Aquatic Invasive Species Monitoring in Newfoundland and Labrador Since 2006

Fisheries and Oceans Canada's monitoring program tracks the distribution of aquatic invasive species in the Newfoundland and Labrador Region. The program, established in 2006, uses standardized methods including biofouling collector plates, eDNA sampling, and SCUBA surveys at georeferenced sites. Data provides an overview of species like the Golden star tunicate detected since 2006.

Use Cases

• Analyze the spread of specific invasive species like the Golden star tunicate across georeferenced monitoring sites over time.
• Model species richness and relative abundance trends using data from standardized biofouling collector plates deployed annually.
• Correlate detection events from methods like eDNA, qPCR, and SCUBA surveys with environmental factors at high-risk harbours and marinas.
• Assess the establishment and distribution of seven known invasive biofouling organisms in coastal areas using long-term survey records.

Strengths

• Long-term monitoring program with data collection spanning from 2006 to the present.
• Standardized protocols across multiple regions, including specific collector plate designs and deployment durations from May to October.
• Data collection employs multiple detection methods, including settlement plates, eDNA, qPCR, and SCUBA surveys.

Limitations

• Sample data and specific column structure (e.g., species counts, coordinates) are unavailable for review in the input.
• The description notes data for several freshwater invasive species is not currently available.
• The dataset's total row count and file size are unknown.

Provenance

Source

Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) Newfoundland and Labrador Region.

Collection Method

Annual field surveys using biofouling collector plates, trapping, seining, eDNA water samples, qPCR, SCUBA, and video surveys at docks, marinas, and harbours.

Time Range

2006 to present.

Freshness

Data is published and updated, with a last updated timestamp of March 2026.

Geography

Newfoundland and Labrador (NL) Region coastal waters, harbours, marinas, and coastal areas.