Canadian Aquatic Species at Risk Distribution Polygons and Lines

Geospatial data identifying areas where aquatic species listed under Canada's Species at Risk Act may be found. The dataset contains distribution and range information for species listed as Endangered, Threatened, or Special Concern. Data were assembled by regional biologists using COSEWIC reports, academic literature, and expert opinion to support protection and recovery efforts.

Use Cases

• Map critical habitats for conservation planning based on described distribution polygons and lines.
• Analyze spatial overlap between species ranges and human activities based on geospatial range data.
• Support regulatory decisions under the Species at Risk Act based on officially listed species distributions.
• Visualize species distribution changes over time by comparing with recovery strategy maps.

Strengths

• Data is compiled by regional SARA biologists using expert opinion and official reports.
• Spatial data supports legally mandated protection under the Species at Risk Act.
• Includes species listed under three distinct risk categories: Endangered, Threatened, and Special Concern.

Limitations

• Column-level documentation is absent; field semantics must be inferred after download.
• Discrepancies may exist between this spatial data and official recovery documents.
• Row count is unknown, which may limit suitability assessment.

Provenance

Source

Fisheries and Oceans Canada

Collection Method

Assembled by regional SARA biologists using COSEWIC status reports, recovery potential assessments, academic literature, and expert opinion.

Time Range

null

Freshness

Last updated 2026-03-24 08:41:57.883773; freshness should be verified.

Geography

Canada