnage or more on an international voyage, of 500 gross tonnage or more not on an international voyage, and passenger ships of all sizes. AIS tracking technologies are primarily used in support of real-time maritime domain awareness and for maritime security and safety of life at sea. This report describes a geographic information system (GIS) analysis of 2019 AIS data to produce yearly and monthly vessel density maps of all vessel classes combined and yearly density maps of each vessel class. The year 2019 was selected to portray shipping densities in a pre-COVID 19 pandemic depiction of the maritime transport sector in the Northwest Atlantic. Vessel density map applications include use in spatial analysis and decision support for marine spatial planning. In 2023 the process was applied to the years 2013 through to 2022 and were made available using the same processes that were applied to the original 2019 datasets.

Organization: Fisheries and Oceans Canada | Pêches et Océans Canada
White Shark (Carcharodon carcharias) sightings in Atlantic Canada (1873 to 2022)

Locations are indicated based on the information available. If coordinates were not available, the approximate location is indicated using the description associated with the record. Note that effort is not accounted for in this dataset, nor is effort equally distributed throughout the area captured. Data derived from satellite or acoustic tagging are not included in this dataset. Note that not all records are confirmed. DFO Science reviews records and reports and classifies them as either confirmed or unconfirmed, based on the available information (e.g., pictures, videos, descriptions).

Organization: Fisheries and Oceans Canada | Pêches et Océans Canada
Bottom dissolved oxygen at the Atlantic Zone Monitoring Program (AZMP)-Quebec’s stations.

Bottom dissolved oxygen time series at the 3 fixed stations and 46 stations, grouped into transects, of the Atlantic Zonal Monitoring Program (AZMP) under the Quebec region responsibility.

The mean bottom dissolved oxygen of the last ten years are displayed as 2 layers, one for the June survey (2014-2023, 2020 not sampled), another for the autumn survey (2014-2023).  A third layer shows the positions of the fixed stations of the program (Anticosti Gyre, Gaspé Current and Rimouski).

Each station is linked with a .png file showing the bottom dissolved oxygen time series and with a .csv file containing all the bottom dissolved oxygen data acquired at those stations since the beginning of the program sampling (columns : Station, Latitude, Longitude, Date(UTC), Sounding(m), Depth/Profondeur(m), Dissolved_Oxygen/Oxygène_Dissous(%sat)).

Purpose

The Atlantic Zone Monitoring Program (AZMP) was implemented in 1998 with the aim of increasing the Department of Fisheries and Oceans Canada’s (DFO) capacity to detect, track and predict changes in the state and productivity of the marine environment.

The AZMP collects data from a network of stations composed of high-frequency monitoring sites and cross-shelf sections in each following DFO region: Québec, Gulf, Maritimes and Newfoundland. The sampling design provides basic information on the natural variability in physical, chemical, and biological properties of the Northwest Atlantic continental shelf. Cross-shelf sections sampling provides detailed geographic information but is limited in a seasonal coverage while critically placed high-frequency monitoring sites complement the geography-based sampling by providing more detailed information on temporal changes in ecosystem properties.

In Quebec region, two surveys (46 stations grouped into transects) are conducted every year, one in June and the other in autumn in the Estuary and Gulf of St. Lawrence. Historically, 3 fixed stations were sampled more frequently. One of these is the Rimouski station that still takes part of the program and is sampled about weekly throughout the summer and occasionally in the winter period.

Annual reports (physical, biological and a Zonal Scientific Advice) are available from the Canadian Science Advisory Secretariat (CSAS), (http://www.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/csas-sccs/index-eng.htm).

Devine, L., Scarratt, M., Plourde, S., Galbraith, P.S., Michaud, S., and Lehoux, C. 2017. Chemical and Biological Oceanographic Conditions in the Estuary and Gulf of St. Lawrence during 2015. DFO Can. Sci. Advis. Sec. Res. Doc. 2017/034. v + 48 pp.


Supplemental Information

Bottom dissolved oxygen is determined from CTD profile in the water column according to AZMP sampling protocol:

Mitchell, M. R., Harrison, G., Pauley, K., Gagné, A., Maillet, G., and Strain, P. 2002. Atlantic Zonal Monitoring Program sampling protocol. Can. Tech. Rep. Hydrogr. Ocean Sci. 223: iv + 23 pp.

Organization: Fisheries and Oceans Canada | Pêches et Océans Canada
Estimates of total returns for large and small Atlantic salmon in the Gulf region

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. The dataset supports stock assessment by providing estimates of total returns of large and small Atlantic salmon to each Salmon Fishing Area (SFA) from 15 to 18, as well as to Gulf region rivers overall.

DESCRIPTION:
This dataset contains annual estimates of total returns of large and small Atlantic salmon to Salmon Fishing Areas (SFAs) 15 to 18 and to Gulf region rivers, as part of the stock assessment process up to the year 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
A Survey of Literature on Oil Spill Effects on Marine Organisms on the West Coast of British Columbia, Canada With a Focus on Bitumen Related Products

A literature review, focusing on oil sand products (e.g., diluted bitumen), diluents, spill-treating agents, and crude oil toxicology and ecological studies, relevant to the northeast Pacific was compiled as part of the Government of Canada’s World Class Tanker Safety program. Of the 763 references identified, 14 involved diluted bitumen and other heavy crude oils, indicating the need for further research of these products in the marine environment. Diluent research suggests relatively fast evaporation and dispersion times for this component, however high toxicities may pose a threat to marine biota. Historical studies indicate older dispersant formulations had potential ecological implications, therefore newer formulations, which have not been studied in detail, require full assessment. Consistent utilization of toxicology standards remains elusive, hindering species sensitivity analyses. Exxon Valdez literature demonstrates highly variable impacts from a single oil type and the need for baseline data, recovery status, and suitable ecological end-point determination.

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

This layer details Important Areas (IAs) relevant to key vertebrate species other than fish and cetaceans 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 invertebrates.

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
Pacific Coast Sentinel-3 Sea Surface Temperature

This dataset includes fifteen GeoTIFFs of Sea Surface Temperature (SST) organized into five distinct marine regions along Canada's Pacific coast, derived from Sentinel 3 satellite data for the period of April-September 2017. For each region, three GeoTIFFs are provided which represent the mean, maximum, and standard deviation values of SST (degrees Celcius). Jupyter notebooks with Python code used for data downloading and processing are also included for reference.

The primary objective of this dataset is to provide detailed, regional spatial information on SST for key areas of Canada's Pacific coast, including the nearshore environment. The data can be used for various applications including species distribution modelling.

This dataset is intended to fill the knowledge gap by providing high-resolution, spatially explicit regional SST data for Canada's Pacific coast. Existing datasets may not provide sufficient spatial resolution or may not include comprehensive statistical measures (mean, max, standard deviation) of SST for these specific areas.

The dataset is structured by region. For each of the five regions, a set of three related GeoTIFFs is provided, representing the mean, max, and standard deviation of SST. Within each regional set, the three layers share the same spatial reference system, resolution, and extent, making them suitable for direct use in analytical stacks (e.g., for species distribution models).

The Sentinel-3 satellites, part of the European Union's Copernicus Programme, are equipped with the Sea and Land Surface Temperature Radiometer (SLSTR) which measures SST among other parameters. The SST data products in this dataset are derived from Sentinel-3 satellite data.

The intent of the data is to represent the marine environment and so a mask that excludes land was applied during data download and extraction. The SST data products have been resampled using a bilinear interpolation from their native resolution to a 20 m resolution to provide more detailed spatial information.

Organization: Fisheries and Oceans Canada | Pêches et Océans Canada