NOAA Fisheries News Releases
NEWS RELEASE
July 26, 2006
Sheela McLean
(907) 586-7032
Noaa Vessel Miller Freeman to Conduct East Kodiak Acoustic-Trawl Survey in Chiniak and Barnabas Troughs During 13 August - 6 September 2006
National Marine Fisheries Service (NOAA Fisheries) scientists aboard the NOAA research vessel MILLER FREEMAN will be conducting an acoustic-trawl survey off the east side of Kodiak Island in Chiniak and Barnabas Gullies during 13 August - 6 September 2006.
This survey effort is part of the larger research project to evaluate the effect of commercial fishing activity on the prey availability of walleye pollock to Steller sea lions. For the research project, the Chiniak Gully Research Area is closed to all commercial trawl fishing (including test trawl gear) from August 1 until no later than September 20. Research trawls will be taking place in both Chiniak Gully and in Barnabas Gully. Commercial trawl fishing will be taking place in Barnabas Gully.”
Scientists conducting the research are asking for cooperation from fishing vessel operators in the area by giving the MILLER FREEMAN clear passage while conducting survey operations. This would include occasionally forming corridors along survey tracklines (attached), and trawling in a direction that would allow the FREEMAN to maintain its course and standard survey speed of about 11-12 kts. The FREEMAN will also need to conduct several trawl hauls in the area to capture small amounts of fish for use in the analysis of the acoustic data. Any cooperation that can be given by commercial vessel operators which enables the FREEMAN to successfully complete these survey operations is greatly appreciated. The MILLER FREEMAN monitors CH16/13 while underway.
For additional information or questions: contact Dr. Chris Wilson (chris.Wilson@noaa.gov) or the Commanding Officer aboard the MILLER FREEMAN (Inmarsat: 011-872-330 394 120 , email: mace.miller.freeman@mfnems.pmc.noaa.gov, or, noaa.ship.miller.freeman@mfnems.pmc.noaa.gov)
