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2021 Ecosystem Monitoring of the Northeast US Continental Shelf: Hydrographic and Plankton Cruise Directory

Our commitment to collecting and maintaining long-term, comprehensive, shelf-wide hydrographic measurements and plankton abundances on the northeast US shelf resumed in 2021.

New England/Mid-Atlantic

Table of Contents

Aerial view of two crew members wearing hard hats at the rail on the main desk of the research vessel. They stand ready to snag a piece of water sampling equipment as it is raised from the water by a winch, using gaffs designed for this purpose.
Crew retrieving a water sampling and analysis equipment after a tow during the 2021 Northeast spring bottom trawl survey. Credit: NOAA Fisheries/Jon Hare

This directory provides information on 11 surveys that collected hydrographic and plankton data on the Northeast US Continental Shelf and Slope Sea in 2021. These samples covered:

Data from these surveys is publicly available for

The details of each survey are described below.

Fall Bottom Trawl Survey HB2103

A map showing the locations of each type of sample and the order they were sampled (lines connecting dots). These stations scattered over the entire shelf from Cape Hatteras to Nova Scotia. Station dots are color coded to show locations of the type of sample collected at each location: vertical CTD cast (most stations), Bongo and CTD tow, SBE911 water cast, SBE19 water cast. All types are distributed throughout the shelf.
Map of the Northeast U.S. coastline showing locations of sampling covered by the 2021 fall bottom trawl survey, from Cape Hatteras to Maine and southern Nova Scotia.
  • Dates of survey: September 11–November 15, 2021
  • Stations sampled: 353
  • Conductivity, temperature, depth measurements: 371
  • Ocean chemistry samples: 0
  • Plankton samples: 110 bongo tows

Regional coverage was affected by:

  • Reduced sea days
  • Staffing issues at the start of the survey

Mission and Partnerships

A long-standing partnership within the Northeast collects plankton and hydrographic data concurrent with bottom trawls, including:

  • EcoMon standard sampling of hydrographic data at all stations
  • EcoMon standard bongo tows at a subset of stations

News and Blogs

Learn more about the 2021 Fall Bottom Trawl survey.

Data Reports

For details on the conductivity-temperature-depth data collected during this cruise, check out the HB2103 Hydrographic Report.

Fall Ecosystem Monitoring Survey PC2106

A map showing the locations of each type of sample and the order they were sampled (lines connecting dots). These stations cover the shelf from Cape Hatteras to the western Gulf of Maine, including a few stations in the western Georges Bank. Station dots are color coded to show locations of the type of sample collected at each location: vertical CTD cast, Bongo and CTD tow (most stations), SBE911 water cast. Stations that were planned for Georges Bank and Gulf of Maine, but not sampled, are not shown.
Map of the Northeast U.S. coastline showing locations of sampling covered by the 2021 fall Ecosystem Monitoring survey, from Cape Hatteras to Maine and southern Nova Scotia.
  • Dates of survey: October 15–26, 2021
  • Stations sampled: 89
  • Conductivity, temperature, depth measurements: 102
  • Ocean chemistry samples: 21 multi-depth water sample locations
    • 21 salinity samples
    • 63 chlorophyll samples
    • 63 Dissolved inorganic carbon samples
    • 162 nutrient samples
  • Plankton samples: 79 bongo tows

Regional coverage was affected by:

  • Reduced sea days
  • Bad weather

Mission and Partnerships

In addition to the EcoMon standard sampling, we also participated in:

News and Blogs

Learn more about the Fall Ecosystem Monitoring Survey

Data Reports

Fall Northern Right Whale Survey - WJ2101

A map showing the locations of plankton samples collected, including an expanded view of the 6, tightly spaced, stations. These 6 stations were distributed in a small area south of Nantucket Island.
Map of the Northeast U.S. coastline south of Massachusetts and Rhode Island showing locations of plankton sampling covered by a 2021 North Atlantic Right Whale survey.
  • Dates of survey: September 29–October 14, 2021
  • Stations sampled: 6
  • Conductivity, temperature, depth measurements: 6
  • Ocean chemistry samples: 0
  • Plankton samples: 6 ring net tows

Mission and Partnerships

This project shares a joint protected species and oceanographic mission. Our objective on this survey was to collect samples of the planktonic prey and the environment near North Atlantic right whales in the southern New England region. We want to know what prey species are most abundant and why, so we can understand the needs of large whales in the area.

Data Reports

Summer Atlantic Marine Assessment Program for Protected Species Survey HB2102

A map showing the locations of each type of sample and the order they were sampled (lines connecting dots). These stations scattered over the shelf off New Jersey, off the Massachusetts and Rhode Island coast, and in the Slope Sea. Station dots are color coded to show locations of the type of sample collected at each location: vertical CTD cast, Bongo and CTD tow, SBE911 water cast, SBE19 water cast, and other (most stations). Most stations on the shelf were bongo and CTD tows. Most stations off the shelf
Map of the Northeast U.S. coastline showing locations of sampling covered by the 2021 Atlantic Marine Assessment Program for Protected Species survey, from Cape Hatteras to Maine and the Slope Sea.
  • Dates of survey: June 16–August 23, 2021
  • Stations sampled: 236
  • Conductivity, Temperature, Depth measurements: 304
  • Ocean chemistry samples: 0
  • Plankton samples:
    • 186 bongo tows
    • 48 1x2m frame net tows
    • 34 video plankton recorder transects

Mission and Partnerships

Collaboration with the AMAPPS survey cruises is an opportunity to explore oceanographic conditions in the poorly sampled Slope Sea. Plankton, Video Plankton Recorder, and CTD sampling was conducted at dawn, noon, and dusk and adaptively at night to:

  • Expand available data from the deep waters of offshore ecosystems past the shelf break
  • Explore the bluefin tuna spawning area off the mid Atlantic shelf break
  • Collect larval fish, paralarval cephalopod, and zooplankton samples for further analysis
Image
photograph of paired bongo nets wrapped in the bongo frame on a table, a small cage-like rosette around a CTD in the foreground, and a video plankton recorder seated on a mat to the right. The blush of sunrise, June 21, 2021, is on the horizon in the background.
Gear on the side deck of the NOAA ship Henry B Bigelow during the HB2102 Atlantic Marine Assessment Program for Protected Species Survey. Credit: NOAA Fisheries/Elisabeth Broughton

In addition to the core sampling we also collaborated to collect:

News and Blogs

For a description of the 2021 AMAPPS Survey from sea, check out these blog entries:

Data Reports

Summer Ecosystem Monitoring Survey PC2104

A map showing the locations of each type of sample and the order they were sampled (lines connecting dots). These stations cover the shelf from Delaware Bay to Nova Scotia, including Georges Bank. Station dots are color coded to show locations of the type of sample collected at each location: vertical CTD cast, Bongo and CTD tow (most stations), SBE911 water cast. Stations that were planned for Cape Hatteras to Delaware Bay, but not sampled, are not shown.
Map of the Northeast U.S. coastline showing locations of sampling covered by the 2021 summer Ecosystem Monitoring survey, from Cape Hatteras to Maine and southern Nova Scotia.
  • Dates of survey: August 5–20, 2021
  • Stations Sampled: 149
  • Conductivity, Temperature, Depth measurements: 175
  • Ocean chemistry samples: 35 multi-depth water sample locations
    • 34 salinity samples
    • 105 chlorophyll samples
    • 84 Dissolved inorganic carbon samples
    • 200 nutrient samples
  • Plankton samples: 133 bongo tows

Regional coverage was affected by:

  • Reduced sea days
  • Favorable weather

Mission and Partnerships

In addition to the EcoMon standard sampling, we also participated in:

News and Blogs

Data Reports

Summer North Atlantic Right Whale Survey GM2106

A map showing the locations of plankton samples collected. Stations were distributed in three groups: 8 stations southwest of Martha’s Vineyard, 7 stations to the south and between Martha’s Vineyard and Nantucket Island, and 6 stations southeast of Nantucket Island.
Map of the Northeast U.S. coastline south of Massachusetts and Rhode Island showing locations of plankton sampling covered by a 2021 North Atlantic Right Whale survey.
  • Dates of survey: August 17–19, 2021
  • Stations sampled: 23
  • Conductivity, Temperature, Depth measurements: 21
  • Ocean chemistry samples: 0
  • Plankton samples: 23 bongo tows

Mission and Partnerships

This project shares a joint protected species and oceanographic mission. Our objective on this survey was to collect samples of the planktonic prey and the environment near North Atlantic right whales in the southern New England region. We want to know what prey species are most abundant and why, so we can understand the needs of large whales in the area.

Data Reports

Summer Sea Scallop Survey S12101

A map showing the locations of stations sampled. Stations were distributed in great south channel and western and northern Georges Bank.
Map of the Northeast U.S. coastline south and east of Massachusetts, including Georges Bank, showing locations of plankton sampling covered by a 2021 Sea Scallop survey.
  • Dates of survey: June 13–July 2, 2021
  • Stations sampled: 21
  • Conductivity, Temperature, Depth measurements: 21
  • Ocean chemistry samples: 0
  • Plankton samples: 0

Mission and Partnerships

We work with partnering research groups to survey the Atlantic sea scallop population every summer. Resulting data are used for fishery stock assessments, fishery management, and biological studies. In addition to collecting hydrographic data, researchers used the stereo camera and sensor system known as HabCam V4 and a scallop dredge.

Data Reports

Spring Bottom Trawl Survey HB2101

A map showing the locations of each type of sample and the order they were sampled (lines connecting dots). These stations scattered over the entire shelf from Chesapeake Bay to Nova Scotia. Stations planned, but not samples, are not shown. Station dots are color coded to show locations of the type of sample collected at each location: vertical CTD cast (most stations), Bongo and CTD tow, SBE911 water cast, SBE19 water cast. All types are distributed throughout the shelf.
Map of the Northeast U.S. coastline showing locations of sampling covered by the 2021 spring bottom trawl survey, from Cape Hatteras to Maine and southern Nova Scotia.
  • Dates of survey: March 13–May 27, 2021
  • Stations Sampled: 317
  • Conductivity, Temperature, Depth measurements: 325 stations
  • Ocean chemistry samples: 0
  • Plankton samples: 92 bongo tows

Regional coverage was affected by:

  • Reduced sea days
  • Staffing issues at the start of the survey

Mission and Partnerships

A long-standing partnership within the Northeast collects plankton and hydrographic data concurrent with bottom trawls, including:

  • EcoMon standard sampling of hydrographic data at all stations
  • EcoMon standard bongo tows at a subset of stations

News and Blogs

Learn more about the 2021 Spring Bottom Trawl survey.

Data Reports

Details on the conductivity-temperature-depth data collected during this cruise are in the HB2101 Hydrographic Report.

Spring Ecosystem Monitoring Survey GU2102

A map showing the locations of each type of sample and the order they were sampled (lines connecting dots). These stations cover the shelf from Delaware Bay to Nova Scotia, including central Georges Bank. Station dots are color coded to show locations of the type of sample collected at each location: Bongo and CTD tow (most stations), SBE911 water cast, and SBE19 water cast. Stations that were planned for south of Delaware Bay, Georges Bank and northern Gulf of Maine, but not sampled, are not shown.
Map of the Northeast U.S. coastline showing locations of sampling covered by the 2021 spring Ecosystem Monitoring survey, from Cape Hatteras to Maine and southern Nova Scotia
  • Dates of survey: May 14 - 27, 2021
  • Stations sampled: 106
  • Conductivity, Temperature, Depth measurements: 126
  • Ocean chemistry samples: 25 multi-depth water sample locations
    • 36 salinity samples
    • 72 chlorophyll samples
    • 72 Dissolved inorganic carbon samples
    • 96 nutrient samples
  • Plankton samples: 100 bongo tows

This cruise marks the return of EcoMon after the Pandemic canceled cruises in March 2020.

Regional coverage was affected by:

  • Reduced sea days
  • Bad weather on Georges Bank and in the Gulf of Maine

Mission and Partnerships

Our mission is highly collaborative, even with Covid restrictions. In addition to the EcoMon standard sampling, we also participated in:

News and Blogs

Learn more about the 2021 Spring Ecosystem Monitoring cruise.

We also have at-sea blog entries from:

Data Reports

Spring Apex Predator Longline Survey - EY2101

A map showing the locations of stations sampled. Stations were distributed along the shelf, mostly inner shelf habitat, throughout the area from Florida to Chesapeake Bay.
Map of the U.S. coastline from Florida to Chesapeake Bay, showing locations of sampling covered by the 2021 Apex Predator Longline survey.
  • Dates of survey: April 14 - May 24, 2021
  • Stations sampled: 51
  • Conductivity, Temperature, Depth measurements: 49
  • Ocean chemistry samples: 0
  • Plankton samples: 0

Mission and Partnerships

The survey is conducted in U.S. waters from Florida to the mid-Atlantic area every two to three years to provide relative abundance indices of coastal shark populations. Working from the contracted commercial longline vessel F/V Eagle Eye II, scientists from the center’s Narragansett Laboratory in Rhode Island and vessel crew caught 2,462 sharks of 11 species.

News and Blogs

Learn more about the 2021 Apex Predator Coastal Longline survey.

Data Reports

Details on the conductivity-temperature-depth data collected during this cruise are in the EY2101 Hydrographic Report.

Winter Northern Right Whale Survey - GM2101

A map showing the locations of plankton samples collected. Stations were distributed on the shelf south of Martha’s Vineyard.
Map of the Northeast U.S. coastline south of Martha’s Vineyard, Massachusetts, showing locations of plankton sampling covered by a 2021 North Atlantic Right Whale survey.
  • Dates of survey: March 8-11, 2021
  • Stations sampled: 12
  • Conductivity, Temperature, Depth measurements: 11
  • Ocean chemistry samples: 0
  • Plankton samples: 12 stations
    • 12 bongo tows
    • 9 video plankton recorder transects

Mission and Partnerships

This project shares a joint protected species and oceanographic mission. Our objective on this survey was to collect samples of the planktonic prey and the environment near North Atlantic right whales in the southern New England region. We want to know what prey species are most abundant and why, so we can understand the needs of large whales in the area.

Data Reports

Details on the conductivity-temperature-depth data collected during this cruise are in the GM2101 Hydrographic Report.

Learn more about the Northeast U.S. Hydrographic and Plankton Surveys

More Information

More Information

Last updated by Northeast Fisheries Science Center on 11/09/2023