With New Camera Technology, Scientists Will Survey Untrawlable Ocean Habitat in AK Next Year
SEAFOODNEWS.COM [SeafoodNews] - February 7, 2018
NOAA is releasing more information about its thinking about camera monitoring.
In a recent newsletter, NOAA said cameras can go where humans cannot and new fisheries research tools can save hundreds of hours in analyzing information contained in collected photographs.
NOAA Fisheries scientists are designing the first large-scale image-based fish survey in Alaska, and one of the first untrawlable habitat surveys nationwide.
Bottom-trawl and midwater acoustic surveys have been the main source of fishery-independent data for assessing fish stocks in Alaska. But a bottom trawl cannot sample the steep, rocky areas-- untrawlable habitats -- that species such as Atka mackerel and rockfishes prefer. Acoustic instruments can be used in these areas, but are limited in detecting fish on or near the seafloor and cannot discern between fish species or sizes. Untrawlable areas make up to 17% of federally managed areas where bottom trawl surveys are regularly conducted in the Gulf of Alaska...
To Read Full Story Login Below.