Aquatic Resource Area Survey Point

This spatial dataset represents the locations of aquatic resource area (ARA) survey points. ARA survey points may represent a portion of a water body or an entire water body (such as a lake, river or stream). Attributes for each location may include:

• physical characteristics such as water temperature and depth
• fish species

The ARA data classes are the authoritative source for generic spatial data related to fish species in Ontario. The data can be used for:

• forest and fisheries management planning
• municipal planning
• natural heritage and land use planning
• issuing work permits under the Public Lands Act, 1990
• issuing licences under the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Act, 1997
• fulfilling public information requests

There are additional sensitive data related to provincially tracked species and species at risk that are not available as part of this open data package. Distribution of sensitive species data is approved on a need-to-know basis. Requests should be sent to lio@ontario.ca.