Survey logs detailing the many surveys the Fisheries Resources Division hosts throughout the year.
Small, schooling coastal pelagic species (CPS) - sardines, jack and Pacific mackerel, anchovy and market squid - are integral components of the California Current ecosystem and function as forage fish for a wide range of sea life. They are also a valuable catch commodity for commercial fisheries, party and charter boats, and anglers. The Fisheries Resources Division conducts several fisheries and ecosystem surveys throughout the year to monitor the distribution, abundance, and population trends of these important species and to better understand the California Current pelagic ecosystem.
Follow weekly survey updates to see how scientists are collecting information that deepen our understanding of the oceans.
The vision for the Integrated West Coast Pelagics Survey is a robust fisheries-independent survey aimed at gathering data crucial for sustaining Pacific hake and coastal pelagic fisheries while enhancing ecosystem data collection. Years 2023 and 2024 will be dedicated to preparing and testing novel survey methods and equipment, with the official commencement of the survey scheduled for 2025.
2023 Multi-function Trawl Testing
The California Current Ecosystem Survey (CCES) was created from two previous surveys, SaKe (Sardine and Hake Survey) and the Coastwide Sardine Survey, which now encompasses all CPS in the Pacific Ocean from Canada to Mexico.
2023 California Current Ecosystem Survey
2022 California Current Ecosystem Survey
2021 California Current Ecosystem Survey
2019 California Current Ecosystem Survey
2018 California Current Ecosystem Survey
2017 West Coast Pelagic Fish Survey
2016 California Current Ecosystem Survey
Initially formed in 1949 in response to the rapid decline of sardine stock off the coast of California, the California Cooperative Oceanic Fisheries Investigations (CalCOFI) is a lasting collaboration between the NOAA Fisheries Service, Scripps Institution of Oceanography, and the California Department of Fish & Wildlife. Seasonal CalCOFI surveys are performed annually to monitor and assess oceanographic conditions, distribution and abundance of pelagic fish stocks, and their prey in the California Current ecosystem.
Summer 2023 CalCOFI Survey
Spring 2023 CalCOFI Survey
Winter 2023 CalCOFI Survey
Fall 2022 CalCOFI Survey
Summer 2022 CalCOFI Survey
Spring 2022 CalCOFI Survey
Fall 2021 CalCOFI Survey
Fall 2019 CalCOFI Survey
Summer 2019 CalCOFI Survey
Spring 2019 CalCOFI Survey
Winter 2019 CalCOFI Survey
Fall 2018 CalCOFI Survey
Winter 2018 CalCOFI Survey
Fall 2017 CalCOFI Survey
Summer 2017 CalCOFI Survey
Spring 2017 CalCOFI and Saildrone Ground Truthing Survey
Winter 2017 CalCOFI Survey
Biological data collection during the spring Coastal Pelagic Species, or CPS survey for DEPM (Daily Egg Production Method) is a primary responsibility of the Fisheries Resources Division to provide support to the Pacific Fisheries Management Council. This cruise often occurs during the same period as the spring CalCOFI.
Cape Shirreff field camp on Livingston Island, one of the most breathtaking places in Antarctica. Credit: NOAA Fisheries
North Pacific right whale. Credit: Brenda K. Rone
An oceanic whitetip shark swims near the surface of the water. Photo courtesy of John Carlson.
