Regional Freshwater Index Layers for Pacific Nearshore Species Distribution Modelling

Five single-band raster layers in GeoTIFF format representing a freshwater influence index for five marine regions in the Pacific nearshore. The dataset, published by Fisheries and Oceans Canada, is derived from the B.C. Freshwater Atlas and was last updated on 2026-03-24. Its main purpose is to supplement salinity layers in species distribution models by capturing local freshwater influence from rivers and streams.

Use Cases

• Enhancing species habitat suitability models based on the freshwater influence index layer.
• Comparing relative freshwater influence across marine regions based on the 0-1 scaled index values.
• Complementing oceanographic salinity data in ecological analyses based on the dataset's stated purpose.

Strengths

• Data is derived from the authoritative B.C. Freshwater Atlas, including stream network and river polygon layers.
• Layers have consistent spatial resolution and extent with other predictor layers for corresponding regions.
• Index values are scaled 0-1 across regions to enable inter-regional comparison.

Limitations

• Row count and column-level documentation are unknown, which may limit suitability assessment.
• Values are an index of freshwater influence, not a direct measure of salinity, and are not a replacement for salinity data.
• Some regions have very small index values due to the dominant influence of the Salish Sea and Fraser River.

Provenance

Source

Fisheries and Oceans Canada

Collection Method

Derived from the B.C. Freshwater Atlas (stream network and river polygons), with methods detailed in supplemental metadata.

Time Range

null

Freshness

Last updated 2026-03-24 08:14:33.458780; freshness should be verified.

Geography

Five marine regions in the Pacific nearshore: Nearshore_HG, Nearshore_NCC, Nearshore_QCS, Nearshore_WCVI, and Shelf_SalishSea.