Summary

Description

During the survey we will quantify the spatial distribution of the following parameters: water currents, water properties, phytoplankton, microzooplankton, mesozooplankton, pelagic fish and invertebrates, sea turtles, marine mammals, and sea birds. We will use traditional and novel techniques and instruments. In essence, the approaches of the Ecosystem Monitoring survey and the NEFSC Herring Acoustic survey are combined here and augmented to include a broad array of measurements of the pelagic ecosystem. Operational objectives are to: (1) collect underway data using TSG, SCS, and ADCP; (2) complete CTD and bongo operations at stations throughout area, (3) calibrate the EK60 Scientific Sounder, (4) conduct acoustic surveys using the EK60, (5) collect biological data to verify species-specific acoustic measurements using midwater trawls, (6) collect marine mammal and seabird observations.