Juvenile American Lobster Habitat Associations in Newfoundland

A benthic survey dataset from Fisheries and Oceans Canada investigates juvenile American lobster density, habitat, and depth associations across three nearshore areas of Newfoundland. The study covers a total seabed area of 9,138 m², with data collected via scuba dives in 2017 and 2018. It records lobster densities, substrate types, and vegetation cover at specific geographic sites.

Use Cases

• Analyze juvenile lobster density associations with depth and substrate type across survey sites.
• Model habitat suitability using variables like seabed area, substrate mix, and vegetation cover.
• Compare lobster density and size group distributions between Port Saunders, Fortune Bay, and Placentia Bay areas.

Strengths

• Data collection over a precisely measured total seabed area of 9,138 m².
• Includes specific lobster density measurements (e.g., 0.40 m⁻² in Fortune Bay) and detailed substrate composition percentages.
• Survey conducted by a government science branch (Fisheries and Oceans Canada), ensuring authoritative methodology.

Limitations

• No juvenile lobsters were observed in Placentia Bay, limiting comparative analysis for that area.
• Sample size is constrained to 18 scuba dives across two years, potentially limiting statistical power.
• Geographic scope is limited to three specific nearshore areas within 200 meters of the Newfoundland coast.

Provenance

Source

Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Newfoundland and Labrador Science Branch.

Collection Method

Scuba dive surveys recording lobster observations, substrate type, and vegetation over defined seabed transects.

Time Range

28 September - 2 October 2017 and 30 September - 4 October 2018.

Freshness

Data collected in 2017 and 2018; metadata last updated in 2026.

Geography

Three nearshore areas in Newfoundland, Canada: Port Saunders area, Placentia Bay, and Fortune Bay.