AndreaBozzo/ceres-open-data-index huggingface dataset:
Important Areas for Cetaceans in West Coast Vancouver Island Ecoregion

This layer details Important Areas (IAs) relevant to key cetacean species in the West Coast Vancouver Island (WCVI) 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 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
Monthly Salinity Climatology of the Northwest Atlantic Ocean from BNAM model (1990-2015)

Monthly mean salinity from Bedford Institute of Oceanography North Atlantic Model (BNAM) results were averaged  over 1990 to 2015 period to create monthly mean climatology for the Northwest Atlantic Ocean, which can be considered as a representation of the climatological state of the Northwest Atlantic Ocean.  The BNAM model is eddy-resolving,  NEMO-based ice-ocean coupled North Atlantic Ocean model developed at the Bedford Institute of Oceanography (BIO) to support DFO monitoring programs. The data available here is monthly climatology for eight selected depths (surface, 110 m, 156 m, 222 m, 318 m, 541 m, 1062 m, bottom) in 1/12 degree spatial resolution.  The data for each month from 1990 until present for the entire model domain ( 8°–75°N latitude and 100°W–30°E longitude) and various depths is available upon request.

The 1990-2017 model hindcast result is compared with observational data from surface drifter and satellite altimetry. The model demonstrates good skill in simulating surface currents, winter convection events in the Labrador Sea, and the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation as observed at 26.5°N and 41°N. Model results have been used to interpret changes in the Labrador Current and observed warming events on the Scotian Shelf, and are reported through the annual AZMP Canadian Science Advisory Secretariat Process.

When using data please cite following:
Wang, Z., Lu, Y., Greenan, B., Brickman, D., and DeTracey, B., 2018. BNAM: An eddy resolving North Atlantic Ocean model to support ocean monitoring. Can. Tech. Rep. Hydrogr. Ocean. Sci. 327: vii + 18p

Organization: Fisheries and Oceans Canada | Pêches et Océans Canada
Coastal water mixing and effect on productivity potential of the coastal ecosystem

The objective of this project was to locate the mixing zones in the coastal environment on the north shore of the lower estuary, which are caused by the friction of the waters on the bottom and measure the effects of these mixing zones on the modification of the water bodies and the productivity potential of adjacent areas, using phytoplankton biomass and size structure as an indicator of productivity. Temperature and salinity profiles were measured using CTD and water sampling was done with a Niskin bottle to try to detect the signature of the mixture and to determine if nutrient salts and/or productivity are greater in adjacent areas.

Sampling took place in 3 outings from 3 stations organized in a 100 NN transect which were carried out at the start of the season (June 30), mid-season (August 16) and end of the season (October 9). The transects were each composed of three stations ranging from 10 m depth near the coast to 50 and 75 m, depending on the transect, moving away from the coast. Samples were collected for nutrients and phytoplankton biomass (> 0.7 µm and > 5 µm) analysis at depths of 1, 10, 25 and 50 m. The optical transparency of water was also measured by Secchi disk. 

The first file provided “donnees_profils_data” is a summary of the CTD profils of every station.  The second file “donnees_discretes_discret_data” contains the results of the water sample analysis. The file “Identification_station_identification” describe the repartition of consecutives among stations.

This project was funded by DFO Coastal Environmental Baseline Program under Canada’s Oceans Protection Plan. This initiative aims to acquire environmental baseline data contributing to the characterization of important coastal areas and to support evidence-based assessments and management decisions for preserving marine ecosystems.

Organization: Fisheries and Oceans Canada | Pêches et Océans Canada
CHS_LSSL_Galway2016 North_Atlantic_HFX_Tromso

Geographic bathymetric grid data at 100 m x 100 m pixel resolution. 

Datum: WGS84

Collaboration of Canada, the United States of America and the European Union as part of the Atlantic Ocean Research Alliance's fifth project under the Galway Statement. Project mapped the North Atlantic seafloor along a transect from Halifax, Canada to Tromsø, Norway to further the understanding of marine habitats, conservation and navigation. 

Chief Scientist / Primary Investigator name: Paola Travaglini 

Platform: CCGS Louis S. St- Laurent (Canadian heavy icebreaker)
Device 1 type: Multibeam  echo-sounder (sonar)
Device 1 manufacturer: Kongsberg 
Device 1 model: EM122 behind an ice protection window 

Data and Data format:
100 m resolution grid of bathymetry
BAG format: Bathymetric Attributed Grid Object

Navigation and positioning:
   Trimble GNSS receiver + antennae
   Applanix POS/MV v5 inertial measuring system
   Horizontal Datum: WGS84 (G1762) 

Tidal correction:
Zero tide applied: tides are not well known for the major part of the data and tides over very deep water are generally negligible. 

Sound Velocity Profile measurements:
In-situ sound velocity profiles were applied.

Note on accuracy/S-44 survey standards:
Considering the intended output from this survey (IHO Order 1a - Areas shallower than 100 metres where under-keel clearance is less critical but features of concern to surface shipping may exist.) and using an average depth of 2000 m as ‘d’ in the IHO Standard Equation - the allowable Total Vertical Uncertainty (TVU) must be < 26m which indeed the data has achieved (by comparison with overlapping datasets from other surveys/agency data).

IHO Order 1a
Horizontal positioning accuracy: 5.0 m + 5% of depth (95% Confidence level)(~105 m at a mean depth of 2000 m)
Vertical positioning accuracy: 2.5 m < 26.0 m  = Sqrt((0.5 m)^2+(0.013 x 2000 m)^2)

Organization: Fisheries and Oceans Canada | Pêches et Océans Canada
Important Areas for Coral and Sponge in West Coast Vancouver Island Ecoregion

This layer details Important Areas (IAs) relevant to coral, sponge, and reef-building species in the West Coast Vancouver Island (WCVI) 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).

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.

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

Other datasets in this series detail IAs for birds, cetaceans, fish, geographic features, invertebrates, and other vertebrates.

This package also includes project documentation and tech reports relevant to the IA process and its role within the selection of EBSAs.

Organization: Fisheries and Oceans Canada | Pêches et Océans Canada
Important Areas for Birds in West Coast Vancouver Island Ecoregion

This layer details Important Areas (IAs) relevant to key seabird species in the West Coast Vancouver Island (WCVI) 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).

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.

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

Other datasets in this series detail IAs for cetaceans, coral and sponges, fish, geographic features, invertebrates, and other vertebrates.

This package also includes project documentation and tech reports relevant to the IA process and its role within the selection of EBSAs.

Organization: Fisheries and Oceans Canada | Pêches et Océans Canada
Golden star tunicate (Botryllus schlosseri) - Aquatic Invasive Species Program - Newfoundland and Labrador Region

AIS NL Biofouling Species 

Fisheries and Oceans Canada's (DFO) National Marine Biofouling Monitoring Program conducts annual field surveys to monitor the introduction, establishment, spread, species richness, and relative abundance of native and some non-native species in Newfoundland and Labrador (NL) Region since 2006. Standardized monitoring protocols employed by DFO's NL, Maritimes, Gulf, and Quebec regions include biofouling collector plates deployed from May to October at georeferenced intertidal and shallow subtidal sites, including public docks, and public and private marinas and nautical clubs. Initially, (2006-2017), the collectors consisted of three 10 cm by 10 cm PVC plates deployed in a vertical array and spaced approximately 40 cm apart, with the shallowest plate suspended at least 1 m below the surface to sample subtidal and shallow intertidal species (McKenzie et al 2016a). Three replicate arrays were deployed at least 5 m apart per site. Since 2018, collector networks have been modified to improve statistical replication, including up to 10 individual collectors deployed per site at 1 m depth and at least 5 m apart (as above) from May to October. Since 2006, seven invasive biofouling organisms have been detected in Newfoundland and Labrador harbours, marinas and coastal areas.

Should be cited as follows: DFO Newfoundland and Labrador Region Aquatic Invasive Species Marine Biofouling Monitoring Program. Published March 2024. Coastal and Freshwater Ecology, Northwest Atlantic Fisheries Centre, Fisheries and Oceans Canada, St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador.

Reference:

Tunicates

Golden star tunicate (Botryllus schlosseri) 2006 
The Golden star tunicate was the first invasive tunicate detected in NL waters. It was reported in Argentia by the US Navy around 1945. It was found in 2006 on wharf structures in Argentia, Placentia Bay during the first AIS survey (Callahan et al 2010). This colonial tunicate is recognized by it star shaped grouping of individuals within the colony. It is currently found in Placentia Bay, Fortune Bay, St. Mary’s Bay, Conception Bay and the west coast of NL. The data provided here indicates the detections of this AIS in coastal NL.


From 2018-2022, the Coastal Environmental Baseline Program provided additional support to enhance sampling efforts in Placentia Bay.

Organization: Fisheries and Oceans Canada | Pêches et Océans Canada
A Novel Video and Acoustic Survey of the Seaweeds of Isle Madame

A novel, bay – scale (i.e. tens of km) survey method was employed to examine algal populations on the southwestern shore of Cape Breton, Canada, for the purposes of potential economic exploitation. Since traditional remote sensing methods were unlikely to be successful in these waters, underwater video and acoustic methods were applied. A transponder positioned towfish housing video camera and sidescan sonar was hauled along predetermined transects perpendicular to shore to provide information on bottom type and algal cover. The towfish data were used to ground truth echosounder data (bottom type and macrophyte canopy height) collected along 5, 10 and 20 m depth contours. The survey area was divided into six zones comprising a range of exposure, depth and bottom types. Destructive quadrat samples were collected at each depth plus shore stations to provide biomass estimates. Over thirty five taxa were enumerated, indicating depths and zones of common occurrence. Ascophyllum was abundant at some of the shore stations. The genera Chondrus, Cystoclonium, Desmarestia, Fucus, Phyllophora, Polysiphonia, and Saccharina were common at 5 m. Desmarestia and Saccharina dominated at 10 m with wet weights sometimes over 1 kg·m-2. Agarum dominated at 20 m. The towfish / echosounder grid sampling system was relatively coarse in order to cover the 140 km2 survey area within 12 days. As a result, the survey did not produce spatially detailed information. However, adequate information was gathered to describe the general characteristics of bottom type and algal cover by zone and for focusing further exploration--Abstract, p. vi.

Cite this data as: Vandermeulen H. Data of: A Novel Video and Acoustic Survey of the Seaweeds of Isle Madame. Published: August 2021. Coastal Ecosystems Science Division, Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Dartmouth, N.S. https://open.canada.ca/data/en/dataset/ebdd8f91-9131-45f0-8aec-aba9f65e3fae

Organization: Fisheries and Oceans Canada | Pêches et Océans Canada
Presence of the Smooth Skate in the Estuary and Gulf of St. Lawrence

Spatial distribution of the Smooth Skate presence expressed by catch weight based on the annual Department of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO) groundfish research surveys realised between 2004 and 2010.

Catch data (kg/nautical mile) were aggregated by 100 km² cells. They are derived from processed data used for the production of: Chouinard, P-M., J-D. Dutil, S. Proulx, D. Borcard and J. Crocker. 2014. A spatial approach to matching marine fish diversity and abundance with habitat features. Hydrobiologia. Volume 734, Issue 1: 39-55.

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.

Purpose

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Organization: Fisheries and Oceans Canada | Pêches et Océans Canada
Characterisation of intertidal habitat types in the Musquash Marine Protected Area using aerial drone photography

Appropriately responding to a marine pollution event, especially hydrocarbon spills, often requires detailed knowledge of local habitat and environmental features. Access to high resolution habitat profiles can support effective spill response plans, informing discussions on protection priorities or expediated remediation. However, marine habitat composition data for a given area is often lacking due to the high cost and effort of conducting such surveys across the vast shorelines of Canada. The purpose of this study was to develop methodologies for conducting rapid and affordable habitat compositions in the marine environment via drone aerial photography; an emerging technology for conducting high resolution surveys. We used the Musquash Marine Protected Area (MPA; Musquash, NB, Canada) as a model system as it contains a diverse range of habitat types, is a region of conservation concern in Atlantic Canada, and is in close proximity to oil and gas handling facilities and vessel traffic. The MPA consists of a tidal river that outflows into the Bay of Fundy. Using Geographic Information System (GIS) software, we subdivided the MPA into several transects (N =61) that were used to generate flight plans for a Remotely Piloted Aircraft System (RPAS; DJI Mavic 3 Enterprise, DJI ). The RPAS was flown (6 m s-1) at an altitude of 100m (Above ground level) taking images with side (70%) and front (80%) overlap. Resulting images were then compiled as an orthomosaic map using Pix4Dmatic software. These data will be used to inform marine spill response planning in the region, to support marine planning and conservation, and Marine Protected Area (MPA) monitoring efforts as well as develop further methodological approaches for conducting RPAS-based habitat surveys in other coastal systems within Atlantic Canada.  

Cite this data as: Lawrence MJ, Coates PJ, Matheson K, Hamer A. Characterisation of intertidal habitat types in the Musquash Marine Protected Area using aerial drone photography. Published November 2025. Coastal Ecosystems Science Division, Fisheries and Oceans Canada, St. Andrews, N.B.

Organization: Fisheries and Oceans Canada | Pêches et Océans Canada
Archer Fiord Phytoplankton Data 2023

PURPOSE:
This Archer fiord data is associated with a larger program ArcticCORE, which was created to fulfill knowledge gaps and develop long term protection in the extremely remote Tuvaijuittuq region. The main objectives of this expedition were to improve our comprehension of the key drivers for productive capacity, diversity and ecosystem structure in areas connected to Baffin Bay and Tuvaijuittuq, including Archer fiord.

DESCRIPTION:
ArcticCORE is a 5-year broader program aiming to characterize Tuvaijuittuq’s unique ecosystem and its influence and connectivity with the adjacent ecosystems to inform sustainable management and conservation initiatives in Tuvaijuittuq and the eastern Arctic. In an Arctic Ocean with rapidly declining sea ice, Tuvaijuittuq area retains the oldest and thickest sea ice, and can act as a refuge for ice-dependent species. This program aims to characterize the Arctic marine ecosystem and establish baseline measurements for future comparisons in the region. From 2023, water collection was carried out at four stations throughout Archer Fiord and analyzed for primary productivity, chlorophyll a, phytoplankton flow cytometry and phytoplankton taxonomy down to the lowest identifiable level. These data will contribute to a better understanding of the key drivers for productive capacity, diversity and ecosystem structure in Archer fiord. Characterization of these upstream areas are relevant for an ecosystem-based approach to fisheries management in Baffin Bay, a priority for DFO and an intrinsic part of mandated activities, as they influence the ecosystem and fisheries resources downstream.

Organization: Fisheries and Oceans Canada | Pêches et Océans Canada