 Q: What data can I find on the CalFish website? |
A: The primary focus of the CalFish website is to provide access to data and maps related to fisheries in California: - Anadromous Fish Abundance (Trends)
- Anadromous Fish Distribution
- Migration Barriers
- Restoration Projects
- In-stream Habitat
Data are available in three formats:
- Tabular: Query database tables directly.
- Geographic: An interactive map viewer.
- Download: Save shapefiles to your computer to use in your own GIS software.
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 Q: Is there an easy way to determine if new datasets have been added or existing datasets have been updated since I last visited the CalFish site?
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A: For a summary of CalFish data additions or updates please refer to the Data Tracking report. This report documents updates to existing data or additions of new data that have taken place on the CalFish site since October 2011 in descending order. This report will be updated whenever a data update or addition is made. Note: Date Added or Updated represents the date the dataset was added to CalFish and is likely not equivalent to the original publication date for the data. Please check layer metadata for the time period the dataset represents and its original publication date. |
 Q: What to do if I am looking for an answer to a specific question but am overwhelmed by the amount of data offered by the CalFish Map Viewer? |
A: You can start by reviewing the CalFish Bookmarks to see if a bookmark exists to provide data to help answer your question of interest. CalFish Bookmarks are links to instances of the CalFish Map Viewer preloaded with specific collections of data grouped to offer information to help answer common fisheries restoration related questions. The bookmarks load at a statewide extent but can be zoomed into a location of interest. Each bookmark is paired with a tutorial that describes the datasets included in the bookmark and how this data can be used to answer the specific question of interest in an example area. If a CalFish Bookmark is not available to answer your question you can review a categorized list of data available through the Map Viewer using the Map Viewer Selection form. Click the Read More link to the right of each dataset to open metadata that will describe what the dataset represents and what information its features can offer. |
 Q: What are CalFish Map Viewer Bookmarks and why are they useful? |
A: CalFish Bookmarks are links to instances of the CalFish map viewer preloaded with specific collections of data grouped to offer information to help answer common fisheries restoration related questions. The bookmarks load at a statewide extent but can be zoomed into a location of interest. Each bookmark is paired with a tutorial that describes the datasets included in the bookmark and how this data can be used to answer the specific question of interest in an example area. |
 Q: How do I edit data that I previously submitted? |
A: Suggested edits or new barrier records for the Fish Passage Assessment database can be submitted using the PAD data review and new barrier mapping application. Edits to other data should be submitted to the individual responsible for managing the dataset on CalFish. Contact information is available in the dataset metadata. |
 Q: Who can I contact if I need more information or need to report an error in the data or website? |
A: Each CalFish Program Dataset has a contact person who can provide and receive information. The contact details are listed in the metadata or on the project’s page. General questions or comments related to the CalFish web site can be sent to the CalFish webmaster using the email utility built into the Contact Us page. |
 Q: Is there any information on CalFish about fishing regulations, such as licenses or seasons? |
A: While CalFish does not provide this information directly, links to California sport and commercial fishing regulations can be found in the Fishing Regulations section of the Fisheries Management tab. |
 Q: How often are the data on CalFish updated, and how do I know when the data were last updated? |
A: The metadata of a dataset indicates when the dataset was last updated. The frequency of data updates varies by each dataset and is a responsibility of the dataset administrator. The CalFish Program Datasets must conform to a data quality standard that includes dataset documentation (metadata), and the dataset metadata files specify when the dataset was last updated. Additional Programs datasets are not required to conform to these data quality standards and may not indicate the date of the last update. |
 Q: How can I have my dataset distributed on the CalFish web site? |
A: Datasets must be approved for posting on the CalFish website by the CalFish Steering Committee. For a dataset to be included in the CalFish map viewer, the data must be standardized to meet the BIOS data quality protocol . Data that do not meet the BIOS data standards will not be included in the CalFish map viewer but can be made available through the Additional Programs section of CalFish. To add your own data set to this archive, find out how to become a Contributor |
 Q: Can I freely use the data? |
A: Yes but note that data provided on the CalFish website vary in accuracy, scale, completeness, extent of coverage and origin. It is your responsibility to use these data consistent with their intended purpose and within stated limitations. It is highly recommended that you review the metadata prior interpreting these data. |
 Q: How do I cite the data found on the CalFish website? |
A: When citing CalFish data layers, the following minimal information should be included: the Title (Name) of the data layer, the Originator (or contact of the layer), the Publication Date of the layer, where the layer was accessed from (CalFish) and when the layer was accessed.
The Title, Originator, and Publication Date can all be found in the metadata for the data layer. See metadata FAQ for details on viewing metadata. Originator will be listed in the Publication section of the metadata, if one exists. If there isn't an Originator, use the Primary Person listed in the Point of Contact section.
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 Q: What is the difference between CalFish map data and similar data found in the Dept. of Fish and Game BIOS map viewer? |
A: CalFish map data are a subset of the data available through the BIOS map viewer; the two map viewers use the same technology, platform and base layers, but the CalFish viewer limits the available datasets to those related to fish, aquatic habitat and streams. |