St. Lawrence Estuary and Gulf Marine Megahabitats Classification

Estuary and Gulf of St. Lawrence seabed data aggregated into 100 km² cells, with 26 variables describing salinity, temperature, dissolved oxygen, depth, slope, and sediment variability. Cluster analysis grouped cells into 13 distinct megahabitats, four for deep waters and nine for areas outside channels. The dataset supports marine habitat mapping for conservation and integrated management purposes.

Use Cases

• Apply cluster analysis on the 26 variables, including salinity and temperature, to validate or extend the existing 13 megahabitat classification.
• Screen areas for protected marine networks by analyzing megahabitat class surface areas derived from depth and slope variables.
• Model species at risk habitats by correlating species presence data with the physiographic and oceanographic features within the 100 km² grid cells.
• Conduct spatial analysis of sediment variability and dissolved oxygen levels across the four deep-water and nine channel-adjacent megahabitats.

Strengths

• Classification is based on 26 distinct physiographic and oceanographic variables, including salinity, temperature, and depth.
• Data aggregation uses a standardized 100 km² grid cell system, enabling consistent spatial analysis.
• Analysis results in a detailed typology of 13 different marine megahabitats for the region.
• Dataset is supported by a published technical report (Can. Tech. Rep. Fish. Aquat. Sci. 2916) detailing the methodology.

Limitations

• The underlying raw data sample size, temporal coverage, and update frequency are not specified.
• As a derived classification product, the original, unaggregated sensor or measurement data is not included.
• Geographic scope is limited to the Estuary and Gulf of St. Lawrence, limiting applicability to other regions.

Provenance

Source

Fisheries and Oceans Canada

Collection Method

Aggregation of oceanographic and physiographic data into a 100 km² grid, followed by cluster analysis to define megahabitats.

Time Range

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Freshness

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Geography

Estuary and Gulf of St. Lawrence, Canada