Lobster Density and Size Measurements from Southern Gulf SCUBA Transects

Fisheries and Oceans Canada collected data on lobster density and structure via SCUBA surveys in the Southern Gulf. The dataset includes total transects surveyed and total lobsters measured per site per year, with parameters for size measurement, species counts, and substrate assessment. Data collection employed a strip transect method where divers sampled alongside a 100-meter leaded rope.

Use Cases

• Model lobster population density trends by site and year using total transects and total lobsters measured.
• Analyze carapace length and sex distribution for lobsters ≥20 mm to study growth and demographics.
• Assess habitat suitability by correlating substrate types (rocky reefs, sand, boulders) with lobster counts.
• Map survey effort and lobster presence using site coordinates, excluding sites without coordinate data.

Strengths

• Data collected by a national government agency, Fisheries and Oceans Canada, ensuring authoritative sourcing.
• Parameters include biological (size), ecological (species counts), and geological (substrate) measurements for multi-faceted analysis.
• Standardized strip transect survey method using a 100-meter rope marked at 5-meter intervals for consistent data collection.

Limitations

• Some surveyed sites lack coordinate data, limiting spatial analysis and mapping for those locations.
• Sample size and temporal coverage are unspecified, preventing assessment of dataset scale and time range.
• Data use requires contacting the custodian, which may delay access and analysis.

Provenance

Source

Fisheries and Oceans Canada

Collection Method

SCUBA-based strip transect surveys using a 100-meter leaded rope; divers measured carapace length and sexed lobsters ≥20 mm, while assessing habitat complexity in 5-meter sections.

Time Range

null

Freshness

Last updated March 2026, indicating recent maintenance.

Geography

Southern Gulf, nearshore rocky reef habitats.