These structure, isopach and zero edge files are part of a series of stratigraphic framework maps for the Saskatchewan Phanerozoic Fluids and Petroleum Systems (SPFPS) project.The series of stratigraphic framework maps for the Saskatchewan Phanerozoic Fluids and Petroleum Systems (SPFPS) project have been produced using 2 km equi-spaced modified grids generated from Golden Software’s Surfer 9 kriging algorithm. The dataset used to produce each of the maps in this series was created using data from several projects completed by the Ministry (Christopher, 2003; Saskatchewan Industry and Resources et al., 2004; Kreis et al., 2004; Marsh and Heinemann, 2006; Saskatchewan Ministry of Energy and Resources et al., 2007; Heinemann and Marsh, 2009); these data were validated and edited as required to facilitate correlations between the various regional projects. In addition, to minimize edge effects during contouring, the senior author also generated stratigraphic data from wells in adjacent jurisdictions.

These structure, isopach and zero edge files are part of a series of stratigraphic framework maps for the Saskatchewan Phanerozoic Fluids and Petroleum Systems (SPFPS) project.The series of stratigraphic framework maps for the Saskatchewan Phanerozoic Fluids and Petroleum Systems (SPFPS) project have been produced using 2 km equi-spaced modified grids generated from Golden Software’s Surfer 9 kriging algorithm. The dataset used to produce each of the maps in this series was created using data from several projects completed by the Ministry (Christopher, 2003; Saskatchewan Industry and Resources et al., 2004; Kreis et al., 2004; Marsh and Heinemann, 2006; Saskatchewan Ministry of Energy and Resources et al., 2007; Heinemann and Marsh, 2009); these data were validated and edited as required to facilitate correlations between the various regional projects. In addition, to minimize edge effects during contouring, the senior author also generated stratigraphic data from wells in adjacent jurisdictions.

These structure, isopach and zero edge files are part of a series of stratigraphic framework maps for the Saskatchewan Phanerozoic Fluids and Petroleum Systems (SPFPS) project.The series of stratigraphic framework maps for the Saskatchewan Phanerozoic Fluids and Petroleum Systems (SPFPS) project have been produced using 2 km equi-spaced modified grids generated from Golden Software’s Surfer 9 kriging algorithm. The dataset used to produce each of the maps in this series was created using data from several projects completed by the Ministry (Christopher, 2003; Saskatchewan Industry and Resources et al., 2004; Kreis et al., 2004; Marsh and Heinemann, 2006; Saskatchewan Ministry of Energy and Resources et al., 2007; Heinemann and Marsh, 2009); these data were validated and edited as required to facilitate correlations between the various regional projects. In addition, to minimize edge effects during contouring, the senior author also generated stratigraphic data from wells in adjacent jurisdictions.

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.

Distribution of diving duck species habitat in coastal British Columbia showing relative abundance (RA) by season and overall relative importance (RI). RI is based on project region and not on the province as a whole. 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 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.

Distribution of dabbling duck species habitat in coastal British Columbia showing relative abundance (RA) by season and overall relative importance (RI). RI is based on project region and not on the province as a whole. 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 basking shark (Cetorhinus maximus), is a species found in Atlantic Canadian waters which is mostly encountered “basking” on the surface waters and sometimes caught accidentally in commercial fisheries. One Pop-up Satellite Archival Tag (PSAT Mk10) from Wildlife Computers was applied to a single female basking shark in September 2008 on a commercial vessel to collect data on depth (pressure), temperature and ambient light level (for position estimation). The basking shark was 610 cm Total Length (curved). The tag released on the pre-programmed date 125 days after deployment. 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 deployment can be obtained upon request from: warren.joyce@dfo-mpo.gc.ca or heather.bowlby@dfo-mpo.gc.ca.

The Brier Island/Digby Neck area has been identified as an Ecologically and Biologically Significant Area (EBSA) by Fisheries and Oceans Canada and is one of four marine areas within the Bay of Fundy recognised by Parks Canada as of national significance for marine conservation planning. The area is representative of important outer Bay of Fundy features with significant marine mammal, bird, and benthic diversity including potentially important aggregations of sensitive benthic species such as horse mussel and sponge. Much of the information used for this recognition is now over 40 years old and should be re-validated using standardised georeferenced survey methods. As a first phase, a diver-based survey of the sublittoral habitats and associated species was conducted in August and September of 2017 for the Brier Island area. This report summarises the major sublittoral habitat types, species assemblages, and oceanographic conditions observed at 20 locations including Northwest and Southwest Ledges, Gull Rock, Peter’s Island, and Grand Passage. A total of 962 records were made of 178 taxa, consisting of 43 algae and 135 animals. Comparison with historical records largely confirmed the continued presence of unique habitats and species assemblages for which this area was initially recognised as an EBSA. Differences in species richness observed for cryptic and less known taxonomic groups such as sponges and bryozoans were attributable to changes in survey methods and knowledge. Based on these findings, additional surveys of inshore and offshore Brier Island using more quantitative methods developed for other Bay of Fundy EBSAs would further support regional MPA network planning and provide relative scales of species diversity and habitat coverage for this area.