Resources

FV Challenge 'A' Young Fish Survey 2002

Cruise summary report

Cruise Info. 
Ship name (ship code)FV Challenge 'A' (740E)
Cruise identifierYoung Fish Survey 2002
Cruise period2002-09-03 — 2002-09-16
StatusCompleted
Port of departureSkegness, United Kingdom
Port of returnBoston, United Kingdom
PurposeResearch
ObjectivesTo carry out an inshore beam trawl survey of parts of the North Sea, English Channel and Morecambe Bay for juvenile flatfish year class size estimation and collect data on young demersal fish in relation to the environment.
Teams of two staff working on charter vessels carried out the Young Fish Survey.
Team 3
Staff travelled to Gibraltar Point, Skegness and loaded gear aboard the FV Challenge on 3rd September. Sampling commenced off Mablethorpe on 4th before the vessel proceeded to the Humber. Problems were immediately encountered with the oxygen meter (data required by EA) therefore no oxygen readings were possible. A total of 10 stations were sampled before heading into Grimsby for the night. During the next two days 18 stations in the Humber were completed before the vessel proceeded to Skegness. Challenge sailed again at 06:30 on the 7th and steamed to North Norfolk, where 12 stations were sampled before docking in Wells for the night. The following day 11 stations were worked in the Wash after which bad weather curtailed fishing for a day. Work recommenced on the 10th and 16 stations were worked on that and the following day before strong winds prevented further fishing. Staff returned to Lowestoft on the 12th returning to Boston on the night of the 14th to complete the remaining 13 stations the following day.
Chief scientistThomas R Woods (Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science Lowestoft Laboratory)
Cruise reportFV Challenge 'A' Young Fish Survey 2002 cruise report youngfishsurvey_02.pdf (10 MB) 
Ocean/sea areas 
GeneralNorth Sea
SpecificNorth East Coast
Track chartsFV Challenge 'A' Young Fish Survey 2002 cruise track — youngfishsurvey_02trk.pdf (0.95 MB) 
Measurements 
Biology and fisheries 
Demersal fishQuantity: number of hauls = 81
Description: Samples were collected for Hull University from 15 locations in the Humber. Sole and plaice were preserved for age determination.