Oceanographic vessel Vizconde de Eza. (Photo: MAGRAMA)

Greenland halibut latest research survey starts in NAFO zone

SPAIN
Monday, July 24, 2017, 22:40 (GMT + 9)

The fishing and oceanographic research vessel Vizconde de Eza set sail from the port of St. John's in Newfoundland (Canada) to begin the "Greenland halibut 3L 2017" survey, the latest of its research in the NAFO (Northwest Atlantic Fisheries Organization) in the ​Flemish Pass, Division 3L zone.

The main objectives of this new survey are the estimation of abundance and biomass rates, the determination of the population structure and the collection of biological and trophic information on Greenland halibut and accompanying species, such as cod, mendo, flounder, black shark, stingray, redfish, grenadier and shrimp. In addition, information on the oceanographic conditions of the area will be collected.

The survey of the area will be carried out through a stratified random sampling. Thus, from the fishing sets made, data will be obtained on captures, size distribution, biological parametres, stomach contents and samples for growth and reproduction studies.

In addition, invertebrate data will be identified and recorded while temperature and salinity information from the water column will be gathered with specific probes.

This survey will take place throughout 20 days, after which this ship will sail to Vigo, where it is planned to dock on August 15. With its arrival, the prospecting activity in the NAFO area will be deemed as over after the "Platuxa", "Flemish Cap" and "Greenland halibut" surveys, thus covering the area where the Spanish fleet develops fisheries of important demersal species.

"Greenland halibut 3L 2017" is the fourteenth edition of this survey, carried out in the area where the fishery of the Greenland halibut makes the greatest effort and obtains its maximum yields.

The information obtained is used by the NAFO Scientific Council to evaluate the fishery resources being interesting to the Spanish fleet, and it is essential in several biological and ecological studies of the area.

The continuation of this historic series of surveys is essential for long-term and environmentally sustainable fisheries management. In addition, its development complies with the commitments made with the European Union through the National Basic Data Program of the Spanish fishing sector.

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