Matrix Of Functional Traits Of Species Sampled In The Annual Survey Of The Estuary And The Northern Gulf Of St. Lawrence

This dataset contains functional traits for fish and invertebrate taxa sampled in the annual ecosystem bottom trawl survey in the Estuary and northern Gulf of St. Lawrence. The purpose of this functional trait matrix is to contribute to the development and monitoring of community indicators to support the implementation of ecosystem-based management. In a context of climate change, this information will better inform and facilitate sustainable management processes and the adaptation of human activities that directly depend on the state of marine species and communities.

The functional trait matrix was established based on a literature review, the knowledge of experts who have worked for over twenty years to develop knowledge on marine species in the St. Lawrence, and empirical data from the ecosystem bottom trawl survey conducted by DFO Quebec Region in the Estuary and Northern Gulf of St. Lawrence (NGSL) since 1990. It includes a total of 103 fish taxa and 178 invertebrate taxa captured in the survey. Each trait is compiled for all or a subset of the selected taxa. The trait matrix includes a grouping of taxa into trophic guilds based on fuzzy coding, a categorization of taxa based on their mobility, a qualitative assessment of the presence of traits related to habitat provision/physical structures and bioturbation, as well as a review of available knowledge on the longevity and size at maturity of selected taxa, i.e. species of commercial value. The matrix also includes an empirical assessment of the average occurrence, relative density, maximum size and condition of taxa sampled representatively over the last ten years (2014 to 2023).

For details on taxa selection, literature review and trait calculation from empirical data, see the following report:

Isabel, L., Scallon-Chouinard, P.-M., Roux, M.-J. et Nozères, N. 2025. Matrice des traits fonctionnels des taxons échantillonnés dans le relevé annuel de l'estuaire et le nord du golfe du Saint-Laurent. Rapp. stat. can. sci. halieut. aquat. 1421 : vii + 65 p.

The functional trait “habitat_vertical_habitat” was added to the functional matrix in 2026. It corresponds to the classification of each taxon according to its preferential vertical habitat, established from the knowledge of a team of regional experts:
Benthic (Bth), Pelagic (Pel), Benthopelagic (BPel), Demersal (Dem).

Organization: Fisheries and Oceans Canada | Pêches et Océans Canada

Last modified: 2026-04-16T17:52:32.734811