Gulf Region Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) Biofouling Monitoring Dataset

PURPOSE:
Provide early detection of newly arrived Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) and determine the spread, establishment and spatial distribution of existing AIS within marine waters of the southern Gulf of St. Lawrence (sGSL), DFO Gulf Region boundaries (northern and eastern coastal shores of NB, Gulf shore of NS, and PEI shoreline).

DESCRIPTION:
DFO Science monitors for AIS in the Gulf Region. The data collected from DFO's biofouling monitoring program provides an overview of the distribution and abundance of Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) in the Gulf Region. This information can be used by the general public, scientists and DFO managers.

Monitoring program targeting aquatic invasive species (AIS). Native biofouling species are not included in this dataset.  

Botrylloides violaceus:  Violet tunicate
Botryllus schlosseri:  Golden star tunicate
Ciona intestinalis:  Vase tunicate
Styela clava:  Clubbed tunicate
Caprella mutica*: Japanese skeleton shrimp
Membranipora membranacea:  Coffin box bryozoan
Carcinus maenas*:  European green crab
Codium fragile*:  Oyster thief alga
Juxtacribrilina mutabilis**: Ribbed bryozoan (JCM)

*indicates species that are not included as percent cover as they are not accurately captured by the sampling method, but are included as detections.
**indicates species was only integrated fully into the monitoring protocol starting in 2025.

Included here is a dataset of detection and percent cover data of AIS, as well as a monitoring station dataset. 

Environmental data collected, including from temperature loggers, are stored but not included here.
            
PARAMETERS COLLECTED:
Air and water temperature, salinity, depth, dissolved oxygen, weather conditions, list of biofouling AIS, percent cover of AIS on PVC plates, and incidental detection of other species and AIS in surrounding area.  Only species data is pushed to the Open Data platform.

NOTES ON QUALITY CONTROL:
Each sample and species is processed and identified in a standardized fashion using standardized DFO Science AIS protocols and taxonomic references. Data is manually entered into DFO Gulf Region's AIS Science biofouling database and randomly verified for accuracy.

SAMPLING METHODS:
Biofouling monitoring is conducted using PVC collector plates that are deployed in the water column approximately 1 meter below the sea surface in the spring of each year. Biofouling organisms settle on these plates which are collected in the fall of the same year.  Abundances of AIS are given as percent plate cover. Physico-chemical data including temperature, conductivity, and depth as well as weather conditions are noted at each geo-referenced biofouling monitoring site during initial deployment and at time of retrieval. All biofouling organisms settled on the underside of the PVC plates are noted and percent cover of each AIS is estimated.  Any AIS present at the location is also noted. A HOBO temperature and light logger was deployed.

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