Sponge and Coral Aggregation Polygons from Newfoundland-Labrador Shelves Trawl Surveys

Polygons identifying concentrations of sea pens, gorgonian corals, and sponges on the east coast of Canada were derived from research vessel by-catch data using kernel density analysis. The data, provided by Fisheries and Oceans Canada, focuses on the Newfoundland-Labrador Shelves biogeographic zone and uses a 200 kg catch threshold to define sponge grounds. It includes positions of tows that captured aggregating species and the non-aggregating black coral.

Use Cases

• Map vulnerable marine ecosystems based on identified sponge and coral aggregations.
• Model habitat suitability for long-lived benthic taxa like black coral based on tow positions.
• Analyze the spatial relationship between different biogeographic zones and species concentrations.
• Inform marine spatial planning and fisheries management using kernel density-derived polygons.

Strengths

• Data derived from a defined analytical method (kernel density analysis) used by NAFO.
• Focuses on a specific biogeographic zone (Newfoundland-Labrador Shelves) with a clear habitat threshold (200 kg sponge catch).
• Includes data for both aggregating species (sponges, sea pens, corals) and a non-aggregating, vulnerable taxon (black coral).

Limitations

• Column-level documentation is absent; field semantics must be inferred after download.
• Row count is unknown, which may limit suitability assessment.
• Data may reflect geographic and methodological bias inherent to the specific trawl gear (Campelen) and survey area.

Provenance

Source

Fisheries and Oceans Canada

Collection Method

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

Time Range

null

Freshness

Last updated 2026-03-24 08:42:55.046041; freshness should be verified.

Geography

East coast of Canada, specifically the Newfoundland-Labrador Shelves biogeographic zone.