2014 to 2023 demersal fish abundance in the Estuary and the Gulf of St. Lawrence. The abundance is expressed as a number of individuals per normalized trawl set. Each species is individually represented in the northern Gulf and in the southern Gulf. Input data are from the annual August (North) and September (South) multidisciplinary surveys.The demersal species represented are: Alewife, Alligatorfish, American Plaice, Arctic Alligatorfish, Arctic Hookear Sculpin, Arctic Shanny, Arctic Staghorn Sculpin, Atlantic Cod, Atlantic Eelpout, Atlantic Halibut, Atlantic Hookear Sculpin, Atlantic Poacher, Atlantic Spiny Lumpsucker, Atlantic Wolffish, Black Dogfish, Blacksnout Seasnail, Brill/Windowpane, Common Grenadier, Common Wolf Eel, Cunner, Daubed Shanny, Esmark's Eelpout, Fish Doctor, Fourbeard Rockling, Fourline Snakeblenny, Greenland Cod, Greenland Halibut, Haddock, Longfin Hake, Longhorn Sculpin, Lowfin Snailfish, Monkfish, Goosefish, Moustache Sculpin, Newfoundland Eelpout, Northern Hagfish, Ocean Pout, Rockfishes, Sea Sculpin, Sea Tadpole, Shorthorn Sculpin, Smooth Skate, Snakeblenny, Spatulate Sculpin, Spiny Dogfish, Spinytail Skate, Spotted Wolffish, Stout Eelblenny, Thorny Skate, Twohorn Sculpin, Vahl's Eelpout, Variegated Snailfish, White Hake, Winter Flounder, Winter Skate, Witch Flounder, Wolf Eelpout, Wrymouth and Yellowtail Flounder.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.

Spatial distribution of the relative occurrence of Atlantic Wolffish in the annual DFO groundfish research surveys conducted by the Québec (1978-2008) and Gulf (1971-2008) regions. Catch and effort data were aggregated by 100 km² cells. The probability of catching an Atlantic Wolffish in a set and within a cell (relative occurrence) was calculated as the ratio of the number of sets in which a species was recorded and the total number of sets made. This method allows the mapping of catch and effort for numerous time series based on data from different programs in both the whole study area (research surveys and Sentinel Fisheries using bottom trawls and a random stratified design) or in specific areas within the Gulf.Source: Dutil, J.-D., S. Proulx, S. Hurtubise, and J. Gauthier 2011. Recent findings on the life history and catches of wolffish (Anarhichas sp.) in research surveys and in the Sentinel Fisheries and Observer Program for the Estuary and Gulf of St-Lawrence. DFO Can. Sci. Advis. Sec. Res. Doc. 2010/126: x + 71 pages.Associated publication:Dutil, J.-D., Proulx, S., Chouinard, P.-M., and Borcard, D. 2011. A hierarchical classification of the seabed based on physiographic and oceanographic features in the St. Lawrence. Can. Tech. Rep. Fish. Aquat. Sci. 2916: vii + 72 pages. http:/ / www.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/ Library/ 342703.pdf.

This metadataset was compiled to document scientific dive operations conducted within the Banc-des-Américains Marine Protected Area (MPA). Its purpose is to enable the tracking of field activities carried out as part of ecological monitoring of the atlantic wolffish (Anarhicas lupus) habitats and other key species.Metadata were collected for each scientific dive, following a standardized protocol implemented since 2014 that includes the date, participating team, GPS coordinates, depth, and dive duration.The released dataset contains only descriptive and contextual information related to each dive operation: dive identifier, site, date, location, conditions of execution, method used, and environmental variables when recorded. It does not include photographs, videos, raw biological observations, or analysis results.Quality control involves standardization of the metadata form, verification of GPS positions and recorded depths, as well as annual internal review of the dive series by the scientific coordination team. Established procedures ensure the completeness, consistency, and traceability of the descriptive data provided.

Mean fork length for returning adult Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) that spent one or two years (1SW and 2SW, respectively) in the marine environment for 16 rivers throughout Eastern Canada spanning an 10° latitudinal gradient. These data were collected as part of monitoring programs for Atlantic salmon returns run by Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO). Data from at least eight populations, spanning all provinces in Atlantic Canada, over a 50-year period (1970-2021) will be included in this meta-analysis.These data, as well as mean fork length for returning adult Atlantic salmon from three rivers in Québec (1979-2021) collected as part of monitoring programs for Atlantic salmon returns run by the Ministère de l’Environnement, de la Lutte contre les changements climatiques, de la Faune et des Parcs, Government of Québec, are also available at: http://doi.org/10.17605/OSF.IO/78PWT.

Atlantic herring. Concentration, breeding areas and larval retention areas of Atlantic Herring in the St. Lawrence Estuary.Data extracted from the Fish Habitat Management Information System (FHAMIS).Concentration areas, spawning sites and breeding areas of Atlantic herring according to a literature review of documents produced between 1977 and 1998.

Geographic bathymetric grid data at 100 m x 100 m pixel resolution.Datum: WGS84Collaboration of Canada, the United States of America and the European Union as part of the Atlantic Ocean Research Alliance's second project under the Galway Statement. Project mapped the North Atlantic seafloor along a transect from Halifax, Canada to Tromsø, Norway to further the understanding of marine habitats, conservation and navigation. Chief Scientist / Primary Investigator name: Paola Travaglini Platform: CCGS Louis S. St- Laurent (Canadian heavy icebreaker)Device 1 type: Multibeam echo-sounder (sonar)Device 1 manufacturer: Kongsberg Device 1 model: EM122, hull installed behind ice protection window Data and Data format:100 m resolution grid of bathymetryBAG format: Bathymetric Attributed Grid ObjectNavigation and positioning: Trimble GNSS receiver + antennas Applanix POS/MV v5 inertial measuring system Horizontal Datum: WGS84 (G1762) Tidal correction:Zero tide applied: tides are not well known for the major part of the data and tides over very deep water are generally negligible. Sound Velocity Profile measurements:In-situ sound velocity profiles were applied.Note on accuracy/S-44 survey standards:Considering the intended output from this survey (IHO Order 1a - Areas shallower than 100 metres where under-keel clearance is less critical but features of concern to surface shipping may exist.) and using an average depth of 2000m as ‘d’ in the IHO Standard Equation - the allowable Total Vertical Uncertainty (TVU) must be < 26m which indeed the data has achieved (by comparison with overlapping datasets from other surveys/agency data).IHO Order 1aHorizontal positioning accuracy: 5.0 m + 5% of depth (95% Confidence level)(~105 m at a mean depth of 2000 m)Vertical positioning accuracy: 2.5 m < 26 m = Sqrt((0.5 m)^2+(0.013 x 2000 m)^2)

Spatial distribution of the relative occurrence of northern wolffish in the annual DFO groundfish research surveys conducted by the Québec (1978-2008) and Gulf (1971-2008) regions. Catch and effort data were aggregated by 100 km² cells. The probability of catching an northern wolffish in a set and within a cell (relative occurrence) was calculated as the ratio of the number of sets in which a species was recorded and the total number of sets made. This method allows the mapping of catch and effort for numerous time series based on data from different programs in both the whole study area (research surveys and Sentinel Fisheries using bottom trawls and a random stratified design) or in specific areas within the Gulf.Source: Dutil, J.-D., S. Proulx, S. Hurtubise, and J. Gauthier 2011. Recent findings on the life history and catches of wolffish (Anarhichas sp.) in research surveys and in the Sentinel Fisheries and Observer Program for the Estuary and Gulf of St-Lawrence. DFO Can. Sci. Advis. Sec. Res. Doc. 2010/126: x + 71 pages.Associated publication:Dutil, J.-D., Proulx, S., Chouinard, P.-M., and Borcard, D. 2011. A hierarchical classification of the seabed based on physiographic and oceanographic features in the St. Lawrence. Can. Tech. Rep. Fish. Aquat. Sci. 2916: vii + 72 pages. http:/ / www.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/ Library/ 342703.pdf.

Spatial distribution of the relative occurrence of Spotted Wolffish in the annual DFO groundfish research surveys conducted by the Québec (1978-2008) and Gulf (1971-2008) regions. Catch and effort data were aggregated by 100 km² cells. The probability of catching an Spotted Wolffish in a set and within a cell (relative occurrence) was calculated as the ratio of the number of sets in which a species was recorded and the total number of sets made. This method allows the mapping of catch and effort for numerous time series based on data from different programs in both the whole study area (research surveys and Sentinel Fisheries using bottom trawls and a random stratified design) or in specific areas within the Gulf.Source: Dutil, J.-D., S. Proulx, S. Hurtubise, and J. Gauthier 2011. Recent findings on the life history and catches of wolffish (Anarhichas sp.) in research surveys and in the Sentinel Fisheries and Observer Program for the Estuary and Gulf of St-Lawrence. DFO Can. Sci. Advis. Sec. Res. Doc. 2010/126: x + 71 pages.Associated publication:Dutil, J.-D., Proulx, S., Chouinard, P.-M., and Borcard, D. 2011. A hierarchical classification of the seabed based on physiographic and oceanographic features in the St. Lawrence. Can. Tech. Rep. Fish. Aquat. Sci. 2916: vii + 72 pages. http:/ / www.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/ Library/ 342703.pdf.

Layers that present various important parameters such as inventories, presence, sightings, distribution, relative occurrence or catch rates, critical habitat, breeding and feeding areas, potential spawning and haul-out sites for the different species with status under the Species at Risk Act (SARA).The act classifies those species as being either extirpated, endangered, threatened, or of special concern. Under SARA, Fisheries and Oceans Canada must produce recovery strategies and action plans for aquatic species listed as endangered or threatened. The act is part of Canada’s strategy to protect hundreds of wild plants and animal species from becoming extinct, and to help in their recovery.The different species represented by the layers are the following:1. American shad (Alosa sapidissima)2. Atlantic sturgeon (Acipenser oxyrinchus)3. Atlantic wolffish (Anarhichas lupus)4. Beluga whale (Delphinapterus leucas)5. Blue whale (Balaenoptera musculus)6. Copper redhorse (Moxostoma hubbsi)7. Eelgrass (Zostera marina)8. Grey seal (Halichoerus grypus)9. Harbor seal (Phoca vitulina)10. Humpback whale (Megaptera novaeangliae)11. Lake sturgeon (Acipenser fulvescens)12. Lumpfish (Cyclopterus lumpus)13. Northern wolffish (Anarhichas denticulatus)14. Rainbow smelt (Osmerus mordax)15. Sea pens (Pennatulacea)16. Seaweed17. Smooth skate (Malacoraja senta)18. Sponges19. Spotted wolffish (Anarhichas minor)20. Striped bass (Morone saxatilis)21. Thorny skate (Amblyraja radiata)22. Winter skate (Leucoraja ocellata)

The hydrographic 1991 to 2020 climatology for the Maritimes region Atlantic Zone Monitoring Program core transects, Cabot Strait, Louisbourg, Halifax, Browns Bank, and Northeast Channel, are calculated to support annual reporting on seasonal variability. Details on data coverage for these transects and ancillary transects occupied since the inception of the program are provided. Comparisons with the previous climatology period, years 1981 to 2010, are summarized when possible.Cite this data as: Layton, C. Data of:Maritimes Region Atlantic Zone Monitoring Program 1991 to 2020 Hydrographic Transect Climatology.Published: August 2025. Ocean Ecosystems Science Division, Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Dartmouth, N.S.https://open.canada.ca/data/en/dataset/5f9c5d65-3ce1-4bdd-8b43-34086620d1e3