AFSC/RACE/MACE: Results of 2014 Acoustic-trawl survey of the Shumagin Islands and Sanak Trough dy1401

The survey’s primary objective was to collect acoustic data and trawl information to estimate midwater abundance and distribution of walleye pollock (Gadus chalcogrammus) in the Gulf of Alaska (GOA) Shumagins Region during late winter and early spring. Acoustic data were collected using five split-beam transducers (18, 38, 70, 120, and 200 kHz) and Simrad ER60 scientific echo sounders. Midwater and near-bottom acoustic backscatter was sampled using an Aleutian Wing 30/26 Trawl (AWT) and a poly Nor’eastern bottom trawl (PNE) with roller gear. This long-running survey has consistently provided data on the pollock population in the western GOA during winter and spring months.

McCARTHY, A. L., S. C. STEINESSEN, and D. JONES.

2015. Results of the acoustic-trawl surveys of walleye pollock (Gadus chalcogrammus) in the Gulf of Alaska, February-March 2014 (DY2014-01 and DY2014-0). AFSC Processed Rep. 2015-05, 85 p. Alaska Fish. Sci. Cent., NOAA, Natl. Mar. Fish. Serv., 7600 Sand Point Way NE, Seattle WA 98115

Go to https://www.ngdc.noaa.gov/mgg/wcd/ or email Anderson, Charles (charles.anderson@noaa.gov)

The data set is still being analyzed and will not be available for distribution until it has been finalized and all QA/QC practices have been performed. Contact the Data Point Of Contact for estimated time of release.

These data were collected in accordance NOAA protocols for fisheries acoustics surveys and related sampling (Alaska Fisheries Science Center), 23 p. Prepared by Midwater Assessment and Conservation Engineering Program, Alaska Fish. Sci. Center, Natl. Mar. Fish. Serv., NOAA. Available online: http://www.afsc.noaa.gov/RACE/midwater/AFSC%20AT%20Survey%20Protocols_Feb%202013.pdf

"FISMA Controls are in place to protect stored data from unauthorized access and/or disclosure"

Acoustic data were recorded at the five split-beam frequencies using ER60 software and, as a backup, acoustic telegram data were logged with Myriax EchoLog 500 software. Acoustic measurements were collected from 16 m below the sea surface to within 0.5 m of the sounder-detected bottom or a maximum of 1,000 m in deep water. Data were analyzed using Myriax Echoview post-processing software. See National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) 2013. NOAA protocols for fisheries acoustics surveys and related sampling (Alaska Fisheries Science Center), 23 p. Prepared by Midwater Assessment and Conservation Engineering Program, Alaska Fish. Sci. Center, Natl. Mar. Fish. Serv., NOAA. Available online: http://www.afsc.noaa.gov/RACE/midwater/AFSC%20AT%20Survey%20Protocols_Feb%202013.pdf