Cruise report: Irish Anglerfish & Megrim Survey 2021

Abstract

The 2021 Irish Anglerfish and Megrim Survey (IAMS) took place from 8th February to 4th March (area 7bcjk) and 10-21st April 2021 (area 6a) on RV Celtic Explorer. The main objective of the survey is to obtain biomass and abundance indices for anglerfish (Lophius piscatorius and L. budegassa) and megrim (Lepidorhombus whiffiagonis and L. boscii) in areas 6a (south of 58°N) and 7 (west of 8°W). Secondary objectives are to collect data on the distribution, relative abundance and biology of other commercially exploited species. For the third year, additional sampling took place in deep water (up to 1,500m) in order to monitor the recovery of exploited deep-water species following the decline of the deep-water fisheries in Irish waters. In addition, two extra days of fishing were allocated to target Marine Scotland stations north of 58°. The IAMS survey is coordinated with the Scottish Anglerfish and Megrim Survey (SIAMISS) and uses the same gear and fishing practices.