Zebra Mussel (Dreissena polymorpha) and Quagga Mussel (Dreissena rostriformis bugensis) have a long history of invasion in European and North American freshwater ecosystems, with significant ecological and economic impacts. An ecological risk assessment for these two invasive species for freshwater ecosystems in Canada was completed in April 2022 with the aim to provide science-based guidance to inform management decisions and actions. These include early detection, response planning, and/or regulatory and policy measures aimed at mitigating the potential spread and risk posed by Zebra and Quagga Mussels to Canadian freshwater ecosystems (DFO 2023). The Potential for Introduction (propagule pressure and connectivity), the Potential for Establishment (habitat suitability, including a Calcium-based and Maximum Entropy (MaxEnt)-based model), the Potential for Invasion, and the Ecological Impacts were used to derive Ecological Risk for Zebra and Quagga Mussels in Canada. This assessment did not evaluate the risk to individual waterbodies but rather was conducted at a 9,260 m x 9,260 m grid cell resolution. These high resolution maps are provided here. Maps of Ecological Risk at the sub-drainage level are also provided. Fisheries and Oceans Canada is not responsible for any omissions or errors that may be contained in this dataset and shall not be liable for any losses, financial or otherwise, due to the use of these data. Please credit Wilcox et al. 2024 as the source of the data in any maps, reports, or articles that are printed or published on paper or the Internet.

Effective conservation planning relies on understanding population connectivity which can be informed by genomic data. This is particularly important for sessile species like the horse mussel (Modiolus modiolus), a key habitat-forming species and conservation priority in Atlantic Canada), yet little genomic information is available to describe horse mussel connectivity patterns. We used more than 8000 restriction-site associated DNA sequencing-derived single nucleotide polymorphisms and a panel of 8 microsatellites to examine genomic connectivity among horse mussel populations in the Bay of Fundy, along the Scotian Shelf, and in the broader northwestern Atlantic extending to Newfoundland. Despite phenotypic differences between sampling locations, we found an overall lack of genetic diversity and population structure in horse mussels in the Northwest Atlantic Ocean. All sampled locations had low heterozygosity, very low FST, elevated inbreeding coefficients, and deviated from Hardy-Weinberg Equilibrium, highlighting generally low genetic diversity across all metrics. Principal components analysis, Admixture analysis, pairwise FST calculations, and analysis of outlier loci (potentially under selection) all showed no independent genomic clusters within the data, and an analysis of molecular variance showed that less than 1% of the variation within the SNP dataset was found between sampling locations. Our results suggest that connectivity is high among horse mussel populations in the Northwest Atlantic, and coupled with large effective population sizes, this has resulted in minimal genomic divergence across the region. These results can inform conservation design considerations in the Bay of Fundy and support further integration into the broader regional conservation network.Cite this data as: Van Wyngaarden, Mallory et al. (2024). Widespread genetic similarity between Northwest Atlantic populations of the horse mussel, Modiolus modiolus. Published: May 2025. Coastal Ecosystem Science Division, Maritimes Region, Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Dartmouth, NS.

Survey data depicting the presence of the endangered Rocky Mountain Ridged Mussel (Gonidea angulata) from 2008-2011. Surveys were conducted by different researchers at different locations.

The purpose of this data is to support the Large Lakes Protocol, an interagency document that addresses the processes that need to be followed during foreshore development. The required application process varies depending on habitat value zone

Rocky Mountain Ridged Mussels (Gonidea angulata) are listed under the Species at Risk Act (SARA) as a species of special concern and have been re-assessed by the Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada (COSEWIC) as endangered. These fresh water mussels are only found in Canada in the Okanagan Valley of British Columbia. As a continuation of previous work and to inform future assessments and conservation efforts within this geographic range, seven easily accessible sites known to have high densities of G. angulata were selected as prospective index sites to monitor relative abundance (i.e. mussel bed density) using snorkel surveys. For lake sites, a two-stage sampling design was conducted using transects and quadrats. For the river site, cumulative counts from sides of the river were collected. Some sites were sampled only once while others were sampled multiple times from 2011-2016. Mean mussel densities across all surveys ranged from 0.19 to 2.86 mussels/m2, corresponding to site abundance estimates ranging from 102 to 3,276 mussels. Depth measurements were also taken at most sites to inform the Fish Water Management Tool of the Okanagan Water Management Board.

## #DescriptionThis database contains the coordinates of observations of fish and invertebrates, which are exotic and invasive, known by the Ministry of the Environment, the Fight against Climate Change, Wildlife and Parks (MELCCFP) in Quebec as of April 2026.An aquatic invasive species is a plant, animal, or microorganism (virus, bacteria, or fungus) that is introduced outside of its natural range, colonizes new sites or regions at a rapid rate, and can form dominant populations. Its establishment or spread can pose a threat to the environment, economy, or society.## #Les observations come from a variety of sources such as:* scientific sampling carried out by the MELCCFP and by other governmental or non-profit organizations;* mentions of citizens who contacted MELCCFP customer service directly or using tools such as Sentinelle and iNaturalist;* accidental catches by commercial fishermen who are members of the Saint Lawrence Network for the Early Detection of Exotic Aquatic Invasive Species.For more information on the control of aquatic invasive species, introduction factors, or prevention methods, consult the following web page: [Management of exotic invasive animal species] (https://www.quebec.ca/agriculture-environnement-et-ressources-naturelles/faune/gestion-faune-habitats-fauniques/gestion-especes-exotiques-envahissantes-animales).To help you identify the various species of freshwater fish in Quebec (native and invasive), use the iPêche mobile application (available [here] (https://www.quebec.ca/tourisme-et-loisirs/activites-sportives-et-de-plein-air/peche-sportive/identifier-poisson-ipeche)), which is free and developed by the Government of Quebec. This application allows voluntary reporting of catches for wildlife research purposes.## #Mises on guard* __Please consult the PDF document for the list of acronyms and references used in the “Invasive exotic aquatic fauna in Quebec” database . __* Data is not exhaustive. Thus, the absence of information in a given territory does not mean that there are no invasive aquatic fauna.* The observations transmitted by means of photographs are validated by experts, but have not all been subject to field validation by the MELCCFP.* The observations may have been changed since they were integrated into the database (e.g. control action).**This third party metadata element was translated using an automated translation tool (Amazon Translate).**

Fishing event (e.g., day, time, location, catch effort), and associated biological data from the Standardized Inlet Survey component of the annual Sablefish Research and Assessment Survey on the British Columbia coast.IntroductionDFO and the Canadian Sablefish Association undertake a collaborative fishery-independent annual research survey under a joint agreement. The survey employs longline trap gear to obtain catch rate data, gather biological samples, capture oceanographic measurements, and collect tag release and recapture data.Data summaries are provided here for standardized sets conducted at fixed stations within mainland inlets. The design of the sablefish survey has developed over time by incorporating and discontinuing components, including individual experimental studies (not available on OpenData). This Standardized Inlet Survey component differs in methodology from the other two survey components: (1) Offshore stratified random survey (2003 – present; available on OpenData using link below), and(2) Standardized trap survey – offshore indexing and offshore tagging (1990 – 2010; not yet available on OpenData). For the Standardized Inlet Survey, sets are allocated to five specific polygons in each of the following four inlet areas: Portland Inlet, Gil Island, Finlayson Channel, and Dean/Burke Channel. All four inlets were surveyed consistently between 2003 and 2019. No inlets were surveyed in 2020, and a single inlet was surveyed each year since 2021. Survey procedures are standardized and documented in Canadian Technical Reports of Fisheries and Aquatic sciences.Data tables provided for the Standardized Inlet Survey include (i) Effort, (ii) Catch, and (iii) Biological Information.Inlet EffortThis table contains information about annual survey trips and fishing events (sets). Trip-level information includes the year the survey took place, a unique trip identifier, the vessel that conducted the survey and the trip start and end dates (the dates the vessel was away from the dock conducting the survey). Set-level information includes the inlet name, date, time, location and depth that fishing took place, soak time, and number of traps deployed. All successful fishing events are included, where successful sets are those that met survey design specifications.Inlet CatchThis table contains the catch information from successful fishing events. Catch is identified to species or to the lowest taxonomic level possible. Catch is recorded as fish counts and / or weight. The unique trip identifier and set number are included so that catches can be related to the fishing event information (including capture location) for each set.Inlet Biological InformationThis table contains the biological data for sampled catches. Data may include any or all of length, weight, sex, maturity and age. Most of the sampled catch is Sablefish; however, some biological information has been collected for other species. Age structures are collected and are archived until required for analyses; therefore, all existing structures have not been aged. Tissue samples (usually a fin clip) may be collected for genetic (DNA) analysis for specific species. Tissue samples may be archived until required for analysis; for more information please see the data contacts. The unique trip identifier and set number are included so that samples can be related to the fishing event and catch information.

Get data on Lake Ontario tagged Atlantic salmon recaptures. This dataset represents tagged adult Atlantic salmon that were released and then recaptured by anglers. These fish were used as brood stock (breeding) in the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry’s fish culture program. All fish were tagged with a streamer tag near the dorsal fin. Each tag has a unique number and a phone number so anglers can call and let the ministry know about their catch. The data includes: * tagging date * recapture date * tag number/colour * location released * location recaptured * days since released * distance travelled

An exploratory fishery was carried out in the Mackenzie River Delta between 1989 and 1993 at the request of the Inuvik Hunters and Trappers Committee to assess the commercial fishery potential in this area. Data collected during this exploratory fishery was used in two technical reports. Broad whitefish were the target species of this fishery (DFO Technical Report 2180), however other species such as northern pike, inconnu, and lake whitefish were also harvested (DFO Technical Report 2330).Biological data from broad whitefish (fork length, age, gonadosomatic index and instantaneous mortality) were analyzed to assess the impact of an exploratory fishery in the Mackenzie River Delta. The data were collected using variable mesh experimental gill nets and commercial harvesters' 139 mm (5.5”) mesh gill nets. The data suggest that the broad whitefish population might be separated, with larger mature spawners gathering in the main channels prior to spawning and smaller, immature or resting fish staying in side channels away from strong currents. From this analysis we conclude that the size and structure of the broad whitefish population(s) found in this area are stable at the current level of total harvest (commercial and subsistence combined) There may be room for increased harvests but to what level is uncertain.Biological data from northern pike, inconnu, and lake whitefish were analyzed to assess the impact of the fishery on population abundance and structure. All three by catch species support subsistence fisheries in the Mackenzie Delta. lnconnu and lake whitefish migrate substantial distances, crossing land claim borders and are likely fished by a variety of user groups. Northern pike, on the other hand tend to be non-migratory with localized populations that are mainly fished by people living in the near vicinity. A concern was that commercial fishing pressure might reduce the numbers of fish available to subsistence users. Based on trends in size and age frequency, age at maturity, sex ratio, growth rates, and mortality rates, we conclude that inconnu and lake whitefish populations in the Mackenzie Delta have remained healthy and stable at the current harvest levels, however northern pike populations showed a decrease in the proportion of older fish, possibly indicating over-fishing of local stocks. lnconnu and lake whitefish may be able to withstand increased harvest, but to what extent is unknown, given that little reliable information is available on subsistence harvest levels in this region. Increasing harvest levels of pike may be risky and we suggest that a reduction of current commercial harvest quotas be considered.

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.