The goal of this contract effort is to identify a vessel upon which SEFIS can conduct their long-term trap-video survey. Data collected from SEFIS surveys on a contract vessel will improve fisheries management by providing indices of abundance and size, age, and reproductive data of reef fishes for use in stock assessments.
The objectives for SEFIS sampling on a contracted vessel are to: (1) increase the spatial footprint and sample sizes of fishery-independent sampling in southeast US waters; (2) add video cameras as a survey gear to address trap selectivity issues and to develop annual indices off abundance for species that avoid traps; (3) map hardbottom habitats using multibeam sonar to improve survey design; (4) use remotely operated underwater vehicles (ROVs) to visually assess broad- and fine-scale habitat and red snapper densities and sizes in continental shelf-break waters; (5) perform research to inform survey methods and to address critical management issues, including an ongoing assessment of fisheries (split-beam) sonar as a fishery-independent survey tool, and longline surveys to assess patterns in red snapper distribution and abundance.

***This is subject to availability of funds and may be cancelled if funding is not received.***

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