CABD Overview¶
The Database¶
The CABD is a standardized, curated, central, and open database for barrier and connectivity data in Canada. Currently, the CABD 1.0 offers data for three feature types:
Dams (and associated structures) v1.0
Waterfalls v1.0
Fishways v1.0
Check out our Data Catalogue for full definitions and attributes associated with each of these feature types.
Important
One of the defined uses for the CABD is creating an inventory of infrastructure locations and conditions in Canada. This means that, in addition to the main dam structure, the CABD dams layer also includes ancillary and lateral structures associated with dam facilities (e.g., saddle dams, lateral embankments, canal walls) that don’t necessarily fragment freshwater systems in the upstream-downstream plane. As such, these structures should not be used for connectivity network analyses or barrier prioritization exercises (unless you are specifically interested in lateral or other effects of these ancillary structures). To help users filter out these structures, data points that should not be used for network analysis are identified using the Used for Network Analysis field (use_analysis = false in the data).
Additionally, because the dams layer was compiled from existing datasets, some data points in the dams dataset represent structures other than dams (e.g., powerhouses, water intakes, locks). In the future, we intend to pull these structures out of the dams layer and place them into their own feature types, but until then, be sure to verify the structure type attribute values of the features in your dataset prior to running any analyses.
Why are we developing a national database of barriers to freshwater connectivity? Well, we know that aquatic barriers are prevalent across Canada, that barrier removal is needed to restore connectivity and access to vital habitat for aquatic species, and that restoration projects are expensive. But we don’t have the answers to some important questions: How many barriers exist in Canada? How much habitat is not accessible for fish and other species? How do we identify the most important barriers to restore and maximize benefits for these species? We need a comprehensive information source to answer these questions, which is where the CABD comes in!
The CABD will allow CWF and other organizations across the country to assess and report on the status of habitat connectivity and inform management and regulatory decision-making. It also supports barrier restoration planning and prioritization of projects to improve connectivity and fish passage for important species. Additionally, the database will inform research and monitoring initiatives to better understand the effects these barriers have on freshwater ecosystems and the species they support and provide a national forum for sharing resources, best practices, and success stories to support education and public outreach.
Are the CABD 1.0 data layers perfect? No! Data gaps exist in our datasets – we are going to be missing structures and need to fill in attribute gaps for the majority of existing points (you’ll see a lot of “Unknowns” in the layers). For CABD 1.0 we have relied on compiling existing spatial data sources and performing de-duplication, geolocation, attribute mapping (i.e., bringing in and tracking attributes that come from various sources for an individual feature), and standardizing to the CABD data structures. To date, we have compiled over 100 dam, waterfall, and fishway data sources. As such, while not perfect, the CABD data layers do represent the most comprehensive information source for dams, waterfalls, and fishways in Canada.
We are working hard to fill existing data gaps by reviewing non-spatial data sources (e.g., reports, scientific studies, websites) that can provide additional information for structures. Filling these data gaps is a huge job and we’re hoping people across Canada can help! We’re working on some new tools to allow users to submit information through the CABD web tool, but in the meantime check out the Submit Data Updates page or reach out to us to learn how you can help us fill these data gaps. We’ll release data updates periodically with new information, so stay tuned for future release announcements!
Check out our blog post for more information on the CABD 1.0 release, and the Canadian Wildlife Federation website for more project details, including FAQs.
Attention
Data in the CABD is made available through the CC BY-SA 4.0 license. This license allows you to share and adapt this data, as long as you provide proper credit and distribute any derivative data under the same CC BY-SA 4.0 license.
The Web Tool¶
We’re really excited about the CABD web tool, which provides an easy way to explore and access the data through your web browser. Currently, the tool (and this documentation site) are only available in English, but we will be releasing French versions in Winter 2022/23.
Through the web mapping interface, you can:
Explore the barrier and fishway data, and click on points to view their attributes
Toggle between a standard basemap and satellite imagery
Filter layers based on location (e.g., province or watershed) or attributes (e.g., dam use)
Download the data in various formats – shapefile, geopackage, kml, and csv
View the data sources used (so far) to compile the CABD
Visit the CABD Web Tool section to learn out to navigate and use the web tool.
What’s coming up next?¶
We have some ambitious plans for the CABD – and will continue to work on filling data gaps for dams, waterfalls, and fishways across Canada – but one of our main focuses in the coming year will be to begin compiling stream crossing data and integrating it into the CABD.
CABD 1.0 is a vital step towards meeting the data needs to support connectivity conservation and fish passage restoration work; however, dams are only one type of human-made structures that fragment freshwater ecosystems in Canada. While dams are often major barriers to connectivity, smaller structures like stream crossings (e.g., roads, rail lines, or trail cross streams) – of which there are over a million in Canada – combine to create major concerns for freshwater connectivity through the cumulative effects of the sheer number of these structures. As part of the next stage of the CABD, CWF is working on incorporating stream crossings by developing a standardized data structure and beginning to compile existing data sources. CWF will continue to work with partners, stakeholders, and interested parties to ensure that the stream crossing data is useful and available to practitioners across the country.