May 30, 2013 — The Northeast Fisheries Science Center (NEFSC) of the NOAA Fisheries Service is soliciting trawl vessel quotes for vessels to participate in an industry-based survey of flatfish on Georges Bank . Two trawl vessels will be selected to sample approximately 75 bottom trawl stations each on Georges Bank during a 12 day survey to be conducted in August 2013.
The purpose of the sampling will be (1) to augment sampling effort for commercially important flatfish populations on Georges Bank (NEFSC offshore strata 13-23) to improve stock assessments of these species; and (2) to provide increased biological sampling of these flatfish species in this area. The survey will be performed using a standard NEFSC bottom trawl survey 4-seam net with cookie sweeps. The survey will focus on yellowtail flounder and winter flounder, but the project will attempt to assess as many commercially important flatfish species as possible.
Vessel quotes are due on June 26, 2013. Quotes will be accepted electronically at the following email address: Roberta.H.Smith@noaa.gov and via facsimile at (757) 441-3786. Questions regarding this solicitation should be addressed to Roberta.H.Smith@noaa.gov.
Find out more at NOAA Fisheries