PelagicCormorant

Metadata:

• Identification_Information
• Data_Quality_Information
• Spatial_Data_Organization_Information
• Spatial_Reference_Information
• Entity_and_Attribute_Information
• Distribution_Information
• Metadata_Reference_Information

Identification_Information:

Citation:

Citation_Information:

Originator:

The British Columbia Marine Conservation Analysis (BCMCA), a Tides Canada Initiatives Project

Publication_Date: 03/2010

Title: PelagicCormorant

Geospatial_Data_Presentation_Form: vector digital data

Online_Linkage:

\\vancouverserver\gis\BCMCA\data4Marxan_May2010\Seabirds\nearshore_marxan_features.mdb

Description:

Abstract:

The British Columbia Marine Conservation Analysis (BCMCA) is a collaborative project assembling and analyzing spatial information about Canada's Pacific Ocean. The overall goal of the BCMCA is to identify marine areas of high conservation value and marine areas important to human use. Results of the project are intended to inform and help advance marine planning initiatives in BC by providing collaborative, peer-reviewed scientific analyses based on the best ecological and socio-economic spatial data at scales relevant to a BC coast-wide analysis.

Purpose:

The purpose of this dataset is to incorporate all near shore data identifying Pelagic Cormorant observations, process and summarize weighted densities by BCMCA planning unit to help inform the marine feature identified at the BCMCA Seabirds Workshop. Data presented as 2 km x 2 km planning units for MARXAN analysis.

Supplemental_Information:

This dataset is a compilation of data collected by many people, for different purposes, using different survey techniques with different methodologies within each technique and, therefore, considerable care must be taken when using the data, even for site-specific inquiries. Refer to the original metadata document for data limitations and usage. Title or link is provided within source information. Data was collected, merged and buffered (if applicable) by target feature layer using the following data sources: 1.Bird Studies Canada (BSC) BC Coastal Waterbirds Survey (BCCWS_polygons.shp). 2.Coastal Waterbird Inventory Survey (cwi_bc.shp, cwidat_bc.dbf). 3.BC Ferry Swartz Bay to Tsawwassen (transects_poly150.shp). 4.Victoria Capital Region District Harbours Atlas. (Bird_survey_polygons.shp). 5.CDC Near Shore Bird data.(NearShore_birds_CDC.shp). 6.West Vancouver Island Waterbird Survey. (qwcsln_vi_r2.shp). 7.Burrard Inlet Environmental Action Plan (BIEAP): Winter Bird Surveys 1993-1996 (BIEAP_Subsectors_Albers.shp). 8.CWS Marine Bird Areas of Interest (CWS_Marine_Bird_Areas_of_Interest_May2007.shp). 9.Alan Burger data (Southwest VI Shelf seabirds). 10.Pacific Pelagic Seabird Surveys (Pacific_Pelagic_Seabird_Survey_AreaSurveyed.shp).

Time_Period_of_Content:

Time_Period_Information:

Single_Date/Time:

Calendar_Date: unknown

Currentness_Reference: ground condition

Status:

Progress: In work

Maintenance_and_Update_Frequency: Unknown

Spatial_Domain:

Bounding_Coordinates:

West_Bounding_Coordinate: -135.474661

East_Bounding_Coordinate: -122.350220

North_Bounding_Coordinate: 54.493120

South_Bounding_Coordinate: 48.117000

Keywords:

Theme:

Theme_Keyword_Thesaurus:

REQUIRED: Reference to a formally registered thesaurus or a similar authoritative source of theme keywords.

Theme_Keyword: Pelagic Cormorant

Theme_Keyword: observations

Theme_Keyword: weighted densities

Place:

Place_Keyword: British Columbia

Access_Constraints:

This dataset is subject to the terms and conditions of a data license agreement.

Use_Constraints:

This dataset is subject to the terms and conditions of a data license agreement:

Point_of_Contact:

Contact_Information:

Contact_Organization_Primary:

Contact_Organization: British Columbia Marine Conservation Analysis

Contact_Person: Karin Bodtker

Contact_Position: Co-Chair

Contact_Address:

Address_Type: mailing and physical address

Address: 1405-207 West Hastings Street

City: Vancouver

State_or_Province: BC

Postal_Code: V6B 1H7

Country: Canada

Contact_Voice_Telephone: 604-696-5044

Contact_Electronic_Mail_Address: kbodtker@livingoceans.org

Native_Data_Set_Environment:

Microsoft Windows XP Version 5.1 (Build 2600) Service Pack 2; ESRI ArcCatalog 9.3.1.3500

Data_Quality_Information:

Lineage:

Source_Information:

Source_Contribution:

Bird Studies Canada (BSC) BC Coastal Waterbirds Survey. Dataset name: BCCWS_polygons.shp. Metadata document: Coastal Waterbird Survey summary metadata March 2007.doc. Volunteer-based monitoring program for coastal waterbirds started in September 1999. The monthly surveys are shoreline-based for the period of September through April. Observers undertake surveys at sites with clearly defined boundaries once per month from September through April, and identify and count all coastal waterbirds with binoculars and/or spotting scope. Purpose is to obtain a relative index of coastal waterbird populations and information on the distribution and ecology of wintering coastal waterbirds in BC. Dataset supplied includes spatial layer. All bird occurrences and counts stored in a raw data format and included within excel spreadsheet; approx 75,000 records. Bird occurrences are documented by site location, rather than individual sighting locations and can be joined to spatial polygon data via SiteCode. Refer to original metadata document (listed above) for more information regarding survey background, methodology and data limitations.

Source_Information:

Source_Contribution:

Coastal Waterbird Inventory Survey. Dataset name: cwi_bc.shp. Associated tables: cwidat_bc.dbf, cwilut_bc.dbf. Metadata document: cwi_meatadata_26March07.doc. Extent: Coast Wide. Compilation of data from Duck Unlimited and Canadian Wildlife Service. Includes ground surveys (back to 1919), boat surveys, and aerial surveys. The surveys were conducted with the primary purpose of locating concentrations of waterbirds on the coast of British Columbia. Originally the data were received in five separate files (CWIF1.DBF, CWIF2.DBF, CWIF3.DBF, CWIF4.DBF, CWIF5.DBF) and were combined into above tables. Refer to original metadata document (listed above) for more information regarding survey background, methodology and data limitations.

Source_Information:

Source_Contribution:

BC Ferry Swartz Bay to Tsawwassen. Dataset name: transects_poly150.shp. Metadata document: ferrySurveys_meta20080208.doc. Extent: Southern Strait of Georgia. Strip transects conducted aboard BC Ferry vessel transiting between the Swartz Bay and Tsawwassen terminals. Counts were conducted during four back to back crossings, on each of three consecutive days (for a total of 12 crossings) each month. The area (km2) surveyed was determined using the width on either side of vessel 150m. DBF table (Survey_data) contains estimated segment length, survey width, and area. Bird densities derived from counts/area (km sq). Spatial data supplied consists of line shapefile with original transect linework, and polygon shapefile with transects buffered to a 300m total width. Refer to original metadata document (listed above) for more information regarding survey background, methodology and data limitations.

Source_Information:

Source_Contribution:

Victoria Capital Region District Harbours Atlas. Dataset name: Bird_survey_polygons.shp. Metadata document: Not supplied, however, updated using ArcCatalog. CRD supplied 2 spatial polygon layers (Bird_survey_polygons & VEHEAP_Harbours_Sub_Areas), 2 DBF's (HARB9798 & HARB99), and 2 excel workbooks (Biird_S_Graphs & Bird_Survey_wo_Marine-Birds_By_Area_And_Season). Polygons used for displaying data from 1997-1999 bird surveys. Includes Portage Inlet, Gorge Waterway, Victoria Harbour, Esquimalt Harbour, and Esquimalt Lagoon. Note: Used HEIR (TRIM where there was no HEIR) shore combined with polygons digitized from un-projected file used for original survey.

Source_Information:

Source_Contribution:

CDC Near Shore Bird data. Dataset name: NearShore_birds_CDC.shp. Mapped areas of land/water (Element Occurrence) in which a species or ecological community is, or was, present and provincial ranking applied. The CDC follows NatureServe mapping methodology whereby Element Occurances are depicted as polygons. Locations are supplied via lat/long coordinates, and buffered according to locational uncertainties. Original metadata document: Online <http://www.env.gov.bc.ca/cdc/gis/eo_data_fields_06.htm>

Source_Information:

Source_Contribution:

West Vancouver Island Waterbird Survey. Dataset name: qwcsln_vi_r2.shp. Metadata document: pwrc_meta_WVI_birds_1999-2000.doc. Extent: West Coast Vancouver Island. The data supplied are the results of six aerial surveys of waterbirds conducted on the west coast of Vancouver Island during the spring of 1999 and the winter of 2000. The surveys covered approximately 50% of the 3900 km shoreline between Cape Scott and Port San Juan. Two observers, both in the rear of the aircraft, recorded all birds along transect within 50 m of either side of the plane. A third person, seated in the front, recorded the observations. Supplied datasets: line shapefile storing transect data and point shapefile storing transect point locations (lat/long). Excel spreadsheet with raw survey data - bird occurrences and counts. Refer to original metadata document (listed above) for more information regarding survey background, methodology and data limitations.

Source_Information:

Source_Contribution:

Laskeek Bay Sea Surveys 2001-2008. Raw data: excel format. Metadata Document: Sea Survey Methods.doc Extent: Laskeek bay,as far north as Kingui Island, and as far south as Haswell and Reef Island. See "Key" worksheet in Laskeek Bay Sea Surveys 2001-2008.xls for a map. The purpose of this survey: 1. Measure the abundance and distribution of marine birds and mammals. 2. Monitor inter-annual changes in Marbled Murrelet at-sea populations. 3. Record inter-annual changes in sea-surface temperature (SST) in Laskeek Bay. Data was collected by observers in boats following pre-determined transect lines. Transect mid point coordinates and survey data are supplied within the excel workbook.

Source_Information:

Source_Contribution:

CWS Burrard Inlet Environmental Action Plan (BIEAP): Winter Bird Surveys 1993-1996: Spatial Trends in the Distribution and Abundance of Water Birds in Burrard Inlet during Selected Winter Months in 1993 and 1994. Dataset name: BIEAP_Subsectors_Albers.shp. Tables: Max_Month_Subsector_Taxo.tbl Metadata Document: BIEAP_1993_1994_DatabaseMetadata.doc Extent: English Bay, Burrard Inlet, and Indian Arm. The Goal of this dataset was to analyse and summarize ~15000 sightings of more than 100 bird species collected 1993 to 1995 (second half of data collected was omitted due to differing observational methodology). Counts were from observers traversing shoreline by boat, bike or car with binoculars or spotting telescopes. The data consists of counts stored in an access database, and corresponding polygonal shapefiles divided into sectors and subsectors that can be cross referenced to the count data in the access database. Observation locations were added to pre-made polygons along the shore of the study area. Refer to original metadata document (listed above) for more information regarding survey background, methodology and data limitations.

Source_Information:

Source_Contribution:

CWS Marine Bird Areas of Interest. Dataset name: CWS_Marine_Bird_Areas_of_Interest_May2007.shp. Metadata document: CWS Marine Bird Areas of Interest project_May2007_meta.doc. Extent: Coast Wide. Dataset incorporates a variety a seabird data sources. Combines data from other requested datasets: Coastal Waterbird inventory, Moulting Seaducks, Seabird Ship Surveys, WVI Waterbird Survey, Herring Spawn, Pelagic Seabird Survey. All data was placed into a single table, and as a result, some polygons are included multiple times due to a polygon meeting the selection criteria for more than one species. Refer to original metadata document (listed above) for more information regarding survey background, methodology and data limitations.

Source_Information:

Source_Contribution:

Alan Burger data: Southwest VI Shelf seabirds (Data and leg files: shf_data, shf_plotted_data, tb_data, tb_plotted_data). Metadata document: Burger methodology.doc. Other documentation: legend_beale_new_cjg.xls. Extent: West Coast Vancouver Island. Data supplied and organized in two folders: Data Files and Leg files. Folders contain various files for each traverse of the transect carried out by Dr. A. Burger off the West Coast of Vancouver Island. Each of the leg files contains minute by minute observation location for a coordinating bird observation data file. Process to spatially locate bird observation data from 1987 to 1995 undertaken by Catherine Griffiths (GIS Consultant). Refer to original metadata document (listed above) for more information regarding survey background, methodology and data limitations.

Source_Information:

Source_Contribution:

Pelagic Seabird Survey. Dataset name: Pacific_Pelagic_Seabird_Survey_areasurveyed.shp. Metadata document: Pelagic_Seabird_Survey_Metadata Apr 02_08.doc. Extent: Coast Wide. Pelagic bird surveys were conducted along the coast of British Columbia from 1982-2005. Seabirds were counted opportunistically from aboard DFO research vessels traveling along pre-determined routes off the coast of British Columbia. During early surveys, birds were counted in a 180º forward-facing field, from the bow of the vessel out to 250 m on either side (i.e. total survey strip width 500 m). However, since approximately 2006, surveys have been conducted only on one side of the vessel out to 250m. Most observations were made from the deck above the ship's bridge (approximately 15 m above the surface of the water). All seabirds seen within the survey strip were counted, identified to species if possible (otherwise to genus or family) and recorded. Datasets received: 3 feature classes within geodatabase (point, line, and polygon). These 3 feature classes correspond to the same data but simply represent the data as a transect centroid, of the trackline the vessel followed, and the resultant area surveyed. There are also 3 attribute data tables: Species_Survey_Data, Species_Data, Species_Code. Refer to original metadata document (listed above) for more information regarding survey background, methodology and data limitations.

Source_Information:

Source_Contribution: BCMCA 2 km x 2 km planning units for the Canadian Pacific EEZ.

Process_Step:

Process_Description:

<<The methods used to combine datasets to identify areal extents and densities of Pelagic Cormorant observations are as follows >>

Source_Used_Citation_Abbreviation:

\\CRMLTD03\E$\F\Crm1143\Source\080818_SourceDocs\Original_Data\Plants\BCMCA_Plants.gdb

Process_Step:

Process_Description:

-->Prepared BC Coastal Waterbirds Survey dataset: Imported excel worksheets "BCCWS raw data 1, raw data 2, raw data 3" from Coastal Waterbird Survey data '99-'08.xls into a geodatabase. To join tables to spatial, created new field, SITECODE, in all 3 tables. Using field calculator, populated SITECODE field with following formula: [RegionCode]& [SiteNumber]. Create one field storing date (ymd) rather than 3 fields. Populated field using field calculator with the following formula: [Year_]&"/"& [Month_]&"/"& [Day_]. To combine all 3 tables into one table, used the Append tool and appended raw data 2 and raw data 3 to raw data 1 table. Deleted "Year_" Month_" and "Day_" fields using Delete Field tool. Added 3 new fields using Add Field tool: Feature, Data_Source, Dataset_ID. Populated fields using Calculate Field tool. Feature field calculated to equal the SpeciesCode field. Standardized the Feature field naming convention to equal the common name of the marine species rather than the abbreviated species code. Data_Source field calculated to equal the name of the dataset from which data was derived. Dataset_ID field calculated to equal the common dataset identifier as categorized by BCMCA.

Process_Step:

Process_Description:

Re-projected spatial layer from NAD 1983 Albers to NAD 1983 BC Environment Albers using Project tool. All polygons with the same Sitecode were merged so that there were no duplications in the Sitecode field. To ensure areas matched in both the spatial and the survey data, the total shape area in the spatial was summed where duplicate Sitecodes and cross-checked with area recorded in corresponding SiteCode records in raw excel data. Once the areas were verified, duplicate polygons were merged using merge operation (Advanced Editor toolbar) into one and Name field updated to reflect entire survey location. Duplicate SiteCode records were found in GIMA1 (3 records), GIMA2 (4 records), GISE1 (2 records), and QCMA4 (2 records).

Process_Step:

Process_Description:

Using MS Access query, selected all records within raw data table where SpeciesCode = 'PECO' and exported selected species' records into a feature table. To calculate the total number of surveys, two queries were created using Microsoft Access. The first query was created to record all instances of survey dates for all observations by survey polygon (i.e. each date instance was assigned a value of 1), grouped and ordered by polygon. To eliminate duplicate counts (i.e. each species recorded has a survey date), only the first date instance was assigned a value of one. The second query was created to count and sum all date instances within each grouped polygon.

Process_Step:

Process_Description:

For each SiteCode, summarized feature table to get the average bird counts. Included the number of surveys in which the species was sighted and the total number of surveys table. Joined feature table to spatial using SiteCode field and exported into a feature class. Note: a few records in the aspatial table did not have matching SiteCodes within the spatial layer. Deleted all unnecessary fields using Delete Fields tool.

Process_Step:

Process_Description:

<<Prepared Coastal Waterbird Inventory Survey dataset: Using MS Access query, selected all records within cwidat_bc table where SPECIES = 'PECO' and exported selected species' records into a feature table.

Process_Step:

Process_Description:

Re-projected cwi_bc.shp from PCS Albers to NAD 1983 BC Environment Albers using Project tool. Related 2 survey tables (cwilut_bc/cwidat_bc) to spatial, and extracted all spatial lines correlating to target feature into a separate feature class. Reviewed Digitized field and where "F2", spatial lines were merged according to each unique combination of SHOREUNITS2 field to create a one-to-one relationship with the survey data. New fields were created (UNIQUEID, NEWID) in order to provide a link to the corresponding survey data. Where applicable, all null and non-spatially linked shoreunits in the feature tables were deleted in order to maintain the same record count in both the spatial and table (refer to associated text file listing null and non-spatially linked records). Joined cwidat_bc feature table to spatial layer using NEWID field and exported to a feature class. Added 4 new fields using Add Field tool: Feature, DATA_SOURCE, Dataset_ID and Buffer_m. Populated fields using Calculate Field tool. Feature field calculated to equal common name of the marine feature as identified within the COMNAME field. DATA_SOURCE calculated to equal the name of the dataset from which data was derived. Dataset_ID field calculated to equal the common dataset identifier as categorized by BCMCA. Buffer field calculated based on Survey_Method used: 50m radius (ground, air, and unknown surveys), 150m radius (boat surveys). Buffered shorelines using Buffer tool based on Buffer field. Deleted un-necessary fields using Delete Field tool.

Process_Step:

Process_Description:

<<Prepared BC Ferry dataset: Added a new field within the Survey_data table to store the date (within first 6 digits of Transect_ID field) and calculated to read yyyy/mm/dd format. Selected all records within Survey_data where [PECO] > 0. Species' records meeting the criteria were exported into a feature table. To calculate the total number of surveys, two queries were created using Microsoft Access. The first query was created to record all instances of survey dates for all observations by segment (i.e. each date instance was assigned a value of 1), and then grouped and ordered by Segment_ID. To eliminate duplicate counts (i.e. each species recorded has a survey date), only the first date instance was assigned a value of one. The second query was created to count and sum all date instances within each grouped Segment. A similar query to the above was used to calculate the surveys in which species were sighted. Data was recorded in various time intervals along a segment on a given survey date. In these cases, only the first unique survey date was given a count value of one to avoid redundant survey counts and for consistency with the total surveys count.

Process_Step:

Process_Description:

For each Segment_ID, summarized feature table by average bird counts. Included the number of surveys in which the species was sighted and the total number of survey tables. Added 3 fields using Add Field tool: Feature, Data_Source, Dataset_ID. Populated fields using Calculate Field tool. Feature field calculated to equal the common name of the marine species as identified within species code attribute. Data_Source field calculated to equal the name of the dataset from which the data was derived. Dataset_ID field calculated to equal the common dataset identifier as categorized by BCMCA. Joined feature table to spatial layer using Segment_ID field in the table and Segment field in the spatial and exported into a feature class. Re-project from NAD 1983 Albers to NAD 1983 BC Environment Albers using Project tool. Buffered line segments by 150m (radius) using Buffer tool.

Process_Step:

Process_Description:

<<Prepared CRD dataset: Prepared Year_Round_Calcs excel spreadsheet within Biird_S_Graphs.xls and imported to a geodatabase table. Re-formatted Date_field to string and (yyyy/mm/dd) format. Using Microsoft Access query builder, selected all Species equal to 'PECO'. Species' records meeting the criteria were extracted into a feature table. To calculate the total number of surveys, two queries were created. The first query was created to record all instances of survey dates for all observations by polygon (i.e. each date instance was assigned a value of 1), and then grouped and ordered by polygon. To eliminate duplicate counts (i.e. each species recorded has a survey date), only the first date instance was assigned a value of one. The second query was created to count and sum all date instances within each grouped polygon. A similar query to the above was used to calculate the surveys in which species were sighted. In some cases, data was recorded within a polygon on the same survey date, usually when there was more than one observer. In these cases, only the first unique survey date was given a count value of one to avoid redundant survey counts and for consistency with the total surveys count.

Process_Step:

Process_Description:

Re-projected Bird_surveys_polygons from NAD 1983 UTM Zone 10N to NAD 1983 BC Environment Albers using Project tool. For each polygon, summarized feature table by average bird counts. Included total species sighted and total number of survey tables. Added 3 new fields using Add Field tool: Feature, Data_Source, Dataset_ID. Populated fields using Calculate field tool. Feature field calculated to equal the common name of the marine species as identified within the Species field. Data_Source field calculated to equal the name of the dataset from which the data was derived. Dataset_ID field calculated to equal the common dataset identifier as categorized by BCMCA. Joined feature tables to spatial layer using Poly field in spatial and Polygon field in table and exported to a feature class. Deleted unnecessary field using Delete Field tool.

Process_Step:

Process_Description:

<<Prepared West Vancouver Island Waterbird Survey dataset: Using select by attributes, selected all records within tblBirds where species = 'PECO'. Extracted selected records into a separate table. To calculate the total number of surveys, two queries were created using Microsoft Access. The first query was created to record all instances of survey dates for all observations by transect (i.e. each date instance was assigned a value of 1), and then grouped and ordered by transect. To eliminate duplicate counts (i.e. each species recorded has a survey date), only the first date instance was assigned a value of one. The second query was created to count and sum all date instances within each grouped transect. A similar query to the above was used to calculate the surveys in which species were sighted. In some cases, data was recorded in various time intervals along a transect on a given survey date. In these cases, only the first unique survey date was given a count value of one to avoid redundant survey counts and for consistency with the total surveys count.

Process_Step:

Process_Description:

For each TRANSCT_ID, summarized feature table to display average bird counts for all months/years. Included the number of surveys in which the species was sighted and the total number of surveys table. Defined projection from unknown to NAD 1983 BC Environment Albers using Define Projection tool. Converted shapefile to feature class using feature class to feature class tool. Added 3 fields using Add Field tool: Feature, Data_Source, Dataset_ID. Populated fields using Calculate field tool. Feature field calculated to equal the common name of the marine feature identified within the Species field. DATA_SOURCE calculated to equal the name of the dataset from which data was derived. Dataset_ID field calculated to equal the common dataset identifier as categorized by BCMCA. Joined feature table to spatial line layer (qwcsln_vi_rz.shp) using TRANSCT_ID field. Buffered lines by 50m (radius). Note: original line work likely not cleaned, some overshoots (bends) and splits occur.

Process_Step:

Process_Description:

<<Prepared LBCS dataset: Created 2 new fields in the excel transect locations tab, Lat_DD and Long_DD. Used a DMS to DD excel calculation to convert DMS to DD. Added a field in the spatial data called Trans_Code. Populated Off-shore records using field calculator and following formula: transect x 100 plus km number. Populated Near-shore records based on C-M numbering (i.e. 1300 - 2200). Field will be used to link the survey data to the survey midpoints. Used created excel calendar to calculate JDates (Julian dates) into calendar dates. Formatted and exported excel tables into personal geodatabase tables. Appended all survey tables together using Append tool. Notes within workbooks' "Key" tab indicate transects K and L were combined to "K" in 2006. As there is no longer spatial data for transects labelled "L", all records within raw data were combined with "K" transects and bird counts averaged accordingly.

Process_Step:

Process_Description:

Using select by attributes, selected all records where (PECO] > 0 and exported to a separate feature table. Notes in excel "Key" tab indicate the small cap vs large cap species code defines whether sps is flying or on water. These records were exported into individual feature tables and processed separately. To calculate the total number of surveys, two queries were created using Microsoft Access. The first query was created to record all instances of survey months meeting the features' winter specifications for each Trans_Code (i.e. each date instance was assigned a value of 1), and then grouped and ordered by Trans_Code. To eliminate duplicate counts (i.e. each species recorded has a survey month), only the first date instance was assigned a value of one. The second query was created to count and sum all date instances within each grouped Trans_Code.

Process_Step:

Process_Description:

Displayed midpoints using Display XY data and exported into a feature class using NAD 1983 as the coordinate system. Re-projected to NAD 1983 BC Environment Albers using Project tool. For each feature table, summarized Trans_Code by average bird count for all years. Added a note field to incorporate whether the birds were on the water or flying. Joined survey data to spatial layer using Trans_Code field and exported into feature classes. Included the number of surveys in which the species was sighted by midpoint as well as a the total number of survey table.

Process_Step:

Process_Description:

<<Reviewed and prepared CDC dataset: Using select by attributes, selected the species' targeted within BCMCA seabirds workshop. If all of the other supplied nearshore datasets covered the extent of the CDC data, the CDC dataset was not used to create final feature layer. If there were CDC areas not covered by the nearshore datasets, records were exported to a separate feature class using NAD 1983 BC Environment Albers as the coordinate system, and merged to the final feature layer. CDC records were not used as attributes suggest that they represent nest sites and these sites have been incorporated into the pelagic cormorant colony feature.

Process_Step:

Process_Description:

<<Prepared BIEAP dataset: Using select by attributes, selected records within Max_month_Subsector_Taxo table where [SPECIES_NM] = 'Pelagic Cormorant' and extracted to a separate table. For each Subsector_ID, summarized feature table by average birds counts (located within the Max_Count field - the peak bird count observed within the month) for all survey months. Added 3 fields using Add Field tool: Feature, Data_Source, Dataset_ID. Populated fields using Calculate Field tool. Feature field calculated to equal the common name of the marine species as identified within the SPECIES_NM field. Data_Source field calculated to equal the name of the dataset from which the data was derived. Dataset_ID field calculated to equal the common dataset identifier as categorized by BCMCA.

Process_Step:

Process_Description:

To calculate the total number of surveys, two queries were created using Microsoft Access. The first query was created to record all instances of survey months meeting the features' winter specifications within each survey polygon (i.e. each date instance was assigned a value of 1), and then grouped and ordered by polygon. To eliminate duplicate counts (i.e. each species recorded has a survey month), only the first month instance was assigned a value of one. The second query was created to count and sum all month instances within each grouped polygon.

Process_Step:

Process_Description:

Joined feature table to BIEAP_Subsectors_Albers.shp using SubSector_ID field in table and Subsector field in spatial. Extracted selected records into a feature class using NAD 1983 BC Environment Albers as coordinate system. Included the number of surveys in which the species was sighted and the total number of surveys table.

Process_Step:

Process_Description:

<<Reviewed and prepared CWS MBAOI dataset: Using select by attributes, selected the species' targeted within BCMCA seabirds workshop. If all of the data sources listed within MBAOI had already been received and processed, dataset was not used to create final feature layer. If data had not been received, records were exported to a separate feature class using NAD 1983 BC Environment Albers as the coordinate system, and merged to the final feature layer. Added 3 new fields: Feature, Data_Source, Dataset_ID using Add Field tool. Populated fields using Calculate Field tool. Feature field calculated to equal the Species field. Data_Source calculated to equal the name of the dataset from which the data was derived. Dataset_ID calculated to equal the common dataset identifier as categorized by BCMCA. Standardized Feature field species naming convention by using the common name of the marine feature identified rather than the species abbreviation. 2 records were used where "DataSource" = Vancouver Island Marbeled Murrelet Survey.

Source_Used_Citation_Abbreviation:

E:\F\Crm1143\Source\080818_SourceDocs\Original_Data\Seabirds\Metadata_temp\Brant Goose metadata.xml

Process_Step:

Process_Description:

>Prepared Burger data:

Exported all excel survey worksheets (those labeled "coded") into a personal geodatabase. Appended all relevant survey tables into one master table. Added 2 new fields to spatial layer using Add Field tool: Mid_XCOORD, Mid_YCOORD and calculated the midpoint geometry. Displayed XY data and exported XY using NAD 1983 BC Environment Albers to a class. Merged all midpoints together for each applicable folder (i.e. shf_files_plotted). Used identify duplicate fields calculation to make sure keycode field is unique. Using Microsoft Access query, selected all records within burger data files where [pecot] > 0 and exported to a separate feature table. Deleted all species' fields except those relevant to the target feature(s) identified. Joined master survey table to spatial layer using keycode field in both spatial and aspatial. Data_Source field calculated to equal the name of the dataset from which the data was derived. Dataset_ID field calculated to equal the common dataset identifier as categorized by BCMCA. Surveys_Total and Surveys_Species_Sighted fields calculated to equal one to reflect each keycode value. nbirds_Total field calculated to equal the value recorded in the species' survey table. Buffered line transects to 150m (radius) using Buffer tool.

Process_Step:

Process_Description:

<<Reviewed Moulting Seaduck dataset: Dataset was not used for feature creation as species was not identified.

Process_Step:

Process_Description:

Merged all prepared datasets using Merge tool to create one layer storing all Pelagic Cormorant observations. During merge process like fields were combined using Field Map window to eliminate duplicate or redundant column headings. Field map was also used to eliminate unnecessary fields not applicable for final feature layer requirements.

Process_Step:

Process_Description: Created Metadata.

Process_Step:

Process_Description:

<<Prepared and added PSS dataset: Steps taken prior to CRM processing: Reconciliation of data files - Survey data was originally input and stored in various MS Excel. Field names and records were standardized for all spreadsheets. In addition to design standards, date information was reconciled to conform to international date formats. This is important to address year 2000 date issues. All spreadsheets were converted into DBF files. Creation of relational database - The original database design was assessed and redesigned to conform to GIS conventions and standards. A single key identifier uniquely identifies all features. These features link to the pelagic shipboard survey tabular data (one-to-many data relationship), based on the single key identifier in that database. The key identifier is a concatenation of the date, original transect identifier, and the original survey identifier. Transposing of fields and other programming - It was necessary to transpose species information that was stored as many fields (100+) into a single species field. By storing species information into a relational database, query effort is simplified and processing more efficient. A GIS automation script was created to automate the process that would otherwise have had to been conducted manually.

Process_Step:

Process_Description:

Processing steps undertaken by CRM: Projected from GCS 1983 to NAD 1983 BC Environment Albers using Project tool. Selected all records within Species_data where [ANMU] > 0, behaviour = 2 and survey months >11 or <3. Species' records meeting the criteria were exported into a feature table.

Process_Step:

Process_Description:

For each Gis_key, summarized feature table to get the total bird counts on the water. Included the number of surveys in which the species was sighted (derived through the summarization process) and the total number of surveys field was calculated to one. Joined feature table to spatial using Gis_key field and exported into a separate feature classes. Populated the Season field to equal the season in which the feature is identified as specified by BCMCA. Data_Source field populated to equal the name of the dataset from which the data was derived. Dataset_ID field populate to equal the common dataset identifier as categorized by BCMCA.

Process_Step:

Process_Description:

>Created Survey File:

Added 2 new fields: Area_km2 and Density_km2. Area_km2 calculated by multiplying the shape area (m2) by .000001. Density_km2 Density field calculated using the following formula: [nbird_Total / [Area_km2].

Process_Step:

Process_Description: Updated Metadata

Process_Contact:

Contact_Information:

Contact_Person_Primary:

Contact_Person:

Steps up to and including this one completed by Melissa Meneghetti

Contact_Organization: Coastal Resouce Mapping

Contact_Position: Spatial Analyst

Process_Step:

Process_Description:

>Created Final Processed File:

Overlaid merged feature polygons with BCMCA planning units using Spatial Join tool. Tool parameter example: Join Features = feature layer, Join Operation = Join_One_to_Many, Match Option = Intersects. To create the final processed file, summarized data by planning unit ID and calculated the sum of the total surveys, the sum of the surveys species sighted, and the sum of the density. Added a new field: AVG_DENSITY_km2. Calculated field using the following formula: [sum_DENSITY_km2] / [sum_SURVEYS_TOTAL].

Process_Date: June 2010

Process_Contact:

Contact_Information:

Contact_Person_Primary:

Contact_Person: Andy Pettersson

Contact_Organization: BCMCA

Contact_Position: GIS Contractor

Process_Step:

Process_Description:

>Created Marxan File:

Reviewed the distribution of the data in the final processed file using 5 quantiles as defined by BCMCA. Deleted the planning units with average densities that fell within the bottom quantile.

>Created Marxan File:

Reviewed the distribution of the data in the final processed file using 5 quantiles as defined by BCMCA. Deleted the planning units with average densities that fell within the bottom quantile.

Process_Date: June 2010

Process_Contact:

Contact_Information:

Contact_Person_Primary:

Contact_Person: Andy Pettersson

Contact_Organization: BCMCA

Contact_Position: GIS Contractor

Process_Step:

Process_Description:

The distribution of average density values across the BCMCA planning units was examined for normality and it was found to be skewed (i.e., there were a few very large values which would have biased Marxan toward choosing these planning units to meet any target set). To account for this, the density values were transformed using a natural log function to normalize the data. Then the transformed values were shifted (if below zero) such that the lowest value was equal to 1 (i.e., a positive constant was added to each value). The values in the [Transform_Density] field are the result of this transformation and the distribution of these values across the planning units is near-normal.

Process_Date: June 2010

Process_Contact:

Contact_Information:

Contact_Person_Primary:

Contact_Person: Andy Pettersson

Contact_Organization: BCMCA

Contact_Position: GIS Contractor

Spatial_Data_Organization_Information:

Direct_Spatial_Reference_Method: Vector

Point_and_Vector_Object_Information:

SDTS_Terms_Description:

SDTS_Point_and_Vector_Object_Type: G-polygon

Point_and_Vector_Object_Count: 1341

SDTS_Terms_Description:

SDTS_Point_and_Vector_Object_Type: Label point

Point_and_Vector_Object_Count: 39346

SDTS_Terms_Description:

SDTS_Point_and_Vector_Object_Type: GT-polygon composed of chains

Point_and_Vector_Object_Count: 39346

SDTS_Terms_Description:

SDTS_Point_and_Vector_Object_Type: Point

Point_and_Vector_Object_Count: 4

Spatial_Reference_Information:

Horizontal_Coordinate_System_Definition:

Planar:

Map_Projection:

Map_Projection_Name: Albers Conical Equal Area

Albers_Conical_Equal_Area:

Standard_Parallel: 50.000000

Standard_Parallel: 58.500000

Longitude_of_Central_Meridian: -126.000000

Latitude_of_Projection_Origin: 45.000000

False_Easting: 1000000.000000

False_Northing: 0.000000

Planar_Coordinate_Information:

Planar_Coordinate_Encoding_Method: coordinate pair

Coordinate_Representation:

Abscissa_Resolution: 0.000000

Ordinate_Resolution: 0.000000

Planar_Distance_Units: meters

Geodetic_Model:

Horizontal_Datum_Name: North American Datum of 1983

Ellipsoid_Name: Geodetic Reference System 80

Semi-major_Axis: 6378137.000000

Denominator_of_Flattening_Ratio: 298.257222

Vertical_Coordinate_System_Definition:

Altitude_System_Definition:

Altitude_Resolution: 0.000100

Altitude_Encoding_Method:

Explicit elevation coordinate included with horizontal coordinates

Entity_and_Attribute_Information:

Detailed_Description:

Entity_Type:

Entity_Type_Label: PelagicCormorant

Attribute:

Attribute_Label: ID

Attribute_Definition: Marxan ID

Attribute:

Attribute_Label: Shape_Area

Attribute_Definition: Area of feature in internal units squared.

Attribute_Definition_Source: ESRI

Attribute_Domain_Values:

Unrepresentable_Domain: Positive real numbers that are automatically generated.

Attribute:

Attribute_Label: UNIT_ID

Attribute_Definition: Planning Unit ID

Attribute_Definition_Source: ESRI

Attribute_Domain_Values:

Unrepresentable_Domain: Coordinates defining the features.

Attribute:

Attribute_Label: Shape

Attribute_Definition: Feature geometry.

Attribute_Definition_Source: ESRI

Attribute_Domain_Values:

Unrepresentable_Domain: Coordinates defining the features.

Attribute:

Attribute_Label: Sum_SURVEYS_SPECIES_SIGHTED

Attribute_Definition:

Sum of the survey in which species sighted fields for each survey area by planning unit.

Attribute:

Attribute_Label: Sum_SURVEYS_TOTAL

Attribute_Definition: Sum of the survey fields for each survey area by planning unit.

Attribute:

Attribute_Label: Sum_DENSITY_km2

Attribute_Definition:

Sum of the density fields for each survey area by planning unit.

Attribute:

Attribute_Label: AVG_DENSITY_km2

Attribute_Definition: Weighted average by dividing the density sum by the survey sum.

Attribute_Definition_Source: ESRI

Attribute_Domain_Values:

Unrepresentable_Domain: Positive real numbers that are automatically generated.

Attribute:

Attribute_Label: Shape_Length

Attribute_Definition: Length of feature in internal units.

Attribute_Definition_Source: ESRI

Attribute_Domain_Values:

Unrepresentable_Domain: Positive real numbers that are automatically generated.

Attribute:

Attribute_Label: LOG

Attribute_Definition:

The average density values were transformed using a natural log function in Arcmap to normalize the data.

Attribute:

Attribute_Label: TRANSFORM_DENSITY

Attribute_Definition:

The transformed values were shifted such that the lowest value was equal to 1 by applying a positive constant to all values to achieve a near-normal distribution.

Attribute_Definition_Source: ESRI

Attribute_Domain_Values:

Unrepresentable_Domain:

Sequential unique whole numbers that are automatically generated.

Attribute:

Attribute_Label: OBJECTID

Attribute_Definition: Internal feature number.

Attribute_Definition_Source: ESRI

Attribute_Domain_Values:

Unrepresentable_Domain:

Sequential unique whole numbers that are automatically generated.

Attribute:

Attribute_Label: Unit_ID

Attribute_Definition: Planning Unit ID

Overview_Description:

Entity_and_Attribute_Detail_Citation:

Species' targeted season, moulting and staging months were defined using the following tech report: <http://www.bsc-eoc.org/library/bccwstrends2008.pdf>.

Distribution_Information:

Distributor:

Contact_Information:

Contact_Organization_Primary:

Contact_Organization: British Columbia Marine Conservation Analysis

Contact_Instructions: See www.bcmca.ca for distribution details

Resource_Description: Downloadable Data

Standard_Order_Process:

Digital_Form:

Digital_Transfer_Information:

Transfer_Size: 50.954

Metadata_Reference_Information:

Metadata_Date: 20100617

Metadata_Contact:

Contact_Information:

Contact_Organization_Primary:

Contact_Organization: Living Oceans Society (for BCMCA)

Contact_Person: Carrie Robb

Contact_Position: GIS Specialist

Contact_Address:

Address_Type: mailing and physical address

Address: 1405-207 W. Hastings St.

City: Vancouver

State_or_Province: BC

Postal_Code: V6B 1H7

Country: Canada

Contact_Voice_Telephone: (604) 696-5044

Contact_Electronic_Mail_Address: crobb@livingoceans.org

Metadata_Standard_Name: FGDC Content Standards for Digital Geospatial Metadata

Metadata_Standard_Version: FGDC-STD-001-1998

Metadata_Time_Convention: local time

Metadata_Extensions:

Online_Linkage: <http://www.esri.com/metadata/esriprof80.html>

Profile_Name: ESRI Metadata Profile

Metadata_Extensions:

Online_Linkage: <http://www.esri.com/metadata/esriprof80.html>

Profile_Name: ESRI Metadata Profile