PURPOSE: Establishing efficient, non-destructive sampling methods for clam population assessments. DESCRIPTION: In the Gulf of St. Lawrence (GSL) Management Region, clam assessments are uncommon due to limited resources and the labour-intensive nature of sampling clam beds. Furthermore, clam assessments typically rely on destructive sampling that disturbs sediment and removes animals from their habitat. Establishing efficient, non-destructive sampling methods for clam population assessments can reduce the impact of scientific sampling on these habitats and provide for more efficient monitoring. In this study, we tested the idea that visually observing siphon holes on the sediment surface could predict the presence, number, and size of soft-shell clams across different sites in the southern GSL. Siphon holes reasonably predicted the presence, number, and size/biomass of soft-shell clams in most, but not all, sites. Thus, in many habitats in the GSL, siphon holes can be used for population assessments, providing a powerful tool to enhance Science advice to fisheries managers. Data was collected at the following sites: * Maisonnette, Parc Maisonnette, Maisonnette, New Brunswick, Canada * Kouchibouguac, Loggiecroft wharf, Kouchibouguac National Park, New Brunswick, Canada * Shemogue, Amos Point Road, Little Shemogue, New Brunswick, Canada * Powell's Cove, Powell's Point Provincial Park, Little Harbour, Nova Scotia, Canada PARAMETERS COLLECTED: - Clam abundance - Clam biomass (total sample) - Clam size (length, weight) - Siphon hole abundance - Siphon hole size - Siphon hole characterization (i.e., identification of actual clam based on shape) - Seawater temperature - Sediment grain size - Sediment organic content (%) - Sediment relative moisture content (%) NOTES ON QUALITY CONTROL: Original data entry by Jillian Hunt and/or Isabelle Brennan. Data checked and validated prior to analysis by Jeff Clements. Data further checked and validated prior to publication by Amélie Robichaud. PHYSICAL SAMPLE DETAILS: No physical samples retained. - Clam samples returned back to original habitat after measuring and weighing in the field. - Sediment core samples stored in walk-in freezer and discarded after processing and analysis. SAMPLING METHODS: i. Identifying, counting, weighing, and measuring (with calipers) clams ii. Identifying, counting, and measuring (with calipers) clam siphon holes iii. Seawater temperature monitoring via data loggers iv. Sediment grain size, organic content, and moisture content analysis USE LIMITATION: To ensure scientific integrity and appropriate use of the data, we would encourage you to contact the data custodian.

From August 5th to September 3rd, 2012, Fisheries and Oceans Canada conducted a baseline survey of marine fishes and their habitats on the Canadian Beaufort Shelf and slope. Sampling was conducted from the F/V Frosti at 28 stations along four transects. Standardized sampling was conducted at pre-determined depth stations (20-40, 75, 200, 350, 500, 750, and 1000 m) using a variety of sampling equipment including benthic fishing trawls, plankton nets, sediment cores, and CTD and water sample profiles. A specialized CTD probe (UCTD) was deployed at an additional 30 locations while the ship was underway. Presented here is the information on the sampling locations, and the sampling gear deployed at each station.

From August 2nd to September 9th, 2013, Fisheries and Oceans Canada conducted a baseline survey of marine fishes and their habitats on the Canadian Beaufort Shelf and slope. Sampling was conducted from the F/V Frosti at 64 stations along ten transects. Standardized sampling was conducted on the transects at pre-determined depth stations (20-40, 75, 200, 350, 500, 750, and 1000 m) using a variety of sampling equipment including benthic fishing trawls, plankton nets, sediment cores, and CTD and water sample profiles. A specialized CTD probe (UCTD) was deployed at an additional 72 locations while the ship was underway.Presented here is the information on the sampling locations, and the sampling gear deployed at each station.

PURPOSE: The Department of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO) conducted a baseline survey of biological communities and habitat parameters in the offshore Canadian Beaufort Sea between 2012 and 2014, as part of the federally administered Beaufort Regional Environmental Assessment. The BREA-Marine Fishes Project (BREA-MFP) was the first comprehensive baseline study of offshore marine fish diversity and associated habitats in the Canadian Beaufort Sea. Knowledge gained during the BREA-MFP supports regulatory processes pertaining to offshore development and Oceans Management in the Inuvialuit Settlement Region, and provides baseline context for studies of the effects of climate change and variability. The Canadian Beaufort Sea – Marine Ecosystem Assessment (CBS-MEA, 2017-2019 and 2021-2024) is building on system baselines and ecological knowledge derived from the BREA-MFP to develop a comprehensive research and monitoring approach for the offshore Canadian Beaufort Sea. This approach will enable us to better understand the relationship between oceanographic drivers and ecosystem responses. The CBS-MEA focuses on integrating oceanography, food web linkages, physical-biological couplings and spatial and inter-annual variabilities, while also expanding baseline coverage of species diversity, abundances, and habitat associations to areas of the Beaufort Sea and Canadian Archipelago that are previously unstudied in this context. DESCRIPTION: Between 2017 and 2019, and between 2021 and 2024, Fisheries and Oceans Canada conducted a baseline survey of marine fishes and their habitats on the Canadian Beaufort Shelf and slope in August and early September each year. Sampling was conducted from the F/V Frosti at over 150 stations along ten multi-year transects, and over 50 non-transect stations. Standardized sampling was conducted at pre-determined depth stations (20-40, 75, 200, 350, 500, 750, and 1000 m) using a variety of sampling equipment including benthic fishing trawls, plankton nets, sediment cores, and CTD and water sample profiles. Presented here is the information on the sampling locations, and the sampling gear deployed at each station.

From August 6th to September 9th, 2014, Fisheries and Oceans Canada conducted a baseline survey of marine fishes and their habitats on the Canadian Beaufort Shelf and slope. Sampling was conducted from the F/V Frosti at 56 stations along thirteen transects, with an additional three stations not located on transects. Standardized sampling was conducted on the transects at pre-determined depth stations (20-40, 75, 200, 350, 500, 750, and 1000 m) using a variety of sampling equipment including benthic fishing trawls, plankton nets, sediment cores, and CTD and water sample profiles. Presented here is the information on the sampling locations, and the sampling gear deployed at each station.