Habitat Camera Survey

What We Survey

The HabCam Survey uses a towed camera sled system to collect images of the sea floor. This optical survey occurs in the Mid-Atlantic and Georges Bank. It collects abundance and distribution data on Atlantic sea scallops. The survey uses a towed sled with cameras. It samples over a larger area than traditional survey methods. We process the images to understand the abundance and size composition of scallops.

The survey also collects abundance information for a number of other species and ecosystem features.

Why We Survey

Atlantic sea scallops are one of the largest commercial fisheries in the United States. In 2023 the value of the fishery was $359.5 million.

The Magnuson–Stevens Act fosters the long-term biological and economic sustainability of marine fisheries, including the scallop fishery. Under this act, we help:

• Prevent overfishing
• Rebuild overfished stocks
• Increase long-term economic and social benefits derived from fishing
• Ensure a safe and sustainable supply of seafood
• Protect habitat that fishery species need to spawn, breed, feed, and grow to maturity

We use fisheries independent data from the HabCam Survey in the species’ stock assessment to infer how the stock size and composition has changed over time. Since sea scallops live on the sea floor, the HabCam’s towed camera system is an ideal method for understanding the abundance and distribution of this species.

The survey began as a collaboration between the Northeast Fisheries Science Center and the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institute in 2004 through a Cooperative Institute of the North Atlantic Region agreement. The survey was then transitioned to the Northeast Fisheries Science Center in 2012 as part of the Ecosystems Surveys enterprise. The survey typically runs between April and June sampling the Mid-Atlantic Bight and Georges Bank. On average, the survey is completed over two legs spanning 9 to 10 days.

For many years, the HabCam Survey and the Scallop Dredge Survey were integrated over three survey legs aboard the R/V Hugh Sharp. This vessel is homeported in Lewes, Delaware, at the University of Delaware. With the transition of the Scallop Dredge Survey to an industry vessel in 2023, the HabCam Survey is now completed on the NOAA Ship Henry Bigelow.

Survey Gear

The primary equipment of the HabCam Survey is the HabCam vehicle. The vehicle houses a suite of sensors and electronics mounted on a frame that is towed behind the ship via a fiber optic cable. HabCam sensors include stereo cameras and strobes for seabed imaging, and sensors for measuring:

• Conductivity
• Temperature
• Pressure
• Oxygen concentration
• Turbidity
• Chlorophyll
• Fluorescent dissolved organic matter

HabCam also uses a side-scan sonar to visualize the seabed and a forward-looking sonar for object avoidance. We tow the vehicle between 5 to 7 knots and it flies approximately 2 meters above the seabed. A pilot manually paying cable in and out while ensuring clear visibility of the seafloor to achieve the desired height above the seabed. The stereo imaging capability allows for precise measurement of sea scallop size measurements. Scientists annotate images and, using the estimated field of view, derive sea scallop standardized abundances and size compositions.

Data Use

We use data to develop indices of abundance and size composition of Atlantic sea scallop for the species’ stock assessments. The stereo imaging capability allows for precise measurement of sea scallop size measurements. We also process additional fisheries and ecosystem data collected from the images for future stock and ecosystem assessment needs.

A number of other surveys collect data on scallop distribution, abundance, and size. These surveys are supported by the Center’s Scallop Dredge survey and the Research Set Aside Program. They include dredge, video drop camera, and an additional HabCam survey. The intent of these multiple surveys and survey methods is to increase the accuracy and precision of the sea scallop assessment through thorough fisheries independent surveys.

Access Our Data

Our HabCam survey data are available by request. To request data, please contact Cam Fairclough or Conor McManus

Survey Summaries

• 2024 Sea Scallop Survey Results
• 2023 Northeast Atlantic Sea Scallop Survey Canceled
• 2022 NOAA Northeast Sea Scallop Survey Results

Contacts:

Conor McManus