Cruise Reports
Keep up with our Marine Research team out on the Atlantic
10/7-10/12
Seasonal Survey of Scallop Fishery on the Eastern Part of Georges Bank
Chief Scientist Luisa Garcia
Scientific Crew: Natalie Jennings, Farrell Davis, Justin Potter
In October 2024, a dedicated research team aboard the F/V Beiningen set out on the second research cruise of the 2024 Seasonal Scallop Survey on Georges Bank, led by Chief Scientist Luisa Garcia. This was the second trip out of six for the survey project. The team sampled 44 stations, focusing on the distribution and abundance of scallops and bycatch species dynamics over time. The team gathered valuable data on scallop health and predator-prey relationships. Observations and data from the six scheduled trips will contribute to understanding seasonal patterns critical to sustainable fishery management. Detailed findings will be available at the end of the project in October 2025.
Preparing to set out!
Sampled tows from several stations
Net mending in between stations
Preparing to set out!
9/23
Surveying commercial fish species and habitat in wind farm areas using a suite of non-lethal survey methods
Chief Scientist: Liese Siemann
Scientific Crew: Luisa Garcia, Tasha O’Hara, Farrell Davis, Rob Morris
In late September 2024, our team embarked on a single-day mission on F/V Never Enough to receive training for ropeless fishing gear and underwater cameras for surveying fish habitats in areas designated for offshore wind farms. Led by Chief Scientist Liese Siemann, the crew tested new Sexton camera mounts and received training to use ropeless traps, which help minimize gear entanglements with marine life. Despite low visibility due to recent storms, the team successfully deployed four traps and gathered critical feedback for future equipment adjustments. Additional testing is planned for spring 2025 with improved camera technology, advancing our commitment to non-invasive research techniques in marine environments.
Rob Morris from Edgetech reviews trap retrieval and set up for new deployments with project PIs Farrell Davis and Luisa Garcia.
Jeff Murray, captain and owner of the F/V Never Enough, prepares the Edgetech ropeless traps for deployment in Buzzards Bay.
Trap buoys at the surface after the acoustic release was triggered.
Rob Morris from Edgetech reviews trap retrieval and set up for new deployments with project PIs Farrell Davis and Luisa Garcia.
9/12-9/13
Davis Bank East Benthic Survey
Chief Scientist: Natalie Jennings
Scientific Crew: Luisa Garcia
This September our team, in partnership with the F/V Seafox and the F/V Tom Slaughter, completed the fourth and final trip of the pre fishing survey in the Davis Bank East exemption area. Led by chief scientist, Natalie Jennings, this trip succeeded in deploying drop cameras at 100 stations, collecting data on the benthic features, trends, and community of the area - as well as the presence of Atlantic cod.
9/3-9/12
Tension in the Air: Using a tensiometer to assess dredge fullness and loss during haul back comparing the 5-row and extended-link apron dredge configurations
Chief Scientist: Farrell Davis
Scientific Crew: Ryan Munnelly, Victoria Brendler, Tanner Fernandes
This recent study aboard F/V Diligence assessed scallop dredge performance using a tensiometer to monitor tension, helping optimize gear and fuel efficiency - as well as minimizing impacts to the habitat and sea scallop resources. Led by Chief Scientist Farrell Davis, the study’s goals included analyzing how these setups affect tension during towing, dredge fullness, and catch loss during retrieval. Findings showed the potential for real-time adjustments by captains, which could improve fuel efficiency, prevent habitat disruption, and predict catch weight. Further research trips are planned to build on these results.
