#abstract#

Marine classification schemes based on abiotic surrogates often inform regional marine conservation planning in lieu of detailed biological data. However, theses chemes may poorly represent ecologically relevant biological patterns required for effective design and management strategies. We used a community-level modeling approach to characterize and delineate representative mesoscale (tens to thousands of kilometers) assemblages of demersal fish and benthic invertebrates in the North-west Atlantic. Hierarchical clustering of species occurrence data from four regional annual multispecies trawl surveys revealed three to six groupings (predominant assemblage types) in each survey region, broadly associated with geomorphic and oceanographic features. Indicator analyses identified 3–34 emblematic taxa of each assemblage type. Random forest classifications accurately predicted assemblage dis-tributions from environmental covariates (AUC > 0.95) and identified thermal limits (annual minimum and maximum bottom temperatures) as important pre-dictors of distribution in each region. Using forecasted oceanographic conditions for the year 2075 and a regional classification model, we projected assemblage dis-tributions in the southernmost bioregion (Scotian Shelf-Bay of Fundy) under ahigh emissions climate scenario (RCP 8.5). Range expansions to the north eastare projected for assemblages associated with warmer and shallower waters of the Western Scotian Shelf over the 21st century as thermal habitat on the rela-tively cooler Eastern Scotian Shelf becomes more favorable. Community-level modeling provides a biotic-informed approach for identifying broadscale ecolog-ical structure required for the design and management of ecologically coherent, representative, well-connected networks of Marine Protected Areas. When com-bined with oceanographic forecasts, this modeling approach provides a spatial tool for assessing sensitivity and resilience to climate change, which can improve conservation planning, monitoring, and adaptive management. Cite this data as: O'Brien, J.M., Stanley, R.R.E., Jeffery, N.W., Heaslip, S.W., DiBacco, C., and Wang, Z. Demersal fish and benthic invertebrate assemblages in the Northwest Atlantic. Published: December 2024. Coastal Ecosystems Science Division, Maritimes region, Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Dartmouth NS. https://open.canada.ca/data/en/dataset/14d55ea5-b17d-478c-b9ee-6a7c04439d2b

Areas of responsibility for fisheries biologists within Saskatchewan. Administrative boundaries for fisheries biologists in Saskatchewan. The province is divided into 6 areas in which individual biologists are responsible for all aspects of fisheries management. Prince Albert National Park is not managed by the province and falls under federal jurisdiction.

The Geonetwork Catalog of the Arctic Biodiversity Data Service (ABDS) https://abds.is/ is an integral component of the Conservation of Arctic Flora and Fauna (CAFF) initiative https://www.caff.is/. CAFF is a working group of the Arctic Council dedicated to addressing the conservation challenges facing Arctic biodiversity and promoting sustainable management practices in the region. As part of CAFF's mandate, the ABDS aims to provide a comprehensive and accessible repository of biodiversity-related data and information specific to the Arctic. The Geonetwork Catalog within ABDS serves as a centralized platform for discovering, accessing, and sharing geospatial datasets relevant to Arctic biodiversity conservation and management. It hosts a diverse range of spatial data layers, including species distribution maps, habitat classifications, ecosystem assessments, land cover maps, and more. These datasets are sourced from various contributors, including scientific research projects, monitoring programs, government agencies, indigenous knowledge holders, and non-governmental organizations. Hereafter you can find the WMS, WFS and GeoNetwork connections.

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.

The data represent the distribution of species of amphibians, reptiles, reptiles, terrestrial mammals and freshwater and migratory fish in Quebec. The files represent: amphibians: 21 reptile species: 17 species terrestrial mammals: 17 species terrestrial mammals: 69 species freshwater and migratory fish species: 118 species The ranges were established on the basis of various sources of information and validated by the Directorate of Expertise on Terrestrial Wildlife, Herpetofauna and Avifauna (DEFTHA) and the Directorate of Expertise on Aquatic Wildlife (DEFA) of the Ministry of Forests, Wildlife and Parks (MFP). The ranges of species of _freshwater and migratory fish_ are also illustrated in the “Freshwater Fish of Quebec” poster available here: https://mffp.gouv.qc.ca/wp-content/uploads/AF_poissons-eau-douce.pdf. Some ranges have changed slightly since they were included in the poster. __There may be differences between the ranges of the species presented in the files and the current spatial distribution of the species.__ The ranges were produced on a small scale, they provide indicative information on the presence of the species in Quebec. The cards are the property of the MFFP. __Atten:__ The ranges of marine mammals that frequent the coasts of the province of Quebec are not included in this dataset.**This third party metadata element was translated using an automated translation tool (Amazon Translate).**

This layer represents all the flora and fauna occurrences (1) in a precarious situation in the [Quebec Natural Heritage Data Center (CDPNQ)] (https://www.quebec.ca/gouvernement/gouvernement-ouvert/transparence-performance/indicateurs-statistiques/donnees-especes-situation-precaire). The purpose of publishing these data is to improve their accessibility for customers, to promote the consideration of species in land use projects and, finally, to facilitate the exchange of information with users. # #Des data adapted to the sensitivity of species to promote their protection In order to prevent the dissemination of data from causing harm to certain species or their habitat, the CDPNQ has chosen to hide information. This choice is based on an analysis of the sensitivity of species to the dissemination of information concerning them. Generalized occurrences, i.e. those whose information is hidden, make it possible, despite the absence of precise information, to distinguish the territories for which the CDPNQ holds data on these species from those where it does not. It should also be noted that the absence of occurrences does not mean the absence of species in a precarious situation on a territory. # #Des valuable data for the conservation of biodiversity The CDPNQ disseminates data relating to species in a precarious situation for scientific, conservation or management purposes. This data is important for: * Evaluate conservation priorities in order to make designation recommendations under the Act Respecting Threatened or Vulnerable Species or to apply protection measures for species in a precarious situation; * Develop or analyze conservation and land use projects carried out by municipalities, developers or various conservation stakeholders; * Document or analyze requests for ministerial authorizations and environmental impact studies; * Target threats and conservation measures useful to inform the preparation of recovery plans for species in a precarious situation; * Contribute to conservation research projects; * Revise laws and regulations; * Ensure sustainable planning of land use and development of Quebec territory, whether forest, agricultural, municipal or other; * Contribute to the monitoring of the state of biodiversity and support reflections leading to the development of government guidelines in this area. The data is kept up to date thanks to field surveys, carried out in particular by the provincial and federal governments and several of their partners, but also thanks to the contribution of citizens. (1) An occurrence refers to a territory that harbours or has sheltered an element of biodiversity. When talking about a species, the occurrence generally corresponds to the habitat occupied by a local population of the species in question.**This third party metadata element was translated using an automated translation tool (Amazon Translate).**