Pelagic Longline Survey Data

The Southeast Fisheries Science Center Mississippi Laboratories conducts standardized fisheries independent resource surveys in the Gulf of Mexico, South Atlantic, and U.S. Caribbean to provide abundance and distribution information to support regional and international stock assessments. A pelagic longline survey is conducted opportunistically when vessel schedules and budget allow. Surveys have been conducted off the east coast, south of Cape Hatteras, North Carolina, and throughout the northern Gulf of Mexico. Sampling primarily occurs during winter and spring months in Federal waters during both day and night hours. Approximately 60 stations are conducted per survey with effort occurring at bottom depths greater than 600 ft. Sampling depth is set by buoyed drop lines which are 80.5 feet long. Pelagic longline sampling gear includes five miles of mainline, buoyed drop lines placed ~ every 600 ft along the mainline and 73 ft gangions with 18/0 non-offset circle hooks baited with mackerel (Scomber scombrus). Float drop line depths are 110% of gangion length to allow sea turtles to easily surface if captured. The mainline soaks for three hours as determined from the time the last high-flyer is deployed until the first flyer is retrieved.

To provide abundance and distribution information on pelagic species for use in regional stock assessments.

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As specimens are collected, total number of individual fish by species and lengths are taken and recorded into the shipboard data collections system. At the end of each survey data are reviewed for accuracy/relevance by chief scientists. Specimens that cannot be identified during the survey are identified in the laboratory.