Quaternary geology includes information relating to heavy mineral samples, morpho-sedimentological zones, surface morphology, erratic boulders, glacial erosion marks, and observation sites.**This third party metadata element was translated using an automated translation tool (Amazon Translate).**

This layer details Important Areas (IAs) relevant to coral, sponge, and reef-building species in the Pacific North Coast Integrated Management Area (PNCIMA). This data was mapped to inform the selection of marine Ecologically and Biologically Significant Areas (EBSA). Experts have indicated that these areas are relevant based upon their high ranking in one or more of three criteria (Uniqueness, Aggregation, and Fitness Consequences). The distribution of IAs within ecoregions is used in the designation of EBSAs.Canada’s Oceans Act provides the legislative framework for an integrated ecosystem approach to management in Canadian oceans, particularly in areas considered ecologically or biologically significant. DFO has developed general guidance for the identification of ecologically or biologically significant areas. The criteria for defining such areas include uniqueness, aggregation, fitness consequences, resilience, and naturalness. This science advisory process identifies proposed EBSAs in Canadian Pacific marine waters, specifically in the Strait of Georgia (SOG), along the west coast of Vancouver Island (WCVI, southern shelf ecoregion), and in the Pacific North Coast Integrated Management Area (PNCIMA, northern shelf ecoregion).Initial assessment of IAs in PNCIMA was carried out in September 2004 to March 2005 with spatial data collection coordinated by Cathryn Clarke. Subsequent efforts in WCVI and SOG were conducted in 2009, and may have used different scientific advisors, temporal extents, data, and assessment methods. WCVI and SOG IA assessment in some cases revisits data collected for PNCIMA, but should be treated as a separate effort.Other datasets in this series detail IAs for birds, cetaceans, fish, geographic features, invertebrates, and other vertebrates.Though data collection is considered complete, the emergence of significant new data may merit revisiting of IAs on a case by case basis.

Saskatchewan Sport Fish Management Zones as described in the fisheries regulations.Spatial dataset created to represent the provincial sport fishing management zones within Saskatchewan as described in Table 5 of the Fisheries Regulations.  Saskatchewan is divided into three management zones for angling regulations.  Differences in the opening and closing dates for the angling season occur between zones, with certain lakes in each zone having special regulations applied to them.  Consult the Anglers’ Guide for further information on specific dates and/or limits. 

Sponge reefs are constructed by hexactinellid (glass) sponges of the Order Hexactinosida. The sponges trap fine sediments, and over centuries of sponge growth and sediment trapping, form large bioherms or reef mounds. Glass sponge reefs are unique habitats found along the Pacific coast of Canada and the United States and they have significant historic, ecological, and economic value. They link benthic and pelagic environments by playing important roles in filtration and carbon and nitrogen processing, and acting as silica sinks. They also form habitat for diverse communities of invertebrates and fish, including those of economic importance. Thus, accurate and up-to-date information on the location and spatial extent of sponge reefs is important to the management and conservation of many of Canada’s Pacific marine species. We generated a map of known sponge reefs, derived from two source shape files: 1) Sponge_Reef_West_Coast, mapped by Natural Resources Canada (NRCan), 2) Howesound_Nine_reef_polygons and 3) HoweSound_Five_reef_polygons, which were mapped by DFO and NRCan. The resultant polygon shapefile is published on the GIS hub as a file geodatabase feature class.

The Prairie Soil Zones file shows the general distribution of major soil zones across the Prairie region of Canada. Soil zones (based on the Canadian System of Soil Classification) are named based on the dominant soil classification of the soils in each zone. Data extent is limited to the Agricultural Zone as defined in Soil Landscapes of Canada v 3.0 (Lefebvre et al. 2005).

Rent calculation for the use of Crown land for communication sites purposes is based on zonal rates per site per user category. There are currently 3 zones covering the province. The dataset outlines the boundaries for these zones.

Rent calculation for the use of Crown land for log handling purposes is based on zonal land values. There are currently 11 zones covering the province. The dataset outlines the boundaries for these zones.

Boundaries for reporting cases of COVID-19 in Saskatchewan. Areas, zones and subzones show the different geographies available; these boundaries are based on statistics Canada source geometry when possible.On August 4th 2020, the province announced it would change the method of reporting COVID-19 cases, moving from six regions based on former Regional Health Authorities to thirteen zones based on Saskatchewan Health Authority geographies. The COVID-19 Zones are made by aggregating the COVID-19 Subzones, which are based on the SHA Health Networks or aggregations thereof. The COVID-19 Areas are an aggregation of the COVID-19 Zones.  Areas, zones and subzones show the different geographies available; these boundaries are based on statistics Canada source geometry when possible.

The Rangeland Management Zones dataset is comprised of all the polygons that represent the Rangeland Management Zones in Alberta. A Rangeland Management Zone is an administrative area designated by the Lands Division in which grazing and other agricultural uses related to public land are managed by regional branch offices. The boundaries are used to ensure referrals are sent to the correct locations. The Rangeland Management Zones was formerly known as Alberta Sustainable Resource Development Rangeland Management Districts.

Zones of homogeneous low flow characteristics