Summary The Quebec region of the Department of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO) is responsible for the assessment of several fish and invertebrate stocks exploited in the Estuary and the northern Gulf of St. Lawrence. The commercial catches sampling program is one of the sources of information used to complete these assessments. The data collected by this program, at wharf or at sea, offers among other things the advantage of a relatively large spatio-temporal coverage and provides some of the necessary knowledge to assess the demography and the structure of the exploited populations. This program is implemented by specialized DFO staff whose main mandate is to collect biological data on groundfish, pelagic fish and marine invertebrate species that are commercially exploited in the various marine communities. Data This dataset on Greenland halibut (Reinhardtius hippoglossoides) includes the metadata, sample weight, fish length, the sex and the number of specimens measured. This dataset covers the period of 1987 to present. In order to protect the confidentiality of the sources, some informations (such as those concerning the vessel) have been excluded and others (such as the date of capture) have been simplified. Entries where there was only one vessel in a fishing area for a given year were also excluded. Further information including the fishing areas coordinates can be found by clicking on the «Atlantic and Arctic commercial fisheries» and «Fishing areas» links below.

This theme presents the location of samples of contaminants of emerging interest (CIE) carried out by the Main Directorate for the Quality of Aquatic Environments (DPQMA) as part of its work since 2000. Each station is accompanied by a link in the attribute table allowing the reader to access an Excel file presenting the concentrations of CIE detected, the list of CIE analyzed at least once at the station, the list of reports produced from the samples taken at the station, as well as information on surface water quality criteria for the protection of aquatic life. The dataset on contaminants of emerging interest also includes a layer of polygons presenting the drainage areas of some of the stations and a data table including the compilation of land use by category for the last year available at the time the data was generated. The drainage areas and the land use table are linked to the sampling stations based on the BQMA station number.**This third party metadata element was translated using an automated translation tool (Amazon Translate).**

Bottom temperature time series at the 3 fixed stations and 46 stations, grouped into transects, of the Atlantic Zonal Monitoring Program (AZMP) under the Quebec region responsibility. The mean bottom temperature of the last ten years are displayed as 2 layers, one for the June survey (2014-2023, 2020 not sampled), another for the autumn survey (2014-2023). A third layer shows the positions of the fixed stations of the program (Anticosti Gyre, Gaspé Current and Rimouski). Each station is linked with a .png file showing the bottom temperature time series and with a .csv file containing all the bottom temperature data acquired at those stations since the beginning of the program sampling (columns : Station, Latitude, Longitude, Date(UTC), Sounding(m), Depth/Profondeur(m), Temperature/Température(ºC)). Purpose The Atlantic Zone Monitoring Program (AZMP) was implemented in 1998 with the aim of increasing the Department of Fisheries and Oceans Canada’s (DFO) capacity to detect, track and predict changes in the state and productivity of the marine environment. The AZMP collects data from a network of stations composed of high-frequency monitoring sites and cross-shelf sections in each following DFO region: Québec, Gulf, Maritimes and Newfoundland. The sampling design provides basic information on the natural variability in physical, chemical, and biological properties of the Northwest Atlantic continental shelf. Cross-shelf sections sampling provides detailed geographic information but is limited in a seasonal coverage while critically placed high-frequency monitoring sites complement the geography-based sampling by providing more detailed information on temporal changes in ecosystem properties. In Quebec region, two surveys (46 stations grouped into transects) are conducted every year, one in June and the other in autumn in the Estuary and Gulf of St. Lawrence. Historically, 3 fixed stations were sampled more frequently. One of these is the Rimouski station that still takes part of the program and is sampled about weekly throughout the summer and occasionally in the winter period. Annual reports (physical, biological and a Zonal Scientific Advice) are available from the Canadian Science Advisory Secretariat (CSAS), (http://www.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/csas-sccs/index-eng.htm). Devine, L., Scarratt, M., Plourde, S., Galbraith, P.S., Michaud, S., and Lehoux, C. 2017. Chemical and Biological Oceanographic Conditions in the Estuary and Gulf of St. Lawrence during 2015. DFO Can. Sci. Advis. Sec. Res. Doc. 2017/034. v + 48 pp. Supplemental Information The bottom temperature is determined from CTD profile in the water column according to AZMP sampling protocol: Mitchell, M. R., Harrison, G., Pauley, K., Gagné, A., Maillet, G., and Strain, P. 2002. Atlantic Zonal Monitoring Program sampling protocol. Can. Tech. Rep. Hydrogr. Ocean Sci. 223: iv + 23 pp.

The Gulf of St. Lawrence At-Sea Observer Program is part of the Fisheries Monitoring Policy of the Department of Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) (https://www.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/reports-rapports/regs/sff-cpd/fishery-monitoring-surveillance-des-peches-eng.htm#toc13). Its purpose is to ensure accurate verification of fishing activities at sea by an independent third party, and to provide DFO with scientific data on catches. The fishing industry and DFO depend on the proper communication of this information for fisheries management, monitoring and scientific research activities. Biological data on fish and marine invertebrates collected by the At-Sea Observer Program is one of the sources of information used by DFO to assess the status of these resources. Biological data protocols are the subject of an annual consultation with the biologists responsible for assessing each of the exploited stocks. This dataset contains the sum of weight data for species caught, by NAFO (Northwest Atlantic Fisheries Organization) sub-division and by year from 1999-2023, from commercial species directed fisheries for stock assessments in the Quebec region. It also includes length frequencies for species caught when required by protocol. To preserve the confidentiality of the fishing industry, data are only presented when fishing activity has been observed on a minimum of 5 vessels in a given NAFO area. The data presented are raw and should be interpreted with caution. They may contain errors such as spatial coordinates, landing weights or inaccurate or unreliable species identifications. A brief review of the taxonomy was carried out by DFO taxonomist cited as collaborator. His comments can be found in the “REMARK_IDENT” column preceded by the code “Claude_Nozere”.

This layer shows the location of the sampled stations classified according to the Eastern Canada Diatom Index (IDEC). It contains data obtained since 1935 that was converted to version 3 of the index (Lavoie et al. 2014). Benthic diatoms are microscopic unicellular algae that line the bottom of streams and lakes. Some species are more sensitive to pollution than others. Therefore, the species composition of benthic diatom communities, through the relative abundance of each species present, offers information about the environmental conditions that prevail in a river.**This third party metadata element was translated using an automated translation tool (Amazon Translate).**

Environmental Monitoring Program data for aquaculture.

Bottom salinity time series at the 3 fixed stations and 46 stations, grouped into transects, of the Atlantic Zonal Monitoring Program (AZMP) under the Quebec region responsibility. The mean bottom salinity of the last ten years are displayed as 2 layers, one for the June survey (2014-2023, 2020 not sampled), another for the autumn survey (2014-2023). A third layer shows the positions of the fixed stations of the program (Anticosti Gyre, Gaspé Current and Rimouski). Each station is linked with a .png file showing the bottom salinity time series and with a .csv file containing all the bottom salinity data acquired at those stations since the beginning of the program sampling (columns : Station, Latitude, Longitude, Date(UTC), Sounding(m), Depth/Profondeur(m), Salinity/Salinité). Purpose The Atlantic Zone Monitoring Program (AZMP) was implemented in 1998 with the aim of increasing the Department of Fisheries and Oceans Canada’s (DFO) capacity to detect, track and predict changes in the state and productivity of the marine environment. The AZMP collects data from a network of stations composed of high-frequency monitoring sites and cross-shelf sections in each following DFO region: Québec, Gulf, Maritimes and Newfoundland. The sampling design provides basic information on the natural variability in physical, chemical, and biological properties of the Northwest Atlantic continental shelf. Cross-shelf sections sampling provides detailed geographic information but is limited in a seasonal coverage while critically placed high-frequency monitoring sites complement the geography-based sampling by providing more detailed information on temporal changes in ecosystem properties. In Quebec region, two surveys (46 stations grouped into transects) are conducted every year, one in June and the other in autumn in the Estuary and Gulf of St. Lawrence. Historically, 3 fixed stations were sampled more frequently. One of these is the Rimouski station that still takes part of the program and is sampled about weekly throughout the summer and occasionally in the winter period. Annual reports (physical, biological and a Zonal Scientific Advice) are available from the Canadian Science Advisory Secretariat (CSAS), (http://www.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/csas-sccs/index-eng.htm). Devine, L., Scarratt, M., Plourde, S., Galbraith, P.S., Michaud, S., and Lehoux, C. 2017. Chemical and Biological Oceanographic Conditions in the Estuary and Gulf of St. Lawrence during 2015. DFO Can. Sci. Advis. Sec. Res. Doc. 2017/034. v + 48 pp. Supplemental Information The bottom salinity is determined from CTD profile in the water column according to AZMP sampling protocol: Mitchell, M. R., Harrison, G., Pauley, K., Gagné, A., Maillet, G., and Strain, P. 2002. Atlantic Zonal Monitoring Program sampling protocol. Can. Tech. Rep. Hydrogr. Ocean Sci. 223: iv + 23 pp.

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 (Anarhichas 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.

Since 1979, Fisheries and Oceans Canada has conducted near-annual mackerel egg surveys in the southern Gulf of St. Lawrence using a standardized methodology. This survey typically takes place over approximately 10 days in June and aims to quantify mackerel eggs, thereby contributing to the stock assessment of the northern contingent. Sampling is conducted at 66 fixed stations arranged in a predefined grid (see included image for station locations and names). Additional stations—following the same sampling methodology—have also been surveyed off of southwestern Newfoundland, eastern Cape Breton and south of Prince Edward Island, as well as in other regions. The mackerel survey is often coordinated with the Atlantic Zone Monitoring Program (AZMP) for the Quebec region, which takes place around the same time using the same research vessel and similar equipment. While these two surveys are distinct, they are coordinated to complement each other. At each station, a tow using 61 cm bongo nets (333 µm mesh size) is towed following a saw-tooth profile through the upper 50 m of the water column. Tows last approximately 10 minutes at a speed of roughly 2.5 knots. These tows target mackerel eggs and larvae but collect other species and plankton stages. The taxonomic identification and classification of the developmental stages of the samples are then carried out in the laboratory. The number of taxon counted varies between survey years, based on new species encountered and identified. Egg development stages (I–V) are recorded only for mackerel. This dataset includes the records of all ichthyoplankton species sampled during the survey. It includes information for each sampling station, including gear specifications, species identifications, and life history stages. Each unique combination of COLLECTOR_STATION_NAME, COLLECTOR_EVENT_ID, START_DATE, START_LAT and START_LON represents a single sampling event, and all rows sharing this combination correspond to individual samples collected during that event. The dataset covers the period from 1983 to 2024 and is updated annually as new data become available. It is important to note that prior to 2023, nearly all species were systematically counted, with only a few exceptions where presence alone was recorded. However, since 2023, data collection has shifted to presence/absence for all species, except capelin larvae, herring larvae, and mackerel eggs and larvae, which continue to be counted. Note – raw data use with caution – please contact the author if you have any questions. The data processing methods used for the stock assessment are described in detail in the following publication: Lehoux, C., Van Beveren, E., and Plourde, S. 2024. Results of the Mackerel (Scomber scombrus L.) Egg Surveys Conducted in the Southern Gulf of St Lawrence from 1979 to 2022. DFO Can. Sci. Advis. Sec. Res. Doc. 2024/037. v + 47 p. https://www.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/csas-sccs/Publications/ResDocs-DocRech/2024/2024_037-eng.html

This provincial layer shows the site locations of onshore wind power Applicants of Record seeking regulatory approvals for renewable energy projects on Crown land. The ministry will not accept another application for the same lands at the same time under the Renewable Energy on Crown Land (RECL) policy.