Beluga Summer Density in St. Lawrence Estuary 1990-2009

Fisheries and Oceans Canada provides a geospatial dataset on the relative summer density of belugas in the St. Lawrence Estuary. It is derived from 35 aerial surveys conducted between 1990 and 2009, using kernel density estimation to create a smooth, continuous distribution. The data supports ecosystem-based habitat characterization for the St. Lawrence beluga population.

Use Cases

• Model beluga habitat preferences by analyzing the kernel density estimation output for spatial patterns.
• Assess changes in relative summer density distribution across the 1990-2009 survey period.
• Integrate the density layer with other marine spatial data for ecosystem-based management planning in the St. Lawrence Estuary.
• Define and characterize critical summer habitat boundaries for the St. Lawrence beluga based on the highest density areas.

Strengths

• Data is based on 35 systematic aerial surveys, providing a multi-year observational foundation.
• Covers a significant 20-year time range from 1990 to 2009 for longitudinal analysis.
• Uses kernel density estimation to produce a continuous, smoothed representation of relative density.
• Produced by Fisheries and Oceans Canada with supporting scientific advisory reports.

Limitations

• Data represents relative density, not absolute population counts, limiting quantitative abundance estimates.
• Surveys are limited to summer periods, missing seasonal habitat use patterns.
• The underlying aerial survey methodology and detection probabilities are not detailed in the provided description.

Provenance

Source

Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO), Science Sector.

Collection Method

Aerial surveys and subsequent kernel density estimation analysis.

Time Range

1990 to 2009.

Freshness

Data last updated on the platform in March 2026, but the underlying survey period ended in 2009.

Geography

St. Lawrence Estuary, Canada.