Critical Habitat for Endangered Aquatic Species in Canada

Fisheries and Oceans Canada provides geospatial data identifying critical habitat for aquatic species listed as Endangered or Threatened under the Species at Risk Act. The data is assembled by regional biologists and recovery teams to support legal protection and recovery efforts. It is available in formats including FGDB/GDB and ESRI REST.

Use Cases

• Map critical habitat boundaries for Endangered or Threatened aquatic species to support regulatory compliance under the Species at Risk Act.
• Analyze spatial overlap of critical habitat features with proposed development or construction projects to assess potential impacts.
• Support species recovery planning by integrating habitat data from Recovery Strategies and Action Plans into conservation models.

Strengths

• Data is derived from authoritative provincial geospatial products and standards, ensuring a reliable baseline.
• Information is compiled by SARA regional biologists and expert recovery teams, providing expert validation.
• The dataset supports a clear legal mandate under the Species at Risk Act for habitat protection.

Limitations

• Mapped representations may not align exactly with natural watercourses due to data resolution and the dynamic nature of aquatic systems.
• The dataset's completeness is contingent on the status of individual species' Recovery Strategies and Action Plans.
• General guidance nature of the mapping tool means discrepancies must be resolved by consulting official recovery documents.

Provenance

Source

Fisheries and Oceans Canada

Collection Method

Assembled by SARA regional biologists and recovery teams based on provincial geospatial products and species recovery documents.

Time Range

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Freshness

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Geography

Canada