Northern Bottlenose Whale Habitat in Eastern Scotian Shelf Inter-Canyon Areas

A geospatial dataset delineating important inter-canyon habitat for the endangered Scotian Shelf population of northern bottlenose whales. The data integrates findings from year-round passive acoustic monitoring (2012-2014), vessel-based acoustic surveys, and photo-identification records (2001-2017). It identifies foraging and movement corridors between the Gully, Shortland, and Haldimand canyons.

Use Cases

• Analyze the spatial relationship between the inter-canyon habitat polygon and the 500 m depth contour used in its delineation.
• Model whale movement patterns and habitat connectivity using photo-identification data referenced in the study.
• Assess seasonal whale presence by integrating the dataset with acoustic detection records showing a spring peak.

Strengths

• Integrates multiple data sources: passive acoustic monitoring (2012-2014), vessel surveys, and long-term photo-identification (2001-2017).
• Based on a peer-reviewed scientific study (Stanistreet et al. in press) assessing distribution, movements, and habitat use.
• Explicitly identifies the polygon's boundary criteria (500 m depth contour and lines connecting existing critical habitat areas).

Limitations

• The habitat boundaries are based on limited spatial information for deeper waters, particularly the southeastern boundary.
• The full extent of important habitat for the population remains unknown, as noted in the source description.
• The dataset's underlying sample data and specific row/column structure are not provided in the input.

Provenance

Source

Fisheries and Oceans Canada, based on a study by Stanistreet et al.

Collection Method

Integration of passive acoustic monitoring, vessel-based acoustic surveys, and photo-identification data analysis.

Time Range

Primary acoustic data from 2012-2014; photo-identification data spans 2001-2017.

Freshness

Last updated 2026-03-24.

Geography

Eastern Scotian Shelf, specifically inter-canyon areas between the Gully, Shortland, and Haldimand canyons.