Large Gorgonian Coral Fields in the Scotian Shelf from Western IIA Trawl Surveys

Polygons identifying dense aggregations of large gorgonian corals were derived from kernel density analysis of research vessel by-catch data on Canada's east coast. Fisheries and Oceans Canada created this dataset using a 0.5 kg catch weight threshold to define coral fields within the Scotian Shelf biogeographic zone. The data also includes tow positions for other vulnerable species like black coral and unique sponge populations.

Use Cases

• Map vulnerable marine ecosystems based on identified coral and sponge aggregations
• Analyze habitat distribution patterns based on kernel density analysis of by-catch data
• Assess fishing pressure impacts based on the inclusion of long-lived, non-aggregating taxa like black coral
• Model biogeographic zone differences based on the analysis performed across five eastern Canadian zones

Strengths

• Data is derived from spatial analysis of research vessel survey by-catch data, suggesting a systematic collection method
• Aggregations are defined using a specific 0.5 kg minimum catch weight threshold for large gorgonian corals
• Analysis covers five distinct biogeographic zones of eastern Canada, providing regional context

Limitations

• Column-level documentation is absent; field semantics must be inferred after download
• Row count is unknown, which may limit suitability assessment
• Freshness should be verified; last updated date is 2026-05-08 08:01:45.558550

Provenance

Source

Fisheries and Oceans Canada

Collection Method

Spatial analysis of research vessel survey by-catch data using kernel density and catch weight thresholds

Freshness

Last updated 2026-05-08 08:01:45.558550

Geography

Scotian Shelf biogeographic zone on the east coast of Canada