Náttúrulegt birkilendi á Íslandi er kortlagning yfir alla náttúrulega birkiskóga og birkikjarr á Íslandi. Helstu upplýsingar eru hæð, þekja og aldur. Skilið er á milli núverandi hæðar og aldur fullvaxta birkis. Það er gert samkvæmt alþjóðlegum skilgreiningum um hæð trjágróðurs þar sem miðað er við hæð fullvaxta skógar. Birki var fyrst kortlagt á árunum 1972-1975 og var unnin leiðrétting á gögnunum og gerðar frekari greiningar á árunum 1987-1991. Gögnin voru því komin nokkuð til ára sinna þegar ákveðið var að hefja endurkortlagningu á öllu náttúrulegu birki á Íslandi. Fór sú vinna fram á árunum 2010-2014 og er núverandi þekja því afrakstur þeirrar vinnu. Flatarmál náttúrulegs birkis á Íslandi er 150.600 ha. Frá árinu 1987 hefur flatarmál birkis með sjálfsáningu aukist um 9% og nemur 13.000 ha. Gögnin voru upphaflega hugsuð fyrir mælikvarða 1:15.000, hins vegar var talsvert stór hluti landsins kortlagður í mælikvarða 1:5000 – 1:10.000.

Zooplankton samples were collected at Ocean Station "P" (50.0000, -145.0000) from 1956 to 1980, and were analyzed to various levels of taxonomic resolution over the years. Although summaries of these data have been previously published ((LeBrasseur 1965) and (Fulton 1978, 1983)) the detailed species data have never been published. This detailed dataset contains total zooplankton wet weights/m3 for the whole period of 1956 to 1980, as well as densities (numbers/m3) for five major taxa (copepods, chaetognaths, euphausiids, amphipods, and Aglantha) from 1964 to 1967, species identifications, counts and lengths for many samples collected between 1968 to 1980. The attached supporting document (Ocean Station "Papa" detailed zooplankton data: 1956 – 1980) contains information on the methods used to collect and process the data along with descriptions of a number of fairly minor points about the data that were not resolved. It also describes, in detail, the format of the original data files, the corrections/changes that were made to these files in creating this version, and how these errors affect what was published in Fulton (1983). The purpose of this record is to make the detailed data available to the scientific community in an electronic format and to provide a convenient reference for citing the detailed data. Waddell, Brenda J., and Skip McKinnell. 1995. Ocean Station "Papa" detailed zooplankton data: 1956 - 1980. Can. Tech. Rep. Fish. Aquat. Sci. 2056: 21 p.

Description: This dataset contains layers of predicted occurrence for 65 groundfish species as well as overall species richness (i.e., the total number of species present) in Canadian Pacific waters, and the median standard error per grid cell across all species. They cover all seafloor habitat depths between 10 and 1400 m that have a mean summer salinity above 28 PSU. Two layers are provided for each species: 1) predicted species occurrence (prob_occur) and 2) the probability that a grid cell is an occurrence hotspot for that species (hotspot_prob; defined as being in the lower of: 1) 0.8, or 2) the 80th percentile of the predicted probability of occurrence values across all grid cells that had a probability of occurrence greater than 0.05.). The first measure provides an overall prediction of the distribution of the species while the second metric identifies areas where that species is most likely to be found, accounting for uncertainty within our model. All layers are provided at a 1 km resolution. Methods: These layers were developed using a species distribution model described in Thompson et al. 2023. This model integrates data from three fisheries-independent surveys: the Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) Groundfish Synoptic Bottom Trawl Surveys (Sinclair et al. 2003; Anderson et al. 2019), the DFO Groundfish Hard Bottom Longline Surveys (Lochead and Yamanaka 2006, 2007; Doherty et al. 2019), and the International Pacific Halibut Commission Fisheries Independent Setline Survey (IPHC 2021). Further details on the methods are found in the metadata PDF available with the dataset. Abstract from Thompson et al. 2023: Predictions of the distribution of groundfish species are needed to support ongoing marine spatial planning initiatives in Canadian Pacific waters. Data to inform species distribution models are available from several fisheries-independent surveys. However, no single survey covers the entire region and different gear types are required to survey the range of habitats that are occupied by groundfish. Bottom trawl gear is used to sample soft bottom habitat, predominantly on the continental shelf and slope, whereas longline gear often focuses on nearshore and hardbottom habitats where trawling is not possible. Because data from these two gear types are not directly comparable, previous species distribution models in this region have been limited to using data from one survey at a time, restricting their spatial extent and usefulness at a regional scale. Here we demonstrate a method for integrating presence-absence data across surveys and gear types that allows us to predict the coastwide distributions of 66 groundfish species in British Columbia. Our model leverages the use of available data from multiple surveys to estimate how species respond to environmental gradients while accounting for differences in catchability by the different surveys. Overall, we find that this integrated method has two main benefits: 1) it increases the accuracy of predictions in data-limited surveys and regions while having negligible impacts on the accuracy when data are already sufficient to make predictions, 2) it reduces uncertainty, resulting in tighter confidence intervals on predicted species occurrences. These benefits are particularly relevant in areas of our coast where our understanding of habitat suitability is limited due to a lack of spatially comprehensive long-term groundfish research surveys. Data Sources: Research data was provided by Pacific Science’s Groundfish Data Unit for research surveys from the GFBio database between 2003 and 2020 for all species which had at least 150 observations, across all gear type and survey datasets available. Uncertainties: These are modeled results based on species observations at sea and their related environmental covariate predictions that may not always accurately reflect real-world groundfish distributions though methods that integrate different data types/sources have been demonstrated to improve model inference by increasing the accuracy of the predictions and reducing uncertainty.

Description: Spatial information on the distribution of juvenile Pacific salmon is needed to support Marine Spatial Planning in the Pacific Region of Canada. Here we provide spatial estimates of the distribution of juvenile fish in the Strait of Georgia for all five species of Pacific salmon. These estimates were generated using a spatiotemporal generalized linear model and are based on standardized fishery-independent survey data from the Strait of Georgia mid-water juvenile salmon mid-water trawl survey from 2010 to 2020. We provide predicted catch per unit effort (CPUE), year-to-year variation in CPUE, and prediction uncertainty for both summer (June–July) and fall (September–October) at a 0.5 km resolution, covering the majority of the strait. These results show that the surface 75 m of the entire Strait of Georgia is habitat for juvenile salmon from June through early October, but that distributions within the strait differ across species and across seasons. While there is interannual variability in abundances and distributions, our analysis identifies areas that have consistently high abundances across years. The results from this study illustrate juvenile habitat use in the Strait of Georgia for the five species of Pacific salmon and can support ongoing marine spatial planning initiatives in the Pacific region of Canada. Methods: Juvenile Salmon Survey Data This analysis is based on surveys conducted between 2010 and 2020. Sets that lasted between 12 and 50 minutes and at depths less than or equal to 60 m (head rope depth) were included. The resulting survey dataset consists of 1588 sets. The analysis included all five species of Pacific salmon. For pink salmon, only even year surveys were included as they have a two-year life cycle and are effectively absent from the Strait in odd years. Geostatistical model of salmon abundance and Predictions We estimated the spatial distribution and abundance of each species of Pacific Salmon using geostatistical models fit with sdmTMB (Anderson et al. 2022). For each species, we modelled the number of individuals caught in a set, at a location and time using a negative binomial observation model with a log link. Predictions were made for each survey season (summer and fall) in each year from 2010 to 2020 over a 500 m by 500 m grid based on a 3 km buffer around the outer concave hull of the trawl coordinates. The concave hull was calculated using the ‘sf_concave_hull’ function from the sf package using a concavity ratio of 0.3, and excluding holes. Predictions were made as catch per unit effort (CPUE, for 60 minutes) for tows conducted in the surface waters (i.e., head rope at 0 m). Continuous estimates are provided at a 0.5 km resolution throughout the Strait of Georgia. These estimates consist of 1) mean catch per unit effort (CPUE), 2) year-to-year coefficient of variation (CV) of CPUE as a measure of the temporal variability, 3) binned biscale measures of mean vs. CV of CPUE to distinguish areas where abundance is consistently high vs. areas where it is high on average, but with high year-to-year variability, and 4) mean standard error in CPUE as a measure of uncertainty. See Thompson and Neville for full method details. Uncertainties: Although the models had relatively low uncertainty and the estimated spatial patterns reflected the spatial and temporal variation in CPUE in the surveys, it is important to understand the limitations of these model predictions. Because juvenile salmon are often aggregated, there is high variability in the CPUE in the survey data. Our model predictions represent the geometric mean CPUE and so are an average expectation, but do not reproduce the high inter-tow variability that is present in the survey data. Spatially, our predictions have low uncertainty in areas that are central within the standard survey track line. However, uncertainty is higher on the margins of the survey area, where there are fewer sets to inform those predictions. Data Sources: Juvenile salmon survey database from Salmon Marine Interactions Program, REEFF, ESD, Pacific Biological Station. Data is also available through Canadian Data Report of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences publications.

PURPOSE: Support age-structured population stock assessments and research on fish growth. DESCRIPTION: Fish otoliths are collected from scientific surveys, fisheries observers on fishing vessels and from scientific sampling of commercial fisheries. The otoliths collected are placed in paper envelopes, recorded and held in a climate-controlled storage facility. Age determination is performed yearly on available samples. Digital images of each pair of otoliths collected are captured when possible. The information made available through this metadata record is the summary of otoliths present in the collection at the Gulf Fisheries Centre in Moncton, NB, Canada. The number of otoliths available from different sources by year and month is provided for the following stocks: - Atlantic Cod NAFO Divisions 4T / 4VN (Nov. to Apr.) - White Hake NAFO Division 4T - American Plaice NAFO Division 4T - Winter Flounder NAFO Division 4T - Yellowtail Flounder NAFO Division 4T - Witch Flounder NAFO Divisions 4RST - Skate species NAFO Division 4T There is additional information of observed sex, length, weight and age information of fish specimens made by trained Fisheries and Oceans Canada technicians that can be made available upon request. PARAMETERS COLLECTED: length (biological), age (biological) NOTES ON QUALITY CONTROL: Reference collections for certain species exist and are used to train technicians and to calibrate the age readings obtained by the fisheries technicians that use the otoliths for age estimation. Digital images of the otoliths that are part of the reference collection are available and used for calibration and training purposes. The otolith images are also authoritatively annotated by fisheries technicians. PHYSICAL SAMPLE DETAILS: Fish otoliths, skate vertebrae SAMPLING METHODS: Marine fish otoliths are obtained from fish specimens collected during research surveys and during scientific sampling of commercial fisheries. The sagittal otoliths are removed from sampled specimens, recorded, placed in a protective medium and held in a climate-controlled storage facility. Digital images of each pair of otoliths collected are captured when possible. USE LIMITATION: To ensure scientific integrity and appropriate use of the data, we would encourage you to contact the data custodian.

These datasets provide information pertaining to sediment grain size, porosity, organic content, total carbon and nitrogen concentrations, trace element concentrations, chlorophyll and phaeopigment concentrations, and meiofauna and macrofaunal abundance in Simoom Sound between November, 2000, and February, 2001. Data formatting of files were performed by Meagan Mak. Sutherland et al (2023) covers the benthic component of a broader project investigating potential modification of marine ecosystems by shrimp trawling and trapping on the central coast of British Columbia. Sediment and infaunal samples were collected before and after fishing with commercial fishing gear consisting of otter-trawl, beam-trawl, and trap-lines. Simoom Sound was sampled in November 2000 and February 2001. Tabulated data of sediment characteristics that include sediment grain size, porosity, carbon and nitrogen content, trace-element, and chlorophyll concentrations are presented in this report. In addition, the infaunal data are comprised of both macrofaunal and meiofaunal communities.

Canadian nesting zones are broad, general areas, corresponding roughly to Bird Conservation Regions (version 2014. updates have been made in 2022) https://www.canada.ca/en/environment-climate-change/services/avoiding-harm-migratory-birds/general-nesting-periods/nesting-periods.html The limits of nesting zones reflect: - variations in species diversity - variations in mean annual temperature - similarities in the nesting periods within and between zones Changes in the nesting period between adjacent nesting zones occur as a gradient. When working near the boundary of a zone, you should also consider the nesting period of the adjacent zone.. More detail technical information are available here: https://publications.gc.ca/site/eng/9.843362/publication.html Warning: This technical information on timing of nesting migratory birds are published by EC to support the planning of activities in order to reduce the risk of detrimental effects to migratory birds, their nests and eggs. This technical information constitutes advice only. This information does not provide an authorization for harming or killing migratory birds or for the disturbance, destruction or taking of nests or eggs as prohibited under the MBR. This information does not provide a guarantee that the activities will avoid contravening the MBR or other laws and regulations. This is general information not intended to be relied on as official advice concerning the legal consequences of any specific activity. It is not a substitute for the MBCA, the MBR, or any other legislation. It is the responsibility of individuals and companies to assess their risk with regards to migratory birds and design relevant avoidance and mitigation measures.

Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) conducts an annual summer multidisciplinary scientific survey with a bottom trawl in the Estuary and the northern Gulf of St. Lawrence since 1984. Over the years, this survey has been conducted on four vessels: the MV Lady Hammond (1984-1990), the CCGS Alfred Needler (1990-2005), the CCGS Teleost (2004-2021) and the CCGS Cabot (2022-current). It is important to note that the objectives, the methods used and the identification of the species during these surveys have improved over time in response to DFO requests and mandates. The data are therefore not directly comparable between these surveys. The specificities of the missions onboard the MV Lady Hammond are described below. Objectives: 1. Assess groundfish populations abundance and condition 2. Assess environmental conditions 3. Conduct a biodiversity inventory of benthic and demersal megafauna 4. Monitor the pelagic ecosystem 5. Collect samples for various research projects Survey description The survey covers the northern Gulf of St. Lawrence, that is the divisions 4R, 4S and the northern part of division 4T of the Northwest Atlantic Fisheries Organization (NAFO). A stratified random sampling strategy is used for this survey and the fishing gear used on the MV Lady Hammond is a bottom trawl Western IIA. Standard trawling tows last 30 minutes, starting from the time the trawl touches the sea floor. Towing speed is 3.5 knots. Data For each fishing tow, the catch is sorted and weighed by taxa; individuals are counted and biological data are collected on a sub-sample. For fish, crab and squid, size and weight are measured by individual and, for some species, sex, gonad maturity, and the weight of certain organs (stomach, liver, gonads) are also evaluated. The soft rays of the anal fin are counted for redfish and otoliths are collected for redfish and Atlantic cod. Invertebrates are weighted and counted (no individual measurements). The biological data are divided into 4 files: a “Metadata” file containing set information, a “Catches” file containing catches per set for fish taxa, a “Carbio” file containing biological and morphometric measurements per individual and a “Freql” file containing the length frequency of fish. It's important to note that this is raw data. Only sets considered successful are retained. In each set, all species are kept, with a few exceptions. For more information please contact the data management team (gddaiss-dmsaisb@dfo-mpo.gc.ca).

Ecodomains are areas broad climatic uniformity, defined at the global level

Distribution of Black Oystercatcher habitat in coastal British Columbia showing relative abundance (RA) by season and overall relative importance (RI). RI is based on project region and not on the province as a whole. CRIMS is a legacy dataset of BC coastal resource data that was acquired in a systematic and synoptic manner from 1979 and was intermittently updated throughout the years. Resource information was collected in nine study areas using a peer-reviewed provincial Resource Information Standards Committee consisting of DFO Fishery Officers, First Nations, and other subject matter experts. There are currently no plans to update this legacy data.