This dataset consists of digitized surface canopy extent for two species of canopy forming kelp – giant kelp (Macrocystis pyrifera) and bull kelp (Nereocystis luetkeana) – for regions on the Central Coast of British Columbia, Canada. These data were collected as part of the Hakai Institute Habitat Mapping Program which includes long-term observations in canopy kelp extent. Spatial datasets of kelp canopy were derived from high resolution aerial imagery (10 cm) collected from fixed-wing aerial surveys flown in 2020, 2021 and 2022. The survey regions included (1) northwest Calvert Island, (2) Goose Group and McMullin Group, (3) Simonds Group to Triquet Island, and (4) Athlone Island to Stryker Island.
Survey windows were considered based on obtaining imagery during maximum kelp extent and during a low tide cycle therefore survey windows were planned between July through early September during tides of less than +2.0 m (mean low low water).
Imagery Capture: Four-band imagery (red-green-blue-near infrared) was collected using two high resolution cameras aboard the Aerial Coastal Observatory (a fixed-wing aircraft). Imagery collection and orthomosaic processing is described in associated reports linked in this record.
Kelp delineation: Surface kelp canopy is represented by polygons which were digitized using a blue-near infrared image index. Classification of polygon features was completed manually by a trained analyst. Datasets were reviewed by a secondary analyst for quality analysis/quality control purposes.
People involved with sample collection, processing, analysis and/or submission: Luba Reshitnyk, Alex Guyn, Keith Holmes
Recommended citation: Reshitnyk, L. Y., Guyn, A., Holmes, K.R. (2023). Canopy kelp (Macrocystis pyrifera, Nereocystis luetkeana) extent derived from fixed-wing surveys (2020-2022), Central Coast, British Columbia, Canada. Version 1.0. Hakai Institute. Dataset. [access date]
10.21966/kqzp-f639
