Kelp Bed Characterization at Batture-aux-Alouettes 2018-2019

2018-2019 field study characterizing the kelp bed at Batture-aux-Alouettes near Tadoussac, Quebec. The research involved stratified random sampling across 11 dive sites in 2018 and 429 camera stations in 2019, with 129 stations confirming kelp presence. Data includes biomass estimation, macroalgal species richness, percent cover, and substrate type, linked across three complementary DarwinCore files via an eventID key.

Use Cases

• Estimate kelp biomass using quadrat sampling data linked by eventID across the three data files.
• Analyze macroalgal species richness and percent cover distribution across shallow, medium, and deep depth strata.
• Model the relationship between substrate type and the presence or absence of kelp from 429 camera station observations.
• Assess spatial distribution of kelp and other algal species using event location and sampling protocol information.

Strengths

• Sampling design includes 429 camera stations and 11 dive sites, providing spatial coverage.
• Data is structured in three complementary DarwinCore files with clear linking via an eventID key.
• Temporal coverage spans two separate field phases in 2018 and 2019.

Limitations

• Raw abundance and biomass assessment data requires direct contact with the author and is not included in the provided files.
• Sample sizes for direct quadrat sampling are limited (e.g., 10 stations in 2019).
• Camera-based presence/absence data may have lower resolution than in-situ measurements.

Provenance

Source

Fisheries and Oceans Canada

Collection Method

Stratified random sampling using underwater quadrats and camera systems.

Time Range

2018-2019

Freshness

Data reflects field conditions from 2018-2019.

Geography

Batture-aux-Alouettes, near Tadoussac at the mouth of the Saguenay Fjord, Quebec, Canada.