Newly established invasive alien species indicator: data sources and methods, chapter 3

3. Data

3.1 Data source

Data from the Canadian Food Inspection Agency, Fisheries and Oceans Canada, and Environment and Climate Change Canada have been collated into a single database to support the indicator.

In addition to data collected by the lead federal agencies, data are also reported to these agencies from other sources. Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Canada Border Services Agency, Natural Resources Canada (Canadian Forest Service), Parks Canada Agency, the Canadian Wildlife Health Cooperative, provincial and territorial governmental organizations and non-governmental organizations actively work towards the control of invasive species and provide information. The data are incorporated by the lead federal agencies and thus contribute indirectly to the indicator.

3.2 Spatial coverage

National.

3.3 Temporal coverage

The indicator measures new establishments from a baseline of January 1, 2012. This could include species that were present earlier and not detected. Species known to have established prior to 2012 are not included.

3.4 Data completeness

All known new establishments are included. Some species are more difficult to detect and identify than others; data gaps may exist. Microorganisms are generally not detected unless they cause disease.

3.5 Data timeliness

The indicator reflects the state of knowledge as of January 2016.