The goal of the Gulf of Alaska Bottom Trawl Survey is to collect data on the distribution and abundance of fish, crab and other bottom-dwelling species found in the Gulf of Alaska. This year, for the first time, the survey will be providing regular survey progress and temperature at all of our survey stations.
Survey Progress
This PDF provides static maps of each day's progress and bottom temperatures (Celsius). The last page includes a regional map of the Gulf of Alaska bottom trawl survey and Shumagin, Chirikof, Kodiak, Yakutat, and Southeastern subregions.
Learn more about the Gulf of Alaska survey in our 2023 research brief. All data collected on the surveys are publicly accessible from
- The Fisheries One Stop Shop (FOSS) public data portal
- The Distribution Mapping and Analysis Portal (DisMAP)
Survey Dates
The Gulf of Alaska trawl survey is scheduled to run from May 18-August 6. This year, start dates are staggered for the two vessels conducting the surveys, the F/V Ocean Explorer (departing Dutch Harbor on May 22) and the F/V Alaska Provider (departing Dutch Harbor on May 21). We will keep the communities informed of our survey progress by posting daily updates of our survey progress via the website and social media.
The Gulf of Alaska summer bottom trawl survey begins in Samalga Pass near the Islands of Four Mountains (Chuginadak) in May. We continue eastward along the south side of the eastern Aleutian archipelago and Alaska Peninsula. We navigate around Kodiak Island into Cook Inlet before proceeding into Southeast Alaska. The survey will finish at Dixon Entrance in August.
Three crew changes occur during the survey. The first happens in early June at Sand Point, the second in late June at Kodiak Island, and the third in July at Seward. Both vessels return to Ketchikan at the end of the survey. Afterward, scientists finalize and report the data collected.
Pictures from the field
What do surveys in the Gulf of Alaska look like? Explore our new photo gallery to see this current survey’s photos from scientists in the field. These photos show the incredible places that NOAA scientists go and showcase our mission in ways that words cannot.