Biological Sensitivity Mapping for Oil Spill Response in Quebec

Geospatial data layers identify sensitive marine species and habitats in the Quebec region for oil spill preparedness and response. The dataset includes mapped features such as eelgrass beds, tidal marshes, macroalgal beds, bivalves, and marine mammals. It was created by Fisheries and Oceans Canada in collaboration with the Université du Québec à Rimouski to support the Planning for an Environmental Response (PIER) initiative.

Use Cases

• Identify priority eelgrass bed and tidal marsh areas for protection in the first 72 hours following an oil spill.
• Analyze spatial overlap between marine mammal distributions and high-traffic shipping zones to assess spill risk.
• Support environmental response planning by integrating mapped layers for bivalves and macroalgal beds into decision support tools.

Strengths

• Data developed specifically for environmental emergency response under the Government of Canada's Oceans Protection Plan.
• Includes multiple mapped biological components (eelgrass, marshes, macroalgae, bivalves, marine mammals) identified through a 2018 vulnerability analysis.
• Created through collaboration between DFO-Quebec and academic partners (Université du Québec à Rimouski).

Limitations

• Specific spatial resolution, row counts, and column definitions for the geospatial layers are not provided.
• Data coverage is focused on the Quebec region, limiting applicability to other parts of Canada without similar mapping efforts.
• The underlying data collection methodologies and potential temporal gaps for each biological component are not detailed.

Provenance

Source

Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Quebec Region, under the Planning for an Environmental Response (PIER) initiative.

Collection Method

Collaborative mapping projects with Université du Québec à Rimouski and consultation with DFO-Science data producers, following a 2018 vulnerability analysis of the St. Lawrence.

Time Range

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Freshness

Last updated on March 24, 2026.

Geography

Quebec region, Canada, with a focus on coastal areas of the St. Lawrence.