Bay of Fundy Seafloor Habitat Classification

2021 research presents a seafloor habitat map for the Bay of Fundy, Canada, derived from multibeam bathymetry, backscatter, and oceanographic data. The dataset classifies the benthoscape into 7 distinct habitat classes using an unsupervised classification method validated with in-situ imagery. It was published by Fisheries and Oceans Canada in May 2023.

Use Cases

• Train a geospatial model to predict the 7 habitat classes (e.g., Bedrock and Boulders, Silt) from derived environmental variables like slope and bathymetric position index.
• Analyze the spatial correlation between the classified benthoscape units and oceanographic variables such as wave-shear current velocity.
• Validate habitat classification accuracy by comparing the acoustically separated spatial units against in-situ imagery data.
• Map the distribution of specific substrates like Gravelly Sand or Tidal Scoured Mixed Sediments for marine spatial planning.

Strengths

• Classification into 7 distinct and ecologically relevant seafloor habitat classes.
• Derived from multiple data sources including multibeam bathymetry, backscatter, and oceanographic information.
• Method validated with in-situ imagery data, grounding the classification in observed biology and geomorphology.

Limitations

• Spatial coverage is limited to the Bay of Fundy, Northwest Atlantic, Canada, limiting broader geographic application.
• The unsupervised classification method's accuracy is dependent on the quality and resolution of the source multibeam and backscatter data.
• Dataset size, row count, and specific column structure are not provided, complicating assessment of its scale for machine learning.

Provenance

Source

Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Population Ecology Division.

Collection Method

Unsupervised classification of spatial units derived from multibeam bathymetry (slope, bathymetric position index), backscatter, and oceanographic data (wave-shear current velocity), validated with in-situ imagery.

Time Range

Publication date is May 2023, based on 2021 research.

Freshness

Last updated March 2026, indicating active maintenance.

Geography

Bay of Fundy, Northwest Atlantic, Canada.