AndreaBozzo/ceres-open-data-index huggingface dataset:
Frog Abundance - Georgian Bay Islands

Abundance and diversity of frogs and toads is a good indicator for assessing ecological integrity. The park visually counts adult frogs and toads in coastal wetlands after the breeding season. This method does not permit assessment of early breeding species and may overestimate frog abundance because these surveys coincide with mass emergence of newly developed frogs, which are subjected to very high mortality rates.

Organization: Parks Canada | Parcs Canada
Northern Map Turtle - Georgian Bay Islands

The park is developing a protocol to monitor Northern Map Turtles as they congregate to bask along rock outcrops and shorelines on Georgian Bay. The measure will be completed annually through field observations of suitable basking sites. Turtles are long-living slowly-reproducing reptiles and play an important role of scavengers and predators in freshwater ecosystems. By monitoring the park will be able to track changes over time, identify potential threats and thereby achieving conservation goals.

Organization: Parks Canada | Parcs Canada
Exotic and Invasive Aquatic Plant Abundance - Georgian Bay Islands

Presence of exotic species often represents a level of disturbance in an ecosystem.The park samples invasive wetland plants along coastal transects, which include submerged areas. The focus of this measure are Eurasian watermilfoil and European phragmites. Currently the park has sufficient data only on the watermilfoil.

Organization: Parks Canada | Parcs Canada
Goose Terrestrial Assessment - Wapsuk National Park

Wapusk National Park protects a vast landscape of coastal salt marshes, countless ponds, and a diversity of boreal-tundra interface habitats, and serves as staging areas for migrating birds, including the Lesser Snow Goose (LSGO). Over the last few decades LSGO populations have increased exponentially due to multiple factors the LSGO is now considered hyper-abundant. Grazing LSGO create large disturbed and barren areas altering vegetation, soil, and ponds, and affecting the ecological integrity of the parks terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems. To assess the extent of goose impacts on vegetation, large spatial scale transects were created by combining selected Hudson Bay Project (HBP), led by Dr. Robert Rockwell, American Museum of Natural History, New York and Parks Canada monitoring sites from different projects in several locations north of the Broad River. The rapid goose terrestrial impact assessment protocol, developed by Dr. Abraham for research on Akimiski Island in James Bay, uses a 100 m2 plot to assess vegetation by functional groups and sub-sample the number of goose droppings. The percent coverage of barren ground (shortened to % barren) is used as coarse assessment of goose terrestrial impact for ecological integrity monitoring for state-of-the-park reporting.

Organization: Parks Canada | Parcs Canada
Algorithmic Impact Assessment - Spouse or Common-Law Partner in Canada Advanced Analytics

Detailed results from the Algorithmic Impact Assessment (AIA) for the Spouse or Common-Law Partner in Canada Advanced Analytics Project.

This project seeks to streamline the eligibility assessment for both the Sponsor and Principal Applicant of Spouse or Common-law Partner in Canada applications.

Organization: Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada | Immigration, Réfugiés et Citoyenneté Canada
Seabirds - Forillon

This set of data contains the results of the various breeding seabird inventories conducted at Forillon National Park. Seabirds are recognized as good indicators of the quality of marine ecosystems and more particularly of the abundance of prey species on which they depend. Monitoring of seabird populations is therefore part of Forillon National Park's ecological integrity monitoring program. The abundance of different seabird species is determined by a total nest count in the cliffs during the nesting period. This complete population census is usually conducted as part of a boat inventory covering the entire coastal territory of the park. The species considered during the inventories were the black-legged kittiwake (Rissa tridactyla), double-crested cormorant (Phalacrocorax auritus), great black-backed gull (Larus marinus), European herring gull (Larus argentatus), razorbill (Alca torda), common murre (Uria aalge) and black guillemot (Cepphus grylle).
The first dataset contains the results of nesting seabird counts in Forillon National Park conducted in 1973, 1977, 1982 and 1989. In the 1989 inventory, Forillon National Park staff counted only black-legged kittiwakes, double-crested cormorants and razorbills. 
The second dataset contains the results of the 1999 Forillon National Park nesting seabird count. During this inventory, the highest number of nests (or individuals) identified by the two independent observers was selected. 
In the third dataset on the 2008 and 2016 surveys, nest counts are done by two independent observers, either directly from the boat or from photographs of cliff sections.


Organization: Parks Canada | Parcs Canada
Beaver - Forillon

This dataset focuses on monitoring beaver colonies in Forillon National Park. Beavers have a major influence on aquatic ecosystems in the park. Monitoring fluctuations in this population can help us better understand variations in the physicochemical characteristics of watercourses and possibly in other aquatic populations in the park. Beaver colony data are collected primarily as part of a park-wide aerial survey by helicopter. Beaver colony inventories were conducted in 1980, 1991, 1996 and 2010. The presence of food piles, dams, lodges and signs of fresh cuts is considered during helicopter flights to determine whether or not the colony is active. Beaver colony inventories take place in the fall and are planned for every ten years. 

Organization: Parks Canada | Parcs Canada
Pinnipeds - Forillon

This dataset covers the census of pinnipeds (harbour and grey seals) that frequent the waters of Forillon National Park. Grey and harbour seals are two top predators in the food chain of the park's coastal ecosystems; hence the importance of monitoring these populations. Surveys are conducted by boat along the coasts of Forillon National Park and on the periphery in calm weather and at low tide when seals are present in large numbers on resting and calving grounds. 
A first dataset covers inventories from 2007 to 2015. The inventory covers three specific periods: during the calving and nursing period for harbour seals (May-June), during the moulting period for harbour seals (late July - early August) and when grey seals are present in large numbers (mid-August). At least two boat trips are planned during each inventory period. The stage of maturity of the individuals surveyed is recorded, as is the type of activity observed (on the beach or in the water). 
A second dataset covers inventories from 1977 to 2000. Depending on the year, the inventory can last a few days or even several weeks, from spring to fall. The stage of maturity of the individuals surveyed is recorded, as is the type of activity observed (on the beach or in the water).


Organization: Parks Canada | Parcs Canada
Plant_phenology - Forillon

This dataset focuses on monitoring plant phenology. It serves to verify the variation in time of flowering and leafing dates of different species and to measure the impact of climate change on the Park’s forest ecosystem. The degrees of advancement of the flowering criteria are established in spring, on average twice a week, based on field observations at various sites. 
The choice of species at Forillon National Park was based on the plants recommended on the PlantWatch site, how easy it was to observe them (proximity to the operations centre) and their location (i.e., not in a sunny patch or an area with an unusual temperature, such as close to a paved road, concrete foundation, etc.). The following species were thus chosen: Red Maple (Acer rubrum), Trembling Aspen (Populus tremuloides, also known as Aspen Poplar), Wild Strawberry (Fragaria virginiana/vesca), Crackerberry (Cornus canadensis, also known as Bunchberry) and Clintonia Borealis (Clintonia borealis, also known as Blue-Bead Lily).

Organization: Parks Canada | Parcs Canada
Fish Communities - Forillon

This dataset covers electrofishing efforts in 11 streams or rivers in Forillon National Park since 2008. The abundance, size structure and condition of the fish in a brook trout population are sensitive to changes in the environment, specifically those caused by the presence of an invasive alien species, pollution or climate change, making this measure a good indicator of the health of the aquatic ecosystem. Fish, mainly brook trout, are harvested using electrofishing equipment in a closed 100-square-metre stretch of stream. Three fishing sessions, or passages, are carried out. The fish caught are measured and weighed. Certain data on habitat and physicochemical properties of water are also recorded. This monitoring takes place in late July and early August, when stream water levels are generally low. The fishing site is located near the benthic invertebrate community and water temperature monitoring site for each of the eleven watercourses studied. 

Organization: Parks Canada | Parcs Canada
Carnivore situation - Forillon

This dataset covers the status of carnivores. It is known that some carnivores, such as the American marten (Martes americana), fisher (Pekania pennanti) and Canada lynx (Lynx canadensis), are affected by forest habitat fragmentation and human presence. In addition, the American marten and fisher are often considered good indicators of forest ecosystem integrity. The Canada lynx is one of the biodiversity targets of the Northern Appalachian/Acadian conservation plan and the Forillon ecological corridor conservation plan. Given these factors, together with the knowledge acquired from studies carried out over the past 20 years, we decided to implement a long-term carnivore monitoring program based primarily on the presence of the American marten, fisher, and Canada lynx within the boundaries of Forillon National Park. 
This measure of the ecological monitoring program comprises three field measurements: the rate of occupancy of the American marten, fisher and Canada lynx. A total of 70 sites are sampled, 35 outside the park boundaries and 35 inside the park boundaries. The species are monitored by camera in October and November. The data are collected annually inside the park and on a five-year basis outside the park. For the American marten and fisher, the thresholds of the field measurements are based on expected rate of occupancy, as a function of the type of habitat found in the park. For the Canada lynx, thresholds are based on observed rates of occupancy taken from the literature in 2011. The assessment of this measure is carried out every five years.

Organization: Parks Canada | Parcs Canada
Forest stands - Forillon

This dataset focuses on the status of forest stands and is used to monitor changes in this ecosystem, which makes up 95% of the Park. Considering the area’s history of logging, this monitoring is particularly important. The dominance of species, the internal structure of the stands and the rate of decomposition are the three field sub-measurements used to establish this measurement. 
For the first two sub-measurements, data from the 100 plots are collected in the summer over a 10-year cycle, 25 per year for 4 consecutive years. Only tree species are sampled. All living trees, whether standing or fallen, are measured. In the case of dead trees, only those that are still standing are measured. With respect to the decay rate, data from 10 stations are collected every three years. 

Organization: Parks Canada | Parcs Canada
Eelgrass Beds - Forillon

This dataset concerns monitoring of the Penouille eelgrass beds. Because of the ecological importance not only of eelgrass beds, but also of the animal communities they support, eelgrass beds are often used as indicators of coastal ecosystem health. 
Two sets of data deal more specifically with animal species, mainly fish, which use this habitat for different stages of their life cycle. They contain data related to each of the three sites sampled in the spring and fall using fyke nets since 2013. The west beach eelgrass bed is sampled annually, while those of the south beach and the Penouille marsh are sampled alternately every two years. The fish and invertebrates harvested are then counted on the beach and up to 30 individuals per species are measured. A first dataset shows the length of the fish while a second shows the total count for all species harvested. 
Two other datasets deal more specifically with vegetation parameters indicating the expanse and condition of eelgrass beds at sites sampled since 2013. This monitoring requires the installation of three 50-metre transects parallel to the beach in the heart of each eelgrass bed. The data collection is carried out in 36 quadrats measuring 50 cm by 50 cm, in which the percentage of total vegetation cover and of each of the plant species found there are recorded, as well as the height and condition of the eelgrass plants. Photographs are also taken using a submersible camera. Water depth and sediment type at the ends and centre of each transect are also taken into account. 


Organization: Parks Canada | Parcs Canada
Benthic Invertebrate Communities - Forillon

This dataset covers the monitoring of benthic invertebrate communities in 11 streams or rivers in Forillon National Park since 2007.  The sampling methods and techniques used for this monitoring are based on those of the Canadian Aquatic Biomonitoring Network (CABIN) established by Environment Canada. This follow-up is usually done in early fall. The collection site is located near the brook trout community and water temperature monitoring site for each of the watercourses studied. Benthic invertebrates are collected using a dip net. For each watercourse visited, several data that characterize the aquatic habitat are collected, in addition to physicochemical data related to water quality, and data on the channel as well as on the streambed substrate. 
Six parameters are used to assess the status of benthic invertebrate communities. These are the total number of taxa, the total number of EPT taxa (Ephemeroptera, Plecoptera and Trichoptera), the percentage of EPT, the percentage of chironomids, the percentage of the dominant taxon as well as the FBI (Hilsenhoff biotic index, family identification variant).


Organization: Parks Canada | Parcs Canada
Forest_stands - Forillon

This dataset focuses on the status of forest stands and is used to monitor changes in this ecosystem, which makes up 95% of the Park. Considering the area’s history of logging, this monitoring is particularly important. The dominance of species, the internal structure of the stands and the rate of decomposition are the three field sub-measurements used to establish this measurement. 
For the first two sub-measurements, data from the 100 plots are collected in the summer over a 10-year cycle, 25 per year for 4 consecutive years. Only tree species are sampled. All living trees, whether standing or fallen, are measured. In the case of dead trees, only those that are still standing are measured. With respect to the decay rate, data from 10 stations are collected every three years. 

Organization: Parks Canada | Parcs Canada
Situation of the commercial lobster fishery - Forillon

This dataset covers the status of the commercial lobster (Homarus americanus) fishery. Commercial lobster fishing activities within the administrative boundaries of Forillon National Park inevitably have impacts on this invertebrate population. Through annual stock status monitoring, it is possible to study the impacts of the fishery and changes in the lobster population in the coastal waters of the park. Data are gathered by means of at-sea sampling, whereby a monitoring team boards lobster vessels to collect data at sea during three periods of the fishing season. The monitoring provides information on harvesting effort, lobster size, sex, reproductive status and harvested biomass.

Organization: Parks Canada | Parcs Canada
Moose Abundance - Cape Breton Highlands

What? An aerial wildlife population survey is used in Cape Breton Highlands National Park to estimate moose (Alces alces) population density. When? Monitoring frequency for this measure occurs every two to three years. Surveys take place in early March when there is snowpack present, the weather is stable, and sightability is increased by sun angle and day length.  How? The population survey uses a random stratified design. The study area is Cape Breton Highlands National Park (950km2) and is divided up into Survey Units (SU’s) or “blocks”. Survey units are numbered sequentially in rows running from west to east, beginning in the north. Stratification lines are flown along transects running through the center point of each survey unit, and cluster analysis is used to assign all survey units a moose density stratum: High, Medium or Low. Survey units are randomly selected from each stratum to be flown in the block survey. 50 survey units are initially selected (35 Low, 10 Medium, 5 High), with more survey units added as necessary to obtain a population estimate with a 90% confidence interval. Why? Moose are the top herbivore in Cape Breton Highlands National Park. Benefiting from favourable conditions following a spruce budworm outbreak and, having no significant natural predators, the moose population has become hyperabundant, resulting in negative impacts to the parks forest ecosystem. This survey every helps to monitor changes in moose density in the park, and determine if it is at a sustainable level (ie. within the natural range of variability observed in predator controlled populations). 

Organization: Parks Canada | Parcs Canada
Forest Health Index - Cape Breton Highlands

What? Forest Health plots in the Boreal and Acadian land regions are being monitored in Cape Breton Highlands National Park to determine if any historical changes are occurring. When? Monitoring frequency for this program occurs on a five year cycle within the Acadian and Boreal Forest regions; sampling typically occurs in July or August. How? Cape Breton Highlands National Park follows an Ecological Monitoring and Assessment Network (EMAN) tree health monitoring protocol. It was developed by the Canadian Forest Service to assess species composition, growth rates, crown conditions and stem defects in an attempt to recognize changes in tree health in Canadian forests. Data in a defined sample plot is collected on the forest species contained within. General data is collected on: tree species; tree age; tree diameters; tree disturbance; and canopy cover to assess general stand health. Why? Forest health trends are being monitored in the Boreal and Acadian forest after some fairly significant historic disturbances. With a spruce budworm outbreak in the early 1980’s and a moose population outbreak that followed, the Acadian and Boreal forests in Cape Breton Highlands National Park have faced some drastic regeneration/composition changes. The forests ecosystems in the park, which contain some a significant portion of remaining old growth forest in Nova Scotia, are showing signs of impaired regeneration.

Organization: Parks Canada | Parcs Canada
Forest Salamander Abundance - Cape Breton Highlands

What? Eastern Red-Backed Salamander (Plethodon cinereus) abundance is being monitored at various old growth forest sites within Cape Breton Highlands National Park. When? Monitoring frequency occurred annually for three consecutive years after initial set-up, and biennially henceforth. In each cycle, four consecutive visits are conducted over a four week period in the fall; the timing is intended to coincide with favourable soil temperatures for salamanders. How? The monitoring sites are located within old growth stands in Cape Breton Highlands National Park. The sites consist of 40 – 50 artificial cover objects (ACO’s – typically pine boards measuring 10” x 10” x 1”) laid down directly on the mineral soil of the forest floor. At each site visit the artificial cover objects are temporarily lifted and inspected; species, count, color phase and age class are recorded of resident salamanders. Why? Salamanders are a useful indicator species of forest health because they are sensitive to a wide range of ecological stressors, particularly those that influence micro-climate, air and water quality. This measure is used to evaluate the health of old growth stands.

Organization: Parks Canada | Parcs Canada
Wetland Water Quality - Cape Breton Highlands

What? Water samples are being collected in various wetlands in Cape Breton Highlands National Park. When? The monitoring frequency for wetland water quality is annually with samples being collected in the spring of the year. How? Water samples are collected from wetland monitoring wells that have been installed for monitoring purposes using a bailer. Why? Water quality is a globally accepted and widely used measure for assessing the condition of freshwater ecosystems and has a pivotal effect on the integrity of aquatic and wetland ecosystems. The physical and chemical characteristics of the water in wetland systems have a strong influence on wetland biota and system processes.  Additionally, many of the primary stressors to freshwater processes are reflected in changes to wetland water quality (ie. acidification, eutrophication, deforestation). Changes in wetland water quality may provide an early warning of environmental stress to aquatic ecosystems.

Organization: Parks Canada | Parcs Canada
Wetland Invertebrates (Ants) - Cape Breton Highlands

What? Wetland ecosystem condition is being monitored in Cape Breton Highlands National Park through invertebrate (ants) population sampling. When? Monitoring frequency for this program is on a five year cycle, with site visits occurring in July and August. How? Monitoring consists of setting up pitfall traps and bait stations, as well as direct sampling through an aspirator. Why? Species richness and proportion of wetland habitat specialists present in a wetland is an indicator of wetland ecosystem health. Many ant species are important soil engineers, and are influenced by wetland structure, water level and stability. Changes to proportions of wetland specialists, and generalist or forest associated species, may indicate changes to wetland hydrology, chemistry, or other structural changes due to pollution, climate change, deforestation, and other stressors.

Organization: Parks Canada | Parcs Canada
Amphibians - Jasper

Amphibians around the world are in decline and this has led to many international initiatives to monitor and catalog amphibian biodiversity. 
The western toad (Bufo boreas) found in Jasper National Park is a species of special concern protected under the Federal Species at Risk Act (SARA). Jasper National Park conducts auditory and visual amphibian surveys to estimate species occurrence. Occupancy modelling of amphibians in the Park, using presence/absence data, provides a useful and flexible framework for population trend analyses and helps inform management.


Organization: Parks Canada | Parcs Canada