The dataset identifies the location and types of Areas of Natural and Scientific Interest (ANSIs) that are commonly used in maps for resource management purposes. Official GEO title: ANSI

Displays areas regulated as a conservation reserve in order to: * permanently protect representative ecosystems, biodiversity and significant elements of Ontario's natural and cultural heritage * provide opportunities for ecologically sustainable land uses, including traditional outdoor heritage activities and associated economic benefits * allow for scientific research and provide points of reference to support monitoring of ecological change on the broader landscape Official GEO title: Conservation Reserve Regulated

Kernel density estimation (KDE) utilizes spatially explicit data to model the distribution of a variable of interest. It is a simple non-parametric neighbour-based smoothing function that relies on few assumptions about the structure of the observed data. It has been used in ecology to identify hotspots, that is, areas of relatively high biomass/abundance, and in 2010 was used by Fisheries and Oceans Canada to delineate significant concentrations of corals and sponges. The same approach has been used successfully in the Northwest Atlantic Fisheries Organization (NAFO) Regulatory Area. Here, we update the previous analyses with the catch records from up to 5 additional years of trawl survey data from Eastern Canada, including the Gulf of Saint Lawrence. We applied kernel density estimation to create a modelled biomass surface for each of sponges, small and large gorgonian corals, and sea pens, and applied an aerial expansion method to identify significant concentrations of these taxa. We compared our results to those obtained previously and provided maps of significant concentrations as well as point data co-ordinates for catches above the threshold values used to construct the significant area polygons. The borders of the polygons can be refined using knowledge of null catches and species distribution models of species presence/absence and/or biomass.

DFO has committed to establishing a representative network of Marine Conservation Areas collectively comprising 30% of the EEZ by 2030. The MCT 2.0 program was established in 2021 to help achieve this target and establish long-term monitoring within Canadian conservation areas. Information on the distribution of species within a protected area is essential for the management and monitoring of a site. Decisions made on zoning, risk assessment, activity approvals and management effectiveness all require information on the distribution and status of species. The Scotian Shelf-Bay of Fundy Bioregion spans the domain of the Maritimes Region, and within it there are 8 Marine Refuges (MR), 3 Marine Protected Areas (MPA), and 2 Areas of Interest (AOI). Environmental DNA (eDNA) offers a promising approach for biodiversity monitoring that has been gaining increased attention in the marine realm. Through sampling relatively small volumes of water (~3L), eDNA can capture of millions of fragments of eDNA on specialized filters that can then be sequenced to identify the species composition of an area. eDNA metabarcoding is based on the foundations of DNA barcoding, where species are identified solely by their unique DNA sequences. This method is relatively simple, efficient (with the ability to characterize both fish and invertebrate diversity), and non-invasive, meaning there is no disruption of sensitive benthic habitats or need to dissect tissue samples from captured fish and invertebrates. eDNA has been shown to be comparable to other biodiversity censusing techniques and has the potential to rapidly conduct biodiversity surveys over a relatively large area, such as the Eastern Shore Islands AOI. The DFO Maritimes summer multispecies trawl survey is one of the longest-running data series with applications in fisheries stock assessment, and one of the only sources of data for offshore MPA design and monitoring. In this project we pair eDNA samples collected within current and proposed conservation areas with trawl catch data to create a biodiversity and animal community monitoring time series for these areas. We use eDNA and trawl catch data as complementary tools, where trawl-based catch provides information on fish abundance, size distributions and sex, and eDNA provides information on genetic diversity and can detect cryptic and rare species. Cite this data as: Jeffery, N.W. Monitoring regional conservation areas using paired environmental DNA and research trawl surveys. Published: May 2026. Coastal Ecosystems Science Division, Maritimes Region, Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Dartmouth NS.

This bathymetric dataset of the five inland water bodies of the Magdalen Islands was produced by the Quebec Regional Science Directorate (DRS) of Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) as part of the characterization of the Magdalen Islands lagoon marine refuge.The data comes from several sources, including a bathymetric LiDAR survey, satellite-derived bathymetry (SDB), acoustic surveys, and spot depth sampling conducted in inland water bodies.The final product is a 5 m resolution raster projected in NAD83 / MTM zone 4. Depths are expressed in meters and reduced to chart datum (CD). This dataset is provided for information, analysis, and research purposes and is not intended for navigation.This dataset is a derived scientific product generated through processing, interpolation, and integration conducted by a DRS research team, and it does not constitute a hydrographic product of the Canadian Hydrographic Service (CHS). The data may contain uncertainties, acquisition artifacts, or processing errors, and do not meet the hydrographic standards of the International Hydrographic Organization (IHO).This dataset is provided exclusively for informational, analytical, management, and scientific research purposes. It must not be used for navigation, for operational decision‑making at sea, or for any activity where the safety of persons or property may depend on the accuracy of depth information.DFO and CHS disclaim all liability for the use, interpretation, or decisions made on the basis of this product.For more information on the methodology and an overview of the results, see the report by Grégoire et al. (2026).

The joint Natural Resources Canada/Department of Fisheries and Oceans Marine Spatial Planning Program requires the highest resolution marine based bathymetric elevation data and adjacent land based topographic elevation data that are available. This digital elevation model of Canada's west coast compiles the best data available from multiple government agencies to create a regional model gridded at 10 meter spacing. The transitions between the marine and terrestrial areas are seamless creating a continuous surface of elevations for scientific research and mapping.

The Turkey Lakes Watershed Study (TLWS) was established in 1979 and is one of the longest running ecosystem studies in Canada. It is 10.5 km2 and is located approximately 60 km north of Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario at the northern margin of the Great Lakes – St. Lawrence forest region. Researchers from Natural Resources Canada, Environment Canada and Fisheries and Oceans Canada established the research watershed to evaluate the impacts of acid rain on terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems. Since its inception, the study has taken a multi-disciplinary approach to investigating the processes that govern ecosystem responses to natural and anthropogenic perturbations.The goal of the TLWS is to obtain a whole-ecosystem analysis of the biogeochemical processes operating at the site. This permits system models to be developed and validated. The holistic approach that has been adopted from the outset allows research to evolve and expand from its original acidification focus to include evaluations of other environmental issues.Partnerships and collaboration are part of the founding principles behind the TLWS to improve our ability to measure, model and predict effects of human activity on ecosystem function. Over time, research and monitoring have expanded to explore the effects of forest harvesting, climate change, aquatic habitat manipulations and toxic contaminants. Advancements of our scientific knowledge of forest ecosystems and a baseline of long-term environmental data enables study results to inform Canadian governments on environmental policy and forest management legislation.Hydrological, meteorological, and vegetation data collected by scientists at the Great Lakes Forestry Centre is included in this directory. Experimental sites and scientific investigations in the TLW are summarized in the compendium document. Visit our website at:

In 1991, the National Task Force on Health Information cited a number of issues and problems with the health information system. To respond to these issues, the Canadian Institute for Health Information (CIHI), Statistics Canada and Health Canada joined forces to create a Health Information Roadmap. From this mandate, the Canadian Community Health Survey (CCHS) was conceived.The CCHS is a cross-sectional survey that collects information related to health status, health care utilization and health determinants for the Canadian population. The survey is offered in both official languages. It relies upon a large sample of respondents and is designed to provide reliable estimates at the health region level every 2 years.The primary use of the CCHS data is for health surveillance and population health research. The data presented here is by age group and sex, for Canada, provinces, territories and health regions (2017 boundaries).

This dataset series highlights the locations of research centres where scientists, technicians and staff work to create better opportunities for farmers and all Canadians through agricultural research and innovation.

Special Management Areas are part of a network of protected lands in Saskatchewan. The following dataset accurately defines SMA land areas in Saskatchewan that have various levels of developmental restrictions.The Minister of Environment wishes to identify “Special Management Areas” to be managed for the following purposes:a) the protection, enhancement or restoration of natural ecosystems, wildlife habitat or habitat of rare, threatened or endangered plant or animal species;b) the retention of significant botanical, zoological, morphological, historical archaeological features respecting the land;c) the conservation of soil, air and water quality; and the opportunity for scientific research and study related to the ecological health of the area.