This dataset is a contribution to the development of a kelp distribution vector dataset.Bull kelp (Nereocystis leutkeana) and giant kelp (Macrocystis pyrifera) are important canopy-forming kelp species found in marine nearshore habitats on the West coast of Canada. Often referred to as a foundation species, beds of kelp form structural underwater forests that offer habitat for fishes and invertebrates. Despite its far-ranging importance, kelp has experienced a decline in the west coast of North America. The losses have been in response to direct harvest, increase in herbivores through the removal of predators by fisheries or diseases, increase in water turbidity from shoreline development as well as sea temperature change, ocean acidification, and increased storm activates. Understanding these impacts and the level of resilience of different kelp populations requires spatiotemporal baselines of kelp distribution. The area covered by this dataset includes the BC coast and extends to portions of the Washington and Alaska coasts. This dataset was created using 137 British Admiralty (BA) charts, including insets, with scales ranging from 1:6,080 to 1:500,000, created between 1858 and 1956. All surveys were based on triangulation, in which a sextant or theodolite was used to determine latitude and angles, while a chronometer was used to help determine longitude.First, each BA chart was scanned by the Canadian Hydrographic Service (CHS) using the CHS Colortrac large format scanner, and saved as a Tagged Image Format at 200 DPI, which was deemed sufficient resolution to properly visualize all the features of interest. Subsequently, the scanned charts 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 BA charts. Finally, the kelp features were digitized, and corresponding chart information (scale, chart number, title, survey start year, survey end year, and comments) was added as attributes to each feature. Given the observed differences in kelp feature representation at different scales, when digitizing kelp features, polygons were used to represent the discrete observations, and as such, they represent presence of kelp and not kelp area. Polygons were created by tracing around the kelp feature, aiming to keep the outline close to the stipe and blades.The accuracy of the location of the digitized kelp features was defined using a reliability criterion, which considers the location of the digitized kelp feature (polygon) in relation to the local depth in which the feature occurs. For this, we defined a depth threshold of 40 m to represent a low likelihood of kelp habitat in areas deeper than the threshold.An accuracy assessment of the digitized kelp features concluded that 99% of the kelp features occurred in expected areas within a depth of less than 40 m, and only about 1% of the features occurred completely outside of this depth.

The purpose of this study was to characterize the kelp bed at Batture-aux-Alouettes, a preferred food source for the green sea urchin (Strongylocentrotus droebachiensis). The green urchin is fished commercially in Quebec and the fishing effort is concentrated on the Batture-aux-Alouettes near Tadoussac, at the mouth of the Saguenay Fjord. The study was conducted in two separate phases in 2018 and 2019. The main objective of this study was to determine the abundance and biomass of the kelp bed at Batture-aux-Alouettes. The first phase, using a stratified random sampling design, was conducted from August 21th to August 24th, 2018. Sampling of two 50 x 50 cm quadrats, separated by a distance of approximately 30 m, was conducted at eleven sites during twelve dives in the eastern section of the Batture-aux-Alouettes to collect kelp for biomass estimation and macroalgal species richness assessment. In the second phase, a total of 429 stations were first sampled between July 15 and 18, 2019 with a camera system dropped in two 50 x 50 cm quadrats. The presence or absence of kelp, percent macroalgal cover, and substrate type were assessed for each photo. As a result of this underwater photographic analysis, 129 of these stations were identified as having a presence of kelp and 88 of these stations had a presence of other algal species. To ensure equal representation of the different depth strata, the stations with kelp were divided into three depth categories: shallow (-1.7 m to 0 m), medium (0 m to 2 m) and deep (2 m to 5 m). Dives were conducted from August 13 to 15, 2019, at ten of these stations using a stratified random sampling design, taking care to ensure a balanced spatial distribution as well as an equal distribution of the different depth strata (four in the shallow, three in the medium, and two in the deep). Sampling of the 50 x 50 cm dive quadrat took place at three different distances spaced 5 m apart from a transect, i.e. at the 3 m (_3m), 8 m (_8m) and 13 m (_13m) mark. If there was little or no kelp in the quadrat, the quadrat sampling could be repeated for up to four quadrats per distance for a total area of 1 m². Two additional quadrats were conducted (_x) at two stations. Biomass assessment was also done via "cookie cutter" sampling (_CC). Divers took the same 50 x 50 cm quadrat and placed it on a selected (i.e., non-random) plot with 100% kelp cover.The three files provided (DarwinCore format) are complementary and are linked by the "eventID" key. The "event_information" file includes generic information about the event, such as date and location. The "additional_information_event_and_occurrence" file includes sample size, protocol and sampling effort. The "taxon_occurrence" file includes the taxonomy of the species observed, identified to the species or lowest possible taxonomic level. To obtain the abundance and biomass assessment of the kelp bed at Batture-aux-Alouettes, contact Rénald Belley (renald.belley@dfo-mpo.gc.ca).For quality control, the organisms were identified in the field fallowing the guide: Chabot, Robert et Anne Rossignol. 2003. Algues et faune du littoral du Saint-Laurent maritime : Guide d'identification. Institut des Sciences de la mer de Rimouski, Rimouski; Pêches et Océans Canada (Institut Maurice-Lamontagne), Mont-Joli. 113 pages. The taxonomy was checked against the World Register of Marine Species (WoRMS) to match recognized standards and using the R obistools and worrms libraries. The WoRMS match was placed in the "scientificNameID" field of the occurrence file. All sample locations were spatially validated. 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.

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.

Coastal vegetated ecosystems are recognized for their role in cycling and storing carbon in the world’s oceans (i.e., blue carbon); however, high uncertainty in carbon sequestration rates is partly due to an absence of studies estimating carbon export to the deep sea. We modeled export from nearshore kelp forests and seagrass beds, showing variability by orders of magnitude across spatial scales (3 to hundreds of kilometers), kelp and seagrass species, seasons, and carbon forms, raising caution in using generalized export rates in blue carbon accounting. Our results also show rapid (20 to 30 days) and extensive export of neutrally buoyant dissolved organic carbon particles to the shelf break (up to 44% within 90 days), contrasting sinking particulate organic carbon particles that largely remained within 100-meter water depth in the nearshore. These results improve estimates of carbon sequestration by blue carbon ecosystems and reveal contrasting patterns of export relative to other regions of the globe. Cite this data as: Kira A. Krumhansl et al., Pathways of blue carbon export from kelp and seagrass beds along the Atlantic coast of Nova Scotia.Sci. Adv.11,eadw1952(2025).DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.adw1952

Distribution of kelp beds in coastal British Columbia. Attribute information includes relative abundance, species, biomass and density of the beds. CRIMS is a legacy dataset of BC coastal resource data that was acquired in a systematic and synoptic manner from 1979 and was intermittently updated throughout the years. Resource information was collected in nine study areas using a peer-reviewed provincial Resource Information Standards Committee consisting of DFO Fishery Officers, First Nations, and other subject matter experts. There are currently no plans to update this legacy data.

The Department of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO) Science Branch has designed a multispecies dive survey protocol to provide unbiased, coast wide monitoring of benthic invertebrate stocks (as may be required under the updated Fisheries Act) and associated habitat information for a suite of benthic marine invertebrate species (Green (Strongylocentrotus droebachiensis), Purple (S. purpuratus) and Red Sea Urchin (Mesocentrotus franciscanus), Geoduck (Panopea generosa), Giant Red Sea Cucumber (Apostichopus californicus), Northern Abalone (Haliotis kamtschatkana), and Sunflower Sea Star (Pycnopodia helianthoides)). Based on information available at this time, the proposed survey design can provide estimates of coast wide stock status for Red Sea Urchin and Giant Red Sea Cucumber, and relative abundance indices for Geoduck, Green Sea Urchin, Purple Sea Urchin, Northern Abalone and Sunflower Sea Star.The new protocol was tested through a series of pilot surveys conducted on a subset of areas of the BC coast each September from 2016-2021. Design of the pilot surveys was based on previous dive survey data and experience and demonstrated the practical feasibility of the protocol, while also gathering preliminary information to guide recommendations about the statistical design of the survey.The dataset consists of a relational database containing tables representing each component of the survey methodology. The primary component of the survey is a transect location. Along each transect, systematically spaced quadrats are sampled, and on each quadrat, substrate observations are recorded, multiple species of algae are recorded, and multiple individual invertebrates are measured or counted. The tables are linked by transect number and quadrat number.

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&v=1.7For 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.

Mean 2014 to 2023 pelagic fish total biomass in the Estuary and Gulf of St.Lawrence obtained by summing the fish biomass (kg) for all species for a tow and then averaging tows in each grid cell 10 km x 10 km. Input data are from the annual August (north) and September (south) multidisciplinary surveys. A distinct layer by survey is presented because the total biomasses are not comparable from one survey to the other (different fishing gears for each one).PurposeSince 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).Bourdages, H., Brassard, C., Desgagnés, M., Galbraith, P., Gauthier, J., Légaré, B., Nozères, C. and Parent, E. 2017. Preliminary results from the groundfish and shrimp multidisciplinary survey in August 2016 in the Estuary and northern Gulf of St. Lawrence. DFO Can. Sci. Advis. Sec. Res. Doc. 2017/002. v + 87 p.

PURPOSE:Chlorophyll a is a photosynthetic pigment common to aquatic algae, and its measurement can provide an estimate of free-floating algae abundance in an aquatic system. For more than 40 years, the Fisheries and Oceans Canada - Great Lakes Laboratory for Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences (DFO-GLLFAS) office in Sault Ste. Marie Ontario has collected water samples for chlorophyll a spectrophotometric analysis, producing data in the form of mg/m3. The collection of chlorophyll a data was generally conducted to assist in characterizing the aquatic systems level of primary productivity, since that can influence fish abundance. This was a supplementary measure of the quality of fish habitat in these systems for a variety of fish-related projects of relevance to DFO’s mandate. Consistency of data collection was dependent on the duration of each project and funding available. DESCRIPTION:The initial study collected chlorophyll a data from the five lakes in the Turkey Lakes Watershed (TLW – Upper and Lower Batchawana Lakes, Wishart Lake, Little Turkey Lake and Turkey Lake) as well as Quinn Lake which is located outside of the TLW (see Smokorowski et al. 2006) in partnership with Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) and Natural Resources Canada (NRCAN), as part of Canada’s Acid Rain Initiative. The TLW study was established in 1979 to evaluate the impacts of acid rain on terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems. This dataset encompasses chlorophyll a data collected from five lakes in the TLW and Quinn Lake (data also collected by the Canadian Wildlife Service and Environment and Climate Change Canada) from 1983 - 2010 with some gaps of varying duration (Webster et al., 2021). Note that an experimental habitat removal took place in some TLW lakes and Quinn Lake in 1999 and 2000. Specifically, in autumn of 1999, 50% of the coarse woody material was removed from the shorelines of Little Turkey Lake and Quinn Lake, and in autumn of 2000, 50% of the course woody material was removed from Wishart Lake shoreline (details available in Smokorowski et al., 2006). Methods Summary: Sampling was only conducted during the open water season and the frequency and extent of sampling frequency in each waterbody varied and was project- and funding-dependent. There are no chlorophyll a data for the years 1986, 1989 – 1990, 1996 – 1997, 2006-2007 and 2009.Sampling was accomplished by rinsing on site an appropriately-cleaned 1 L, brown-opaque polyethylene bottles at least three times. For hand draw samples, the bottle was immersed sub-surface (less than 0.5 meters) to collect the sample. Composite tube samples were collected using an integrated water sampling tube that collected epilimnion water from the entire water column to a depth of 5 meters. Up to five - 1 L (1000 mL) samples were collected per station and returned to the lab on ice. Each 1 L sample was filtered using glass fiber filters (Whatman GF/C, 42.5 mm) within one day of sampling, and then frozen prior to standard chlorophyll a analysis (American Public Health Association [APHA] 1985). From 1983-1998, Chlorophyll a concentrations (mg/L) was calculated based on APHA 1985; from 1998 to present the calculation was based on APHA (1998). The sample dataset information includes the georeferenced sampling locations, the raw data for chlorophyll a calculations, and the calculated chlorophyll a concentrations using both the APHA (1985) and APHA (1998) methods. This dataset was published in partnership with the Canadian Institute of Ecology and Evolution - Living Data Project, which was funded by a CREATE grant from the Natural Science and Engineering Research Council of Canada. We would like to recognize Caroline Dallstream for her effort in publishing this dataset. SAMPLING METHODS:Methods Summary: Sampling was only conducted during the open water season and the frequency and extent of sampling frequency in each waterbody varied and was project- and funding-dependent. There are no chlorophyll a data for the years 1986, 1989 – 1990, 1996 – 1997, 2006-2007 and 2009. See Sampling was accomplished by rinsing on site an appropriately-cleaned 1 L, brown-opaque polyethylene bottles at least three times. For hand draw samples, the bottle was immersed sub-surface (less than 0.5 meters) to collect the sample. Composite tube samples were collected using an integrated water sampling tube that collected epilimnion water from the entire water column to a depth of 5 meters. Up to five - 1 L (1000 mL) samples were collected per station and returned to the lab on ice. Each 1 L sample was filtered using glass fiber filters (Whatman GF/C, 42.5 mm) within one day of sampling, and then frozen prior to standard chlorophyll a analysis (American Public Health Association [APHA] 1985). From 1983-1998, Chlorophyll a concentrations (mg/L) was calculated based on APHA 1985; from 1998 to present the calculation was based on APHA (1998). The sample dataset information includes the georeferenced sampling locations, the raw data for chlorophyll a calculations, and the calculated chlorophyll a concentrations using both the APHA (1985) and APHA (1998) methods.USE LIMITATION:To ensure scientific integrity and appropriate use of the data, we would encourage you to contact the data custodian.

The porbeagle shark (Lamna nasus), is a species found in Atlantic Canadian waters which is encountered in commercial and recreational fisheries. Pop-up Satellite Archival Tags (PSAT) from Wildlife Computers were applied to porbeagle sharks from 2005 to 2021 to collect data on depth (pressure), temperature and ambient light level (for position estimation). Deployments were conducted in Canada and the Faroe Islands on commercial, recreational and scientific charters, typically in summer and fall but some over winter when the porbeagle commercial fishery was active in Canada. A variety of tag models were deployed: PAT 4 (n=1), Mk10 (N=41), and MiniPAT (N=15) and 51 of 57 tags reported. One individual shark was recaptured and the physical tag was returned. The porbeagle sharks tagged ranged in size from 76 cm to 249 cm Fork Length (curved); 42 were female, 15 were male. Time at liberty ranged from 4 – 356 days and 14 tags remained on for the programmed duration. Raw data transmitted from the PSAT’s after release was processed through Wildlife Computers software (GPE3) to get summary files, assuming a maximum swimming speed of 2m/s, NOAA OI SST V2 High Resolution data set for SST reference and ETOPO1-Bedrock dataset for bathymetry reference. The maximum likelihood position estimates are available in .csv and .kmz format and depth and temperature profiles are also in .csv format. Other tag outputs as well as metadata from the deployments can be obtained upon request from: warren.joyce@dfo-mpo.gc.ca or heather.bowlby@dfo-mpo.gc.ca.