Fisheries Research Vessel Research Articles

Comparing spatiotemporal species distribution models: A case study of a Scotian Shelf sea cucumber (Cucumaria frondosa)

AbstractNumerous spatiotemporal species distribution modeling frameworks are now available to the ecological practitioner. This study compared three such frameworks accessible in the R programming language: generalized additive models with spatiotemporal smooths as implemented by mgcv, spatiotemporal generalized linear mixed models based on nearest neighbor Gaussian processes as implemented by starve, and spatiotemporal generalized linear mixed models based on the stochastic partial differential equations approach as implemented by sdmTMB. The primary focus was to compare the inferences obtained from applying these frameworks to the case study of the orange‐footed sea cucumber, Cucumaria frondosa, on the Scotian Shelf off Nova Scotia, Canada. Each model was fit to catch data (2000–2019) from Fisheries and Oceans Canada's annual Research Vessel and Snow Crab surveys. Environmental covariates were sourced from high‐resolution data layers, including physical oceanographic, bathymetric, and seafloor morphometric datasets. The three models captured variability in sea cucumber distribution that would have been overlooked without a spatiotemporal approach. Although their predictions were similar, including within C. frondosa spatial reserves, the models provided different inferences regarding covariate effects. This suggests that while practitioners primarily interested in mapping species distributions need only apply the most familiar framework, those most concerned with identifying predictive environmental covariates may benefit from comparing the output from multiple approaches. Employing multiple approaches can also serve as a validation technique.

On rudder-roll stabilization autopilot based on response models

This study proposes a rudder-roll stabilization (RRS) autopilot by using novel response models developed by Yasukawa and Yoshimura (YY models) since they include the roll-coupling effect. The statistical optimal control theory which used Akaike information criterion (AIC) was used. To verify the proposed RRS autopilot, numerical simulations based were also performed on the onboard monitoring data of a fishery research vessel; the results confirmed its effectiveness for course keeping and roll reduction.

The hidden diversity of the endemic Arctic sponges (Porifera)

ABSTRACT The biogeographical analysis of the Barents Sea sponge fauna was undertaken on the basis of their modern distribution. Samples of sponges were collected in the Barents Sea during four annual multispecies trawl surveys (2003–2006) by the Knipovich Polar Research Institute of Marine Fisheries and Oceanography (PINRO) research vessels F. Nansen, Smolensk and Muklevich. Also, in 2019 fresh samples were collected during the benthic trawl survey by the PINRO research vessel F. Nansen. A total of 64 sponge species were studied. Among them, there was a large group of 24 (37.5% of the total number) boreal species – invaders from the North Atlantic, and their distribution in the Arctic Ocean is confined to the western Barents Sea. Since these species do not spread deep into the Arctic Ocean, they do not really affect the characteristics of the modern Arctic fauna. The second major component (24 species; 37.5%) of the Barents Sea sponge fauna (and the primary component of the modern Arctic fauna as a whole) is represented by Arctic endemics. A characteristic feature of some arctic sponges (endemics) is that there are pairs of morphologically and genetically close species inhabiting the North Atlantic. Their distributional ranges do not overlap significantly but are immediately adjacent to each other (vicariant species). The origin of vicariant species pairs among sponges inhabiting the Arctic and the adjoining North Atlantic was associated with glacial/interglacial cycles of the Quaternary, which drastically reorganised the boreal North Atlantic faunal elements that inhabited the Arctic Ocean in the Pliocene epoch. However, if we take a closer look not only at these species pairs but also at their close relatives inhabiting the North Atlantic, Arctic and North Pacific oceans, we see that they share the same roots as the North Pacific ones, and probably have evolved from the latter. The last species group, the arctic-boreal (16 species; 25%), is rather arbitrary and unified species of uncertain origin.

Некоторые суда для рыбопромысловых исследований, построенные в 2019–2020 гг.

The design features of fishery research vessels of a new generation with non-standard solutions in propulsion systems as well are considered as an example for foreign ships built in 2019–2020 for fisheries organizations of Kuwait, China, Argentina, Canada and the Faroe Islands. The information is analyzed for 7 special vessels with maximum length from 36 to 84 m on the base of 5 projects. The main characteristics are given in the table. Special attention is paid to the design features of ship propulsion systems with a hybrid scheme for combining diesel-gear and diesel-electric systems. Such scheme allows one to use a low-consumption diesel propulsion at crossings and low-noise electric one during acoustic surveys in accordance with ICES Recommendations 209. Different research equipment for a number of vessels including hydroacoustic one, which is of particular interest, is considered. The features of modern trends in the development of fishery scientific research vessels are analyzed.

Air pollutants Emission inventory from offshore fishery research vessel

With the development of offshore and Pelagic Fisheries, the continuous expansion of fishing routes, the corresponding ship tonnages are increasing, and the air pollution of vessels is becoming more and more serious. An offshore fishery research vessel was selected as the object, the emission factors were obtained according to its basic data, the method based on fuel consumption was adopted to calculate the air pollutants emission (NOx, HC, CO and PM10) and the emission inventory was established. The inventory provides data for the establishment of the emission inventory of offshore pelagic fishery in the future, and has positive significance for the establishment of green fishing in the future.

Productivity and coastal fisheries biomass yields of the northeast coastal waters of the Bay of Bengal Large Marine Ecosystem

Myanmar (Burma) is the second largest territory in Southeast Asia with a 2200 km coastline and continental shelf of 230,000 km2. The Myanmar exclusive economic zone (EEZ) occupies 80% of the northeast coastal waters of the Bay of Bengal Large Marine Ecosystem (BoBLME); a 300 km stretch of the Bangladesh coastline completes the area. Four decades ago a combination of extensive mangrove forests, large continental shelf and fertile deposits from the rivers systems discharging into the Bay from two mega deltas (Ganges–Brahmaputra–Meghna and the Ayeyarwady) generated high productivity and valuable coastal fisheries. In terms of productivity, the end of the dry season (April) is the most productive, with 2590 ± 1560 mg C m⁻2 day⁻¹ and high concentrations of chlorophyll a (3.14 ± 2.64 µg L⁻¹). In 2016, the Department of Fisheries (DoF Myanmar) reported marine fishery landings in Myanmar's waters of 2.9 million metric tons (mt), which would have accounted for 47% of the total BoBLME fish catch and 3% of global fisheries coming from 10% of the BoBLME maritime area of 6.2 million km2. Sequential fisheries assessments by Fridtjof Nansen Fisheries Research vessels over four decades have shown that in 2015 a combination of factors has led to reduced yields of valuable fish species by 80% while low value, fast-recruiting fish species have increased. A 2011 Transboundary Diagnostic Analysis (TDA), delivered by the Global Environment Facility (GEF) co-funded FAO implemented BoBLME eight-country project, describes the causes for this dramatic reduction in biomass yields. A Strategic Action Programme (SAP) designed to mitigate the problems was endorsed in 2016 and will be implemented in 2019. The area's coastal fishing fleets are 95% artisanal. There is a combined total of 442 species of fish, prawn, shrimp and lobster in the area. The transboundary hilsa (Tenualosa ilisha) fishery is the most economically important in both Bangladesh and Myanmar. WorldFish and the DoF (Bangladesh and Myanmar) are currently operating hilsa conservation projects in both countries with the International Institute for Environment and Development (IIED) and USAID funded Enhanced Coastal Fisheries in Bangladesh (ECOFISH) projects. A 2018 FAO-WorldFish fisher folk vulnerability and social protection study has demonstrated the precarious nature of coastal fishers.

Optimising French fisheries surveys for marine strategy framework directive integrated ecosystem monitoring

The French initial assessment of the Marine Strategy Framework Directive (MSFD) highlighted the lack of reliable data concerning offshore areas. During the planning of the monitoring programmes, the scientists therefore proposed to partially cover this gap by using existing fisheries research vessel surveys deployed for the purposes of the Common Fisheries Policy (CFP). This paper describes ways of improving the effectiveness of these surveys and making them better suited to delivering the information needed for the MSFD. The process took two years and became operational at the beginning of the year 2016. Testing phases from October 2013 to August 2015 had to be organized to fit within the ongoing fisheries tasks without significantly increasing the workload in terms of both time and human resources. Six fisheries research surveys henceforth collect new data, with or without additional sampling techniques. Specific examples are given with litter and hydrological data which will be used to assess the environmental status of French marine waters. The paper also identifies certain limitations regarding this approach. This French experiment enabled more efficient and effective use of current data collection efforts, while optimising vessel time and implementing an ecosystem approach in collecting data for fisheries management.

Size estimation of walleye pollack (Theragra chalcogramma) by using a broadband split-beam system

Recently, broadband quantitative echo sounders have been developed. These systems can measure single echo traces from individual fish with high range resolution. They can be used for the accurate size distribution by measuring the target strength. On the other hand, walleye pollack is one of the important species for stuck management in Japan. They form a school at juvenile stage. We compared the captured fish size using bottom trawl net with the acoustically estimated values. We conducted the survey in July 2015 in east side of off Hokkaido, Japan, using the fisheries research vessel Kaiyo-maru No. 5 (495 tons), which is equipped with narrowband echo sounder transducers (EK-60, Kongsberg, 38, 70, 120, and 200 kHz). The broadband split-beam transducer (FSS-SBX, Furuno) was deployed at the ship sideboard. All of the clock of the system were synchronized for comparison of data. More single echo traces could be measured using the broadband system than those measured by the narrowband system. Fork lengths were estimated at 3~70 cm based on the maximum normalized target strength value: -60 dB. We confirmed that good agreement of size distribution between catch and acoustic estimation. The broadband systems may be helpful tool for estimating body size of fish.

Underwater radiated noise measurements of a noise-reduced fisheries research vessel

Abstract De Robertis, A., Wilson, C. D., Furnish, S. R., and Dahl, P. H. 2013. Underwater radiated noise measurements of a noise-reduced fisheries research vessel. – ICES Journal of Marine Science, 70: 480–484. Vessel-radiated noise is traditionally measured at naval acoustic ranges, but lower-cost options are desirable for routine monitoring of research vessels. Measurements of a noise-reduced research vessel made at a naval noise range are compared to those made using an experimental mooring equipped with commercially available instrumentation. The measurements from the mooring were precise and within 2.5 dB of those from the noise range at third-octave bands <500 Hz. At higher frequencies, direct comparisons were precluded by an intermittent shaft-related noise present only during the mooring measurements, but previously observed at the navy range. The agreement between the two methods suggests that simplified, field-deployable hydrophone systems can be used to accurately characterize the noise signatures of research vessels.

Underwater radiated noise measurements of a noise-reduced research vessel: Comparison between a U.S. Navy noise range and a simple hydrophone mooring.

[A feasibility study was undertaken to characterize underwater radiated noise for a new class of noise-reduced fisheries research vessels using a field-deployable hydrophone system. Recent studies have demonstrated that vessel-radiated noise can impact the behavior of fish, and that periodic monitoring of survey-vessel radiated noise is desirable to characterize potential biases in fish abundance estimates. Vessel radiated noise is traditionally measured at naval ranges, but lower-cost options are desirable. Beam aspect measurements of a noise-reduced vessel made at a U.S. Navy noise range are compared to those made using an experimental mooring equipped with commercially available instrumentation. Hydrophone depths and distance-to-the-vessel were comparable for the mooring and those used at the Southeast Alaska Acoustic Measurement Facility (SEAFAC). SEAFAC and mooring measurements were taken within a day of one another. Data processing was consistent with the recent American national standard for measurement of underwater sound from ships (ANSI/ASA S12.64-2009/Part 1). The measurements from the experimental mooring were precise and comparable to those made at SEAFAC. This suggests that reliable measurements suitable for monitoring the underwater radiated noise of vessels with low source levels can be made in the field.

What it takes to meet the International Council for the Exploration of the Sea underwater noise limit for research vessels.

Prior to 2010, the International Council for the Exploration of the Seas (or ICES) is the only organization to have developed and specified underwater (radiated) noise limit for commercial research vessels. European vessels were among the first to be built to this specification, which was given in a 1995 report. Since 2004, the US has built five ICES capable vessels, four of which were Fishery Research Vessels (FRV) for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). In the US two more ICES capable vessels are in construction, another two are under consideration, and another three vessels are being built to an underwater noise requirement similar to ICES. This paper discusses the types of propulsion, machinery elements, and noise control features that are required in these vessels in order to meet the ICES underwater noise requirement. Design features and results will be presented from two specific, new vessel construction programs. The first is the NOAA FRV‐40 program, which resulted in four fishery research vessels built at VT Halter Marine in Pascagoula, MS. The second program was for a smaller single research vessel for the University of Delaware.

Smooth age length keys: Observations and implications for data collection on North Sea haddock

Age at length keys (ALKs), which give the probability of age given length, are a fundamental component of many age-based fish stock assessment methods. Usually, ALKs are compiled from readings of otoliths or scales taken from length-stratified sub-samples of fishery landings or research vessel trawls catches. The assessment process is data intensive when there are numerous fleets assessment sub-regions to be sampled over an annual cycle, making the collection and analysis of material costly and time consuming. Hence, the data are almost always sparse, often with voids that require in-filling before use in assessments. Though robust statistical procedures for automatically in-filling data voids have been developed, they have not been widely adopted, and procedures often remain manual. Here we use Generalized Linear Models to derive the probability of age given length from sparse data gathered during the International Bottom Trawl Survey and Scottish commercial sampling program. The keys are used to test statistically for differences between ALKs from different sampling regions, differing gear geometries, different sampling programs and fish at different life stages. The results of the comparisons suggest that ALKs from the commercial sampling program are not, in general, comparable to those generated by the IBTS program. We also found that ALKs from Nephrops trawls are significantly different from those generated by other trawls over the same sampling region. The tests also suggest that age at length distributions differ not only between but also within IBTS roundfish areas, in part due to differences between ALKs for mature and immature fish. These differences are an important factor when considering a reduction in the resolution of sampling areas and when combining data from countries with differing fleet compositions. They also raise important questions about present protocol for collection of otolith data from IBTS survey trawls.

Allopontonia alastairi sp. nov., a second species of the genus Allopontonia Bruce, 1972 (Crustacea: Decapoda: Pontoniinae), from the Australian Northwest Shelf

The pontoniine genus Allopontonia Bruce, 1972 has so far been represented by only a single species, A. iaini Bruce, 1972, a shallow water echinoderm associate (Bruce, 1972). First described from Zanzibar, it is one of the relatively few pontoniine species found in both the Indo-West Pacific and the Eastern Pacific regions (Wicksten 2000; Bruce 1987). The discovery of a second species is therefore of interest and an illustrated description is here provided. The single specimen was collected in the course of a CSIRO Marine and Atmospheric Research (CMAR) survey of the benthic fauna of the Australian Northwest Shelf region, Western Australia, by the fisheries research vessel Southern Surveyor and is held in the collection of the Museum Victoria. I am most grateful to Anna McCallum for the opportunity to study this specimen. Felicity McEnnulty provided the identification of the host echinoid.

Meiofauna of the western continental shelf of India, Arabian Sea

Meiofaunal standing stock and nematode community structure were investigated in the western continental shelf of India by collecting samples from every degree square of the shelf during two cruises of the FORV ( Fishery and Oceanographic Research Vessel) Sagar Sampada, conducted in 1998 and 2001. Samples were collected from 30, 50, 100 and 200 m depths using a Smith Mc Intyre grab. Meiofaunal density ranged from 8 Ind. 10 cm −2 to 1208 Ind. 10 cm −2 and biomass from 0.07 mg 10 cm −2 to 6.11 mg 10 cm −2. Nematodes were the dominant meiofaunal group, contributing 88% of the density and 44% of the biomass. Harpacticoid copepods were the second important taxa, contributing 8% of both biomass and density. Altogether, 154 species of nematodes belonging to 28 families were recorded from the study area. Numerically, Desmodora spp., Dorylaimopsis sp. , Tricoma spp., Theristus spp. and Halalaimus spp. were the dominant species. In general, there was a decrease in biomass and density of meiofauna and species diversity of nematodes with increase in depth. There was a 67% drop in species number from 51 to 100 m (106 species) to the shelf edge (35 species). Species richness and diversity indices showed consistent decrease with depth. The species dominance index was higher below 150 m depth. ANOSIM (from PRIMER) showed a significant difference between the nematodes of the near shore and shelf edge. Latitudinal variation was observed only in the number of nematode species. Biomass and abundance of nematodes were found to increase from coarse to fine sediment, while copepods showed an opposite trend. Multivariate analyses of nematode communities did not reveal any latitudinal or substratum differences. Variables such as depth, latitude, organic matter (OM) and amount of clay were the most relevant parameters influencing the biomass and density of meiofauna, while depth and temperature were the important parameters explaining the distribution of the nematode communities along the western Indian shelf.

Reproductive biology of Pasiphaea japonica females in Toyama Bay, central Japan

The reproductive biology of female Pasiphaea japonica, including the minimum size of females carrying embryos, spawning and hatching seasons, and brood size, was examined in Toyama Bay, central Japan, during 2004 through 2007. Sampling was conducted onboard a commercial seiner and a fisheries research vessel. The minimum size of ovigerous females was 47.7 mm body length. The percent occurrence of ovigerous females increased with body size, reaching 50% at 57.9 mm body length. Ovigerous females occurred all year round with a seasonal change in percent occurrence, ranging between 41.5 and 94.3% of the total observed females. Consequently, reproduction in females seems to occur throughout the year in Toyama Bay, with seasonal differences in reproductive intensity. Spawning intensity was high during April–July and October–January based on the occurrence of the early developmental stage of embryos, while hatching intensity was high in October–May based on the occurrence of embryos just before hatching. Brood sizes were similar at the same size of body length regardless of embryo stage, except just after spawning.

Trace Metal Concentrations in Zooplankton from the Eastern Arabian Sea and Western Bay of Bengal

Trace metal contents in zooplankton samples were estimated as a part of the Marine Research–Living Resource program at 24 stations in the Bay of Bengal (November, 2002) and 29 stations in the Arabian Sea (September–October, 2003) during the Cruises 209 and 217 of the Fishery and Oceanographic Research Vessel Sagar Sampada. The average metal concentrations in the Bay of Bengal zooplankton (Fe, 14,073 μg g−1; Co, 24.2 μg g−1; Ni, 29.5 μg g−1; Cu, 46.2 μg g−1; Zn, 2000 μg g−1; Cd, 18.7 μg g−1; and Pb, 6.55 μg g−1) were found to be higher of comparable magnitudes than the Arabian Sea zooplankton (Fe, 1786 μg g−1; Co, 14.2 μg g−1; Ni, 18.6 μg g−1; Cu, 21.5 μg g−1; Zn, 374 μg g−1; Cd, 16.5 μg g−1; and Pb, 4.0 μg g−1). The spatial variability of metal contents in zooplankton from both basins indicates that it is markedly enriched in coastal samples than offshore samples. The metal enrichment in zooplankton from the coastal areas of the eastern Arabian Sea occurs due to a combined effect of upwelling, riverine, and anthropogenic sources, whereas the latter two are only dominating in the coastal Bay of Bengal zooplankton. A comparison of average trace metal concentrations in the zooplankton from the Arabian Sea and Bay of Bengal showed that the enrichment of Fe, Zn, Cd, Ni, Cu, and Pb in the Bay of Bengal zooplankton may be due to high bioaccumulation factor of these elements, whereas the slight Co enrichment may be due to the bioavailability of this metal in the seawater.

The acoustic design of the research vessel SHARP

The R/V HUGH R. SHARP is a general purpose research vessel that is owned and operated by the University of Delaware. It has been designed to achieve the International Council for the Exploration of the Seas (ICES) underwater noise limit for Fisheries Research Vessels. This paper describes the design process, construction details, and final results with regard to the acoustic design of this ship. Both compartment airborne noise and underwater radiated noise predictions were carried using a proprietary shipboard noise prediction program. Noise control treatments that were used include: vibration isolated machinery, double-stage isolated diesel generators, damping tiles, special acoustic insulation, and floating floors. After the vessel was completed a series of at-sea tests was performed to check compliance to vibration, compartment noise, and underwater noise. Two problems were discovered with underwater noise levels. One was related to a gearbox and the other was related to the propellers. A discussion of both issues and the final results are given in the paper. [Support provided by the University of Delaware, College of Marine Studies, in particular Mr. Matthew Hawkins, Director of Marine Operations.]

Determination of DNA content of whole fish

The DNA content of whole fish from 31 different North Atlantic fish species was determined. Sample preparation was performed on board the fishery research vessel ‘Walter Herwig III’ directly after catch and sorting. Up to three homogenates were prepared of each 10 specimens per species by mincing the whole fish. The homogenates were heated to destroy nuclease activity, and then stored at frozen temperature until being analyzed in the laboratory. Measurement of DNA content was carried out using the DNA specific fluorescent dye Hoechst 33258 (Serva Biochemica, Heidelberg, Germany). Matrix effects as light scattering and quenching could be estimated by use of standard addition of calf thymus DNA. DNA contents were referred to dry weight of sample material, and ranged from 570 μg to 3500 μg/g dry weight of homogenate. The coefficient, of variation did not exceed 25% of mean for one species; coefficient of variation for all investigated species did not exceed 30% of mean, which was 1020 μg/g dry weight.

Significant source harmonic reduction achieved using direct parallel connection of two 6-pulse converters

The paper shows that direct parallel connection of the DC outputs of two 6-pulse thyristor converters, fed from 30°-displaced transformer-derived electrical supplies, results in dramatically different operation to the traditionally used arrangements of series bridges or parallel bridges with DC-side inter-phase transformers or sharing reactors. By careful specification of the transformer reactance, very low harmonic content may be achieved at a specific operating point, whereas performance at all others is as good, or better, than the traditional bridge circuit arrangements. No additional equipment or circuitry is required to achieve these benefits. By including additional active/passive components within the DC circuit, ultra low harmonic benefits may be achieved for all operating conditions of voltage and current. This ‘harmonic compensator’ circuit adjusts automatically to ensure that minimum harmonic performance is achieved over the full voltage and current ranges, including inversion. Modelling results over the full motoring and regeneration speed and load range for these arrangements are presented. Very low propulsion noise and bus electrical distortion is a requirement for propulsion drives of some military and research ships. In particular, they are required to operate quietly under reduced generator capacity. Circuit analysis and circuit modelling results are presented for these ‘Silent running’ conditions for a fisheries research vessel (FRV), fitted with 12-pulse direct parallel-bridge converters with the transformer reactance optimised to give minimum harmonic conditions. Practical results from the vessel are presented which validate the modelling.

Underwater radiated noise of the NOAA ship Oscar Dyson

The NOAA Ship OSCAR DYSON is the First-in-Class fisheries research vessel designed and built for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) for fish stock assessment. One of its most important contractual requirements was to achieve an underwater noise limit established by the International Council for the Exploration of the Seas (ICES). The underwater noise limit has been specified by ICES over too large a frequency range and too small a resolution to allow for measurements with commercial grade test equipment. Modifications to the limit were made by NOAA which allowed the authors to develop a simple, deployable underwater measurement system. This system was then used to measure underwater noise from the OSCAR DYSON during sea trials in the Gulf of Mexico. The system consisted of a hydrophone array, signal conditioning and data acquisition hardware. The distance between the hydrophone array and the vessel must also be measured during the survey with the vessel in the acoustic far-field. Results from the far-field noise measurements were compiled and then compared to the ICES specification requirements. Self-noise from permanently mounted hydrophones in the hull were also measured during the survey. Finally, a comparison between the commercial system used by the authors and subsequent measurements performed by the U.S. Navy at their acoustic underwater test facility is made. These show good agreement at all but the lowest frequencies.