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Mapping marine habitats is an approach that combines a study of the topography and the nature of the seafloor and its associated biology. It helps understand species-environment relationships, extending our often-limited biological coverage and allowing quantitative monitoring of habitat extent and distribution.  Habitat mapping involves the acquisition of seafloor bathymetric data using acoustic mapping and video ground-truthing from which information on taxa presence can be extracted. Statistical approaches are then used to reconstruct species-environment relationships and build full-coverage maps.  By characterizing megabenthic species distribution and their relationship to environmental factors (e.g. terrain characteristics, substrate composition, temperature, salinity), we build a baseline against which potential impacts of changing ocean conditions can be quantified by monitoring change in habitat extent over time, allowing for early detection of ecological responses.

This project will improve our understanding of the geographic distribution and environmental ecosystem conditions of Ramah Bay, Labrador, to inform marine planning and conservation initiatives. Ramah was identified by the Nunatsiavut Government as a culturally significant sites due to the Ramah Chert Quarries (Kitjigattalik), dating back 7000 years.  Multibeam data for Ramah was collected for this project as part of a collaboration with Parks Canada.  This project focuses on collecting and analyzing benthic video imagery to map benthic species distribution and produce benthic habitat maps.  These datasets will support evidence-based management decisions for the profitable and sustainable use of marine resources. 
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