Advanced Sampling Technologies Research Group: Survey Operations
The NEFSC Advanced Sampling Technologies Research Group conducts annual fisheries acoustic surveys using state-of-the-art acoustic, midwater trawling, and underwater video technologies to improve fisheries-independent stock assessments for pelagic species. Pilot and experimental studies were conducted during 1995-97 to develop the NEFSC's fisheries acoustic capabilities. Annual NEFSC Atlantic Herring Acoustic Surveys began in 1998. NEFSC acoustic capabilities include multifrequency EK60 echosounder data, Acoustic Doppler Current Profiler (ADCP), and trawl monitoring systems. Midwater trawling, plankton sampling, and underwater video operations provide biological samples and target verification. CTD (conductivity-temperature-depth) vertical profiles are also routinely obtained during survey operations.
