For the background of data production and data interpretation we refer to the PAME report “Modelling Arctic oceanographic connectivity to further develop PAME’s MPA toolbox”. The uploaded data consist of two main types: 1. Connectivity matrices describing the seascape connectivity in the model domain consisting of 40893 model grid cells. The connectivity matrices describe the probability of dispersal between any two selected model grid cells. 2. GIS shape files of dispersal distance (km) from each model grid cell within the model domain.

Marine protected areas (MPAs) are one among a number of spatial management tools, and are defined as areas that are established for the long-term, and managed through legal or other effective means, to achieve the long-term conservation of nature with associated ecosystem services and cultural values. Currently, Fisheries and Oceans Canada has a number of MPAs designated under the Oceans Act and Areas of Interest for new MPAs at various stages of progress towards designation. These areas are ecologically significant, with species and/or features that require special management consideration.  An Oceans Act MPA can be established for any of the six conservation purposes outlined in the Act: • The conservation and protection of commercial and non-commercial fishery resources, including marine mammals, and their habitats;  • The conservation and protection of endangered or threatened marine species, and their habitats;  • The conservation and protection of unique habitats;  • The conservation and protection of marine areas of high biodiversity or biological productivity; • The conservation and protection of any other marine resource or habitat as is necessary to fulfill the mandate of the Minister; and • The conservation and protection of marine areas for the purposes of maintaining ecological integrity