Join us onboard the Dutch research vessel "Tridens" from 16 March till 3 April 2009 to study the Atlantic Ocean pelagic fish community.
The Dutch research vessel ‘Tridens’ departed to take part in the international hydroacoustic survey on blue whiting. An international crew of marine scientists will investigate important parts of the mesopelagic ecosystem (the twilight zone of the ocean between 200 and 1000 m depth) west of the British Isles between 51°30’ and 56°30’ N. Onboard 5 scientists from IMARES, enforced with 5 international scientists and a trainee from the University of Zeeland.
Primarily, the survey aims at the determination of distribution and abundance of the blue whiting spawning stock west of the British Isles. Results from the survey will provide an index for the size of blue whiting spawning stock thus forming a basis for the annually appointed fishing quota for the species. Furthermore, in compliance with the Marine Strategy of the EU, not only the biology of a single fish species is investigated but also assemblages of mesopelagic fish and invertebrates that might be affected by the exploitation of blue whiting. |
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