Cooperative Research Pilot Flatfish Survey (Yellowtail)

An industry-based pilot flatfish survey of Georges Bank conducted aboard the F/V Mary K and the F/V Yankee Pride. The surveyed used a two-seam, two-bridle flounder net which utilized a sweep consisting of 4” rubber cookies, 20 fathom bridles, and 5 fathom extensions. Both vessels used 734 kg Thyboron type IV 84” trawl doors and utilized a 23 fathom restrictor wire between the doors to ensure consistency in door spread. The U.S. portion of Georges Bank was divided into “high density” and “low density” strata based on input from fisherman and previously collected survey and observer data for yellowtail flounder. Stations were randomly selected within each stratum, with higher sampling intensity in the high density stratums. Tows were conducted for 20 minutes at a target speed of 2.8 knots. At locations where the seafloor would not allow a tow to be completed with the chosen gear, the nearest towable area was selected by the captain as an alternate.1

To investigate the feasibility, costs and benefits of implementing an industry-based flatfish survey on Georges Bank.

Resource Survey Report: http://www.nefsc.noaa.gov/press_release/pr2014/news/NR1403/Flatfish%20Pilot%20Survey%20Report.pdf

Available to qualified researchers.

Please contact Point of Contact via email.

NEFSC Data Access Procedure:

1. Formal request in writing usually to the data owner/contact or Center Director;

2. Requester is contacted by data owner to review and verify the request content and details for data delivery options.

3. If data is confidential then owner will determine if the data may be released to the requester;

4. If data can be released, the data is downloaded and packaged for delivery electronically; or the requester may be directed to where the data is available online.

User must read and fully comprehend the metadata prior to use. Applications or inferences derived from the data should be carefully considered for accuracy.

NEFSC Data Access Constraint:

If data is stored on an internal NEFSC network, the requester may not have direct access to query the data unless they are also authorized for network access.

Acknowledgement of NOAA/NMFS/NEFSC, as the source from which these data were obtained in any publications and/or other representations of these, data is suggested.

Oracle database on Centralized Database Management System

Data validation during data collection using FSCS 2.0, Data auditing post-survey by established auditing routines, Data validation during database load

Archiving solution for Oracle Data Sets is yet to be determined

Archival of source data preserving unaltered collected data, Scheduled backups, Remote storage backups, Password protection

Vessel sensor data were collected electronically using SCS. Catch and biological data were collected electronically using FSCS 2.0. At the completion of the cruise, a database copy was inserted into the shoreside database.