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2023 Ecosystem Monitoring of the Northeast US Continental Shelf: Hydrographic and Plankton Cruise Directory

We added observations from 11 surveys collecting long-term, comprehensive, shelf-wide hydrographic measurements and plankton abundances on the northeast US shelf in 2023.
New England/Mid-Atlantic

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Image
Looking down on two bongo nets being lowered oss the side deck of a research ship. The nets are made of fine mesh and shaped like a funnel. The end of the funnel is closed. A round metal ring at the top keeps the net open.
Deployment of bongo nets. Credit: NOAA Fisheries/Audy Peoples

This directory provides information on 11 surveys that collected hydrographic and plankton data on the Northeast US Continental Shelf in 2023. These samples covered

Two notable studies were published in 2023 using the data:

Data from these surveys are publicly available for

The details of each survey are described below.

Fall North Atlantic Right Whale Prey Survey - GM2307

A map showing the locations of plankton samples collected. Bongo with CTD stations were sampled in close proximity to each other and distributed on the shelf southwest of Martha’s Vineyard.
Map of the Northeast U.S. coastline showing locations of plankton sampling covered by a 2023 fall North Atlantic Right Whale Prey survey.
  • Dates of survey: Nov 29-30, 2023
  • Stations sampled: 4
  • Conductivity, Temperature, Depth measurements: 4
  • Ocean chemistry samples: 0
  • Plankton: 4 bongo 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

Details on the conductivity-temperature-depth data collected during this cruise are in the GM2307 Hydrographic Report available by request.

Fall Ecosystem Monitoring Survey - PC2305

A map showing the locations of each type of sample. These stations are scattered over the entire shelf from Cape Hatteras, North Carolina, to Cape Cod, Massachusetts. Station dots are color coded to show locations of the type of sample collected at each location: 60-cm Bongo and CTD tows (most stations), 90-cm bongo and CTD tows, vertical CTD casts, and SBE911 water casts. Bongo and CTD tows are distributed throughout the shelf. Vertical CTD casts occurred at bongo stations in southern New England and Ge
Map of the Northeast U.S. coastline showing locations of sampling covered by the 2023 fall Ecosystem Monitoring survey, from Cape Hatteras to Cape Cod.
  • Dates of survey: Oct 27 – Nov 14, 2023
  • Stations sampled: 157
  • Conductivity, Temperature, Depth measurements: 217
  • Ocean chemistry samples: 41 multi-depth water sample locations
    • Oxygen samples
    • Chlorophyll samples
    • Dissolved inorganic carbon samples
    • Nutrient samples
    • pH and total alkalinity
  • Plankton:
    • 143 60-cm bongo net tows
    • 138 20-cm bongo net tows (2 mesh sizes)
    • 26 90-cm bongo tows

Mission and Partnerships

  • Collect underway data from the Scientific Flow-through Seawater System using thermosalinograph (TSG), NOAA Scientific Computer System (SCS), and a fluorometer.
  • Using an Imaging FLowCytoBot unit, plumbed into the seawater system to photograph phytoplankton from the near-surface waters as the ship sailed.
  • Collect acoustic data using an EK80 and Acoustic Doppler Current Profiler (ADCP).
  • Collect pteropods (planktonic snails), from the samples at various stations throughout the cruise together with simultaneous DIC samples to measure the correlation between ocean acidity and shell thickness.
  • Gather data on the trends in ocean acidification and nutrient levels by collecting seawater samples at three different depths (surface, midwater and bottom) with a rosette water sampler at predetermined (fixed) locations for the NOAA Ocean Acidification Program.
  • Document the presence of seabirds, marine mammals, and sea turtles from sunrise to sunset throughout the cruise by having two dedicated observers recording and photographing any encountered while the vessel is underway between stations.
  • Tow large (90-cm) bongo nets at a subset of the plankton stations to collect live larval fish for swimming tests.


Data Reports

Fall Bottom Trawl Survey - HB2304

A map showing the locations of each type of sample. These stations are 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 tows, SBE911 water casts, SBE19 water casts. All types are distributed throughout the shelf.
Map of the Northeast U.S. coastline showing locations of sampling covered by the 2023 fall bottom trawl survey, from Cape Hatteras to Maine and southern Nova Scotia.
  • Dates of survey: September 10 - November 16, 2023
  • Stations sampled: 335
  • Conductivity, Temperature, Depth measurements: 335
  • Ocean chemistry samples: 0
  • Plankton: 107 bongo net tows

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 2023 Fall Bottom Trawl Survey.


We also have at-sea blog entries from:

Data Reports

Fall Passive Acoustics and eDNA Survey - SG2301

A map showing the locations of vertical CTD casts. Casts were made from southwest of Martha’s Vineyard cascading offshore to the southeast.
Map of the Northeast U.S. coastline showing locations of CTD casts covered by a 2023 survey.
  • Dates of survey: 5 - 9 September 2023
  • Stations sampled: 14
  • Conductivity, Temperature, Depth measurements: 14
  • Ocean chemistry samples: 0
  • Plankton: 0 bongo net tows

Mission and Partnerships

Comparing the species identified by passive acoustic and eDNA methods over time will allow us to document which species occupy habitats in the region both before and after construction of the wind turbines planned in this area. This project shares a joint protected species and oceanographic mission. We deployed passive acoustic receivers to collect underwater sound data and water samples for environmental DNA analysis in the southern New England region. We want to collect data on marine mammal sounds and human made noise so we can understand large whale use of the area.

Data Reports

Details on the conductivity-temperature-depth data collected during this cruise are in the SG2301 Hydrographic Report available by request.

Summer Ecosystem Monitoring Survey - HB2303

A map showing the locations of each type of sample. These stations are 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: Bongo and CTD tow (most stations), SBE911 water cast, SBE19 water cast, and ring net tows. Bongo and CTD tows are distributed throughout the shelf. Water casts are located along transects crossing (inshore-offshore) from Albemarle Sound, Delaware, New Jersey, Martha’s Vineya
Map of the Northeast U.S. coastline showing locations of sampling covered by the 2023 summer Ecosystem Monitoring survey, from Cape Hatteras to Maine and southern Nova Scotia.
  • Dates of survey: August 8 - 25, 2023
  • Stations sampled: 209
  • Conductivity, Temperature, Depth measurements: 209
  • Ocean chemistry samples: 36 multi-depth water sample locations
    • Oxygen samples
    • Chlorophyll samples
    • Dissolved inorganic carbon samples
    • Nutrient samples
    • pH and total alkalinity
  • Plankton:
    • 159 bongo net tows
    • 155 20-cm bongo net tows (3 mesh sizes)
    • 18 ring net tows

Regional coverage was affected by:

  • 18 days at sea
  • Fairly good weather
  • Efficient crew and command
  • Completed 100% of the planned research activities and collected supplemental data.

Mission and Partnerships

This survey helps researchers understand and predict changes in the Northeast shelf ecosystem and its fisheries. Our core sampling provides data that help us understand things like ocean acidification and changes in water temperature, salinity, the distribution and abundance of zooplankton and larval fish, and more.

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

News and Blogs

Learn more about the Summer 2023 Ecosystem Monitoring Survey.

Data Reports

Spring Ecosystem Monitoring Survey - HB2302

A map showing the locations of each type of sample. These stations are scattered over the entire shelf. Station dots are color coded to show locations of the type of sample collected at each location: Bongo and CTD tows (most stations), SBE911 water casts, SBE19 water casts, and ring net tows. Bongo and CTD tows are distributed throughout the shelf. Water casts are located along transects crossing the mid-Atlantic and southern New England shelf, Georges Bank, and Gulf of Maine. Ring nets were deployed mo
Map of the Northeast U.S. coastline showing locations of sampling covered by the 2023 spring Ecosystem Monitoring survey, from Cape Hatteras to Maine and southern Nova Scotia.
  • Dates of survey: June 8 - 28, 2023
  • Stations sampled: 222
  • Conductivity, Temperature, Depth measurements: 222
  • Ocean chemistry samples: 52 multi-depth water sample locations
    • Oxygen samples
    • Chlorophyll samples
    • Dissolved inorganic carbon samples
    • Nutrient samples
    • pH and total alkalinity
  • Plankton:
    • 195 bongo net tows
    • 142 20-cm bongo net tows (3 mesh sizes)
    • 15 ring net tows

Regional coverage was affected by:

  • Full 21 days at sea
  • Great weather
  • Efficient crew and command
  • Completed 100% of the planned research activities

Mission and Partnerships

This survey helps researchers understand and predict changes in the Northeast shelf ecosystem and its fisheries. Our core sampling provides data that help us understand things like ocean acidification and changes in water temperature, salinity, the distribution and abundance of zooplankton and larval fish, and more.

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

News and Blogs

Learn more about the Spring 2023 Ecosystem Monitoring Survey. 

Data Reports

Spring Northeast Atlantic Sea Scallop Survey - S12301

A map showing the location of one sample on the northwestern edge of Georges Bank.
Map of the Northeast U.S. coastline showing the location of one sample collected during the 2023 Northeast Atlantic Sea Scallop survey.
  • Dates of survey: 15 June 2023
  • Stations sampled: 1
  • Conductivity, Temperature, Depth measurements: 1
  • Ocean chemistry samples: 0
  • Plankton: 0 bongo net tows

Mission and Partnerships

Data collected on sea scallop surveys are used to understand the distribution and abundance of this species. These data are key in developing quotas and area openings under the sea scallop fishery management plan. Unfortunately, the ship had multiple mechanical issues and returned to port after only 1 CTD station was sampled.

 

News and Blogs

Scallop Survey Cancelled

 

Data Reports

Details on the conductivity-temperature-depth data collected during this cruise are in the S12301 Hydrographic Report available by request.

Spring North Atlantic Right Whale Survey - WJ2301

A map showing the locations of plankton samples collected. Bongo with CTD stations were sampled across the shelf southwest of Martha’s Vineyard, with an additional cluster on Georges Bank and one in the Gulf of Maine near the Northeast Channel.
Map of the Northeast U.S. coastline showing locations of plankton sampling covered by a 2023 spring North Atlantic Right Whale Prey survey.
  • Dates of survey: 5 - 6 May 2023
  • Stations sampled: 16
  • Conductivity, Temperature, Depth measurements: 16
  • Ocean chemistry samples: 0
  • Plankton: 16 bongo 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

Details on the conductivity-temperature-depth data collected during this cruise are in the WJ2301 Hydrographic Report available by request.

 

Spring Bottom Trawl Survey - HB2301

A map showing the locations of each type of sample. These stations are scattered over Georges Bank. Station dots are color coded to show 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 Bank.
Map of the Northeast U.S. coastline showing locations of sampling covered by the 2023 spring bottom trawl survey, from Cape Hatteras to Maine and southern Nova Scotia.
  • Dates of survey: May 8 - 24, 2023
  • Stations sampled: 70
  • Conductivity, Temperature, Depth measurements: 70
  • Ocean chemistry samples: 0
  • Plankton: 29 bongo net tows

 

Regional coverage was affected by:

  • Ship repair and maintenance period delays, reducing sea days by about 75%
  • Operations reduced from 24 to 12 hours per day due to a shortage of experienced ship’s crew

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 2023 Spring Bottom Trawl Survey

Data Reports

Details on the conductivity-temperature-depth data collected during this cruise are in the HB2301 Hydrographic Report available by request.

Winter North Atlantic Right Whale Prey Survey - GM2301

A map showing the locations of plankton samples collected. Bongo with CTD stations, VPR stations, and 1 Tucker Sled with CTD tow were sampled in a cross-shelf pattern on the shelf from southwest of Martha’s Vineyard.
Map of the Northeast U.S. coastline showing locations of plankton sampling covered by a 2023 winter North Atlantic Right Whale Prey survey.
  • Dates of survey: March 13 - 16 and April 17 - 21, 2023
  • Stations sampled: 10
  • Conductivity, Temperature, Depth measurements: 10
  • Ocean chemistry samples: 0
  • Plankton: 11 plankton net tows
    • 10 bongo net tows
    • 1 Tucker sled tow at 3 depths

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 GM2301 Hydrographic Report available by request.

Winter Atlantic Marine Assessment Program for Protected Species Survey - GU2301

A map showing the locations bongo and CTD tows. These stations are arranged in cross-shelf transects from Cape Hatteras, North Carolina, to Delaware.
Map of the Northeast U.S. coastline showing locations of sampling covered by the 2023 winter Atlantic Marine Assessment Program for Protected Species survey.
  • Dates of survey: March 20 - April 28, 2023
  • Stations sampled: 97
  • Conductivity, Temperature, Depth measurements: 97
  • Ocean chemistry samples: 0
  • Plankton: 97 bongo net tows

 

Regional coverage was affected by:

  • Mechanical problems
  • Unfavorable weather

Mission and Partnerships

The main goal of this survey was to collect data on the distribution and abundance of marine mammals in the U.S. waters of the western North Atlantic using visual survey teams and passive acoustic detections

 

The Atlantic Marine Assessment Program for Protected Species coordinates the data collection and analysis efforts of NOAA Fisheries’ Northeast and Southeast science centers and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Division of Migratory Birds.

News and Blogs

Learn more about the 2023 AMAPPS Survey.


Data Reports

Details on the conductivity-temperature-depth data collected during this cruise are in the GU2301 Hydrographic Report available by request.

 

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

More Information

More Information

Last updated by Northeast Fisheries Science Center on 10/05/2026

Northeast EcoMon Survey