The secretary-general of the Sea and Spanish Institute of Oceanography has commissioned research vessel Emma Bardán to evaluate numbers of anchovies, sardines and other small pelagic fish in the Gulf of Cadiz. This is the institute’s second such study in the Gulf.
Covering an area bordering Portugal’s Tavira coast and the Gulf of Cadiz, the 11-day study will map and evaluate the impact of species recruitment measures as well as track shoal distribution within the area.
Scientists will study the relationship between distribution patterns and environmental conditions using the multi-frequency Simrad EK60 echo sounder — the most technologically advanced international standard for fish stock assessment — together with a multi-parameter CTD sound velocity data probe.
A recent 23-day evaluation of the Cantabrian-Northwest region involved the Emma Bardán in a mapping exercise tracking Norwegian lobster in prohibited fishing grounds.
This latest study will bring an end to Spain’s ninth oceanographic research campaign this year.
