Revolution and Sunrise Wind Trawl Survey

Purpose of work

This survey is a collaboration between the CFRF, the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth School for Marine Science and Technology, and local fishermen. The survey is designed to assess the seasonal abundance, distribution, and population structure of fish in the Revolution and Sunrise Wind lease areas prior to the construction of the Revolution Wind Farm and Sunrise Wind Farm. Sampling is conducted using a demersal otter trawl once per season in the lease areas as well as two reference areas.

Project Team

Photo courtesy of Keith Hankowsky

  • Commercial Fisheries Research Foundation

  • UMass Dartmouth School for Marine Science and Technology

    • Pingguo He

    • Christopher Rillihan

    • Keith Hankowsky

  • F/V Heather Lynn

    • Mike Decker

Participant Vessels

  • F/V Heather Lynn, Point Judith, RI

SURVEY DATES:

This pre-construction survey began in August 2023 and will take place over the course of two years (2023-2024) with sampling occurring once per season.

SURVEY GEAR:

The demersal otter trawl net was designed to be consistent with other regional surveys, including the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission’s NEAMAP survey.

Data Recorded

Station Information: Location and depth (start and end), tow speed, date, and time

Environmental Data: Wind speed and direction, sea state, cloud cover, and bottom temperature

Catch Data: Species diversity (number and biomass of each species) and aggregated weight per species group; Individual length and weight; Sub-sampling of large catches of abundant species

Biological Sampling: Stomach contents, sex, and maturity stage from select species

This project is supported by: