Southeast Fishery-Independent Surveys
Our scientists conduct several annual field studies and surveys to collect data on a variety of species and habitats throughout the Southeast region of the United States.
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Fishery-independent surveys use consistent, standardized sampling methods to assess changes in focal species’ abundance and other population metrics (e.g., age and size structure) over space and time. Surveys carried out by NOAA's Southeast Fisheries Science Center and partners support stock assessments for approximately 40 stocks in the Gulf of Mexico, U.S. Caribbean, South Atlantic, and Atlantic high seas. The data we collect and analyze supports management advice to three regional fishery management councils, two interstate marine fisheries commissions, and the International Commission for the Conservation of Atlantic Tunas.
Gulf Fishery-Independent Survey of Habitat and Ecosystem Resources
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The Gulf Fishery-Independent Survey of Habitat and Ecosystem Resources is a collaborative video-based survey, commonly referred to as G-FISHER. It is a combined effort between the Southeast Fisheries Science Center and our state partners at the Florida Fish and Wildlife Research Institute, funded by the NOAA RESTORE science program. Video surveys are effective for monitoring species associated with natural and artificial reef habitats, which are difficult to sample with other survey approaches. G-FISHER incorporates Video Image Analytics for the Marine Environment (VIAME) a software system developing Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning to increase efficiency in providing timely data for fisheries assessments.
Plankton Surveys
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The Spring and Fall Plankton Surveys assess the occurrence, abundance, and geographic distribution of the early life stages of spawning fish, or ichthyoplankton. We collect environmental data to reveal more information about the pelagic, or open water, habitats of fish larvae. The spring survey is conducted in deep ocean waters and targets highly migratory species, including bluefin tuna. The fall survey takes place mainly in continental shelf waters and targets demersal (bottom-dwelling) and coastal pelagic fish species.
Groundfish Surveys
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We partner with the Southeast Area Monitoring and Assessment Program (SEAMAP) to conduct the Summer and Fall Groundfish Surveys. These data support the sustainable management of marine fisheries by providing a time series of catch and biological data of groundfish populations to inform stock and ecosystem assessments. NOAA Fisheries partners with the Gulf states—Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, and Florida—to conduct these surveys.
Read our blog series from the Fall Groundfish Survey
Bottom Longline Survey
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The Bottom Longline Survey provides vital information about predatory fish inhabiting the coastal waters off the Southeastern United States, including the Gulf of Mexico. The survey allows us to target large species, such as sharks and snappers, that are difficult to capture or sample via other survey methods. Information gathered during these surveys are critical for tracking the abundance and distribution of these large species, understanding their habitat use, and managing those of economic importance.
Read our blog series from the Bottom Longline Survey
South Atlantic Trap-Video Survey
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The South Atlantic Trap-Video Survey is used for standardized evaluation of reef fish species between North Carolina and Florida. The objective is to estimate trends in relative abundance over time for various species. Our scientists are integrating new technology into this survey process. The Video Image Analytics for the Marine Environment (VIAME) software uses artificial intelligence and machine learning to help us provide efficient, timely data for fisheries assessments. We partner with the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources on these video surveys.