Abstract:
This is the Northeast Fisheries Science Center Bottom Trawl Survey database for Northwest Atlantic marine organisms. Survey cruises use a bottom trawl to sample randomly selected stations in an attempt to delineate the species composition, geographic distribution, and abundance of various resources. Fish and selected invertebrate species are identified. Weight, length, total catch numbers, age structures, maturity stages, sex determinations and food content are recorded or collected during the survey cruises. Associated oceanographic and meteorological data, salinity, conductivity, and temperature data are available for all stations. Ichthyoplankton and zooplankton data is available for a subset of the stations. Geographic coverage is from Cape Hatteras to the Gulf of Maine and from the coast to the slope water.
Purpose:
The surveys are designed to provide information on the abundance, biology, and distribution of the living marine resources of the Northwest Atlantic and the environmental conditions affecting them for management purposes and to provide for broadscale ecosystems research.
Related URL
Link:
GET DATA
Description:
OBIS Advanced Data Search Results
Dataset Originator/Creator:
NOAA's National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) Northeast Fisheries Science Center
Dataset Title:
Northeast Fisheries Science Center Bottom Trawl Survey Data
Dataset Release Date:
2005-04-30
Dataset Release Place:
Woods Hole, Massachusetts, United States of America
Dataset Publisher:
NOAA’s National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) Northeast Fisheries Science Center, Ecosystems Survey Branch
Data Presentation Form:
Tabular Digital Data
Other Citation Details:
Additional information can be found at http://www.nefsc.noaa.gov
Online Resource:
http://www.nefsc.noaa.gov/esb/
Before March 2001, data were recorded on paper logs from electronic readouts and verbal instruction. Starting in March 2001, station data are recorded directly by use of sensors and electronic measuring and recording devices. These devices are used to record catch, length and weight data. Acoustic trawl monitoring system information on headrope height, wing spread, and bottom temperature is used to monitor net configuration during the tow. Extensive data edits are performed on all data at point of entry. Sampled fish are assigned individual identification numbers, measured, and weighed to the nearest 0.001 kilogram (kg) and further sampled for age and growth and feeding ecology studies. Bony fish are measured to the nearest cm to the end of the central caudal ray (fork length). Sharks and skates are measured to the end of the caudal fin (total length). Disk width is measured for rays. Lobsters are measured in millimeters (mm) from the posterior edge of the eye socket to the end of the carapace. Crabs are measured across the carapace width (cm). Shell height is measured in centimeters (cm) for selected bivalves. Times prior to March 2001 are Eastern Standard Time (EST) while times from March 2001 are recorded in Greenwich Mean Time (GMT). Station, haul and gear values represent condition of net and tow duration.
Access Constraints
Request for the data may need approval from the NEFSC Center Director.
Use Constraints
NMFS would appreciate recognition as the resource from which this data was obtained in any publications and/or representations of these data.
Name:
LINDA
DESPRES Phone:
+01-508-495-2346
Email:
Linda.Despres at noaa.gov
Contact Address:
166 Water Street City:
Woods Hole
Province or State:
Massachusetts
Postal Code:
02543
Country:
United States of America
Distribution
Distribution_Media:
Summary reports in paper documents; digital form preferred
Distribution_Format:
ASCII
Fees:
Free
Personnel
LINDA
DESPRES Role:
TECHNICAL CONTACT
Phone:
+01-508-495-2346
Email:
Linda.Despres at noaa.gov
Contact Address:
166 Water Street City:
Woods Hole
Province or State:
Massachusetts
Postal Code:
02543
Country:
United States of America
Publications/References
Azarovitz, Thomas R. 1981. A brief historical review of Woods Hole Laboratory trawl survey time series. In Bottom Trawl Surveys, W.G. Doubleday and D. Rivard (eds.), pp 62-67. Ottawa, Canada: Department of Fisheries and Oceans. Canadian Special Publication of the Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences 58: 1-273.
Byrne, C.J., T.R. Azarovitz and M.P. Sissenwine, 1981. Factors affecting variability of research vessel trawl surveys. In Bottom Trawl Surveys, W.G. Doubleday and D. Rivard (eds.), pp. 258-273. Ottawa, Canada: Department of Fisheries and Oceans. Canadian Special Publication of the Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences 58: 1-273.
Grosslein, M. G. 1969. Groundfish survey program of BCF Woods Hole. Comm. Fish Rev. Vol. 31, Nos. 8-9: 22-35.
Creation and Review Dates
DIF Creation Date:
2009-04-14
Last DIF Revision Date:
2009-09-10
