Known Scallop Concentration Areas in the Gulf of St. Lawrence

Polygon data maps historically and currently exploited concentration areas for Sea scallop (Placopecten magellanicus) and Iceland scallop (Chlamys islandica) in the Gulf of St. Lawrence. The mapping integrates research surveys since 1977, exploratory fisheries from 2000-2003, and annual commercial fisheries data. This information is used for resource protection and management needs, with validity until newer survey data is published.

Use Cases

• Analyze the spatial overlap of Sea scallop and Iceland scallop concentration areas to identify key commercial fishing zones.
• Map historical changes in scallop bed extent using survey data from 1977 onwards to study impacts of harvesting and recruitment.
• Use polygon data on commercially exploited areas for environmental incident response planning and resource management.

Strengths

• Data integrates multiple sources including annual research surveys conducted since 1977.
• Polygons represent known and commercially exploited concentration areas, providing focused data for management.
• Information is considered precise enough for resource protection needs in case of an environmental incident.

Limitations

• Polygons may underestimate total concentration areas as data sources targeted known abundant locations.
• The layer does not represent general species distribution or include large unexploited beds.
• Data validity is temporary, pending the publication of more recent research survey results.

Provenance

Source

Fisheries and Oceans Canada, based on scientific consultation documents and research.

Collection Method

Mapping based on research surveys, exploratory fisheries (2000, 2001, 2003), and annual commercial fisheries data.

Time Range

Research survey data since 1977, with specific exploratory fisheries in the early 2000s.

Freshness

Information is valid until newer survey data is published; platform metadata indicates a last update in 2026.

Geography

Gulf of St. Lawrence, specifically coastal waters of Quebec, Canada.