2 Survey Mitigation
Supporting scientific survey planning and requirements to mitigate impacts to NOAA Fisheries scientific surveys.
2.1 Atlantic Surfclam and Ocean Quahog Survey
2.1.1 ArcGIS Feature Service
Click here.
2.1.2 InPort Metadata
Yes, see here.
2.1.3 Description
The standardized NEFSC Atlantic Surfclam and Ocean Quahog Survey has covered an area from Cape Hatteras to Georges Bank. The survey was conducted every two or three years and currently, a subset of the survey area is completed annually, with the entire survey area completed every three years. The dredge had been operated in a consistent fashion using the same survey protocols and gear from 1982 until 2011. In 2012, the platform was changed to an industry vessel, which resulted in a gear change from a 5’ hydraulic dredge to a 13’ commercial style hydraulic dredge. Five-minute tows are made at stations that are randomly selected to provide unbiased abundance measurements.
2.1.5 Layers
| id | name | type | geometryType |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0 | SMIT_SC_STRATA | Feature Layer | esriGeometryPolygon |
| 1 | SMIT_OQ_STRATA | Feature Layer | esriGeometryPolygon |
2.1.6 Fields
2.1.6.1 SMIT_SC_STRATA
Description
Scientific survey strata for the Atlantic Surfclam Survey.
| name | alias | description | dataType |
|---|---|---|---|
| OBJECTID | OBJECTID | NA | esriFieldTypeOID |
| NAME | Name | Strata name | esriFieldTypeString |
| ACRES | Area (acres) | Area of strata in acres | esriFieldTypeDouble |
| SURVEY_NAME | Survey name | Name of NEFSC scientific survey | esriFieldTypeString |
2.1.6.2 SMIT_OQ_STRATA
Description
Scientific survey strata for Ocean Quahog Survey.
| name | alias | description | dataType |
|---|---|---|---|
| OBJECTID | OBJECTID | NA | esriFieldTypeOID |
| GROUP_1 | Group_1 | Strata ID | esriFieldTypeString |
| ARSQNM2 | Area (sq nm) | Strata area in square nautical miles | esriFieldTypeDouble |
| ARSQKM2 | Area (sq km) | Strata area in square kilometers | esriFieldTypeDouble |
| MN_DPTH | Minimum depth | Minimum depth in stratum in meters | esriFieldTypeDouble |
| MIN_LAT | Minimum latitude | Minimum latitude in stratum | esriFieldTypeDouble |
| MIN_LON | Minimum longitude | Minimum longitude in stratum | esriFieldTypeDouble |
| MAXDPTH | Maximum depth | Maximum depth in stratum in meters | esriFieldTypeDouble |
| MAX_LAT | Maximum latitude | Maximum latitude in stratum | esriFieldTypeDouble |
| MAX_LON | Maximum longitude | Maximum longitude in stratum | esriFieldTypeDouble |
| AVGDPTH | Average depth | Average depth in stratum in meters | esriFieldTypeDouble |
| AVGLAT | Average latitude | Average latitude in stratum | esriFieldTypeDouble |
| AVGLON | Average longitude | Average longitude in stratum | esriFieldTypeDouble |
| MDN_DPT | Median depth | Median depth in stratum in meters | esriFieldTypeDouble |
| MEDN_LT | Median latitude | Median latitude in stratum | esriFieldTypeDouble |
| MEDN_LN | Median longitude | Median longitude in stratum | esriFieldTypeDouble |
| SURVEY_NAME | Survey name | Name of NEFSC scientific survey | esriFieldTypeString |
2.2 eDNA Survey
2.2.1 ArcGIS Feature Service
Click here.
2.2.2 InPort Metadata
Yes, see here.
2.2.3 Description
Scientists at NOAA’s Northeast Fisheries Science Center (NEFSC) are using environmental DNA (eDNA) to identify fish communities and monitor ecosystems by collecting a water sample and analyzing the DNA found in it, identifying the species that left it behind without capturing a single animal. As animals swim, they shed scales, tissue, and waste, leaving traces of DNA in the water. A water sample is first collected from the ocean and filtered to concentrate DNA in it. NOAA scientists then make millions of copies of a target DNA region through polymerase chain reaction (PCR) to make enough genetic material for high throughput sequencing. The metabarcoding process described above for eDNA analysis allows scientists to look for many species in the same sample. The final step is like a matching game, in which the DNA sequences are compared with a reference library of known species to find a match. The eDNA method is particularly useful for detecting species that are not easily captured, including rare or migratory species. It can also help in areas that are difficult to sample because of challenging ocean conditions, sensitive habitats, or a rugged seafloor. An eDNA analysis provides a snapshot of the community of species at the time of sampling and over time. This can help us detect shifts in marine ecosystems. eDNA samples have been collected on NOAA Ecosystem Monitoring (EcoMon) surveys since 2019. These samples will help develop best eDNA practices using metabarcoding, an innovative way to determine what fish species live in what parts of the ocean without actually seeing any fish.
2.2.5 Layers
| id | name | type | geometryType |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0 | SMIT_EDNA_STATIONS | Feature Layer | esriGeometryPoint |
| 1 | SMIT_EDNA_STRATA | Feature Layer | esriGeometryPolygon |
2.2.6 Fields
2.2.6.1 SMIT_EDNA_STATIONS
Description
Sampling stations for the eDNA Survey.
| name | alias | description | dataType |
|---|---|---|---|
| OBJECTID | OBJECTID | NA | esriFieldTypeOID |
| EM_SEQ | Em sequence | Em sequence number | esriFieldTypeDouble |
| FIXED_SEQ | Fixed sequence | Fixed sequence number | esriFieldTypeDouble |
| NAME | Name | Unique strata/station ID | esriFieldTypeString |
| REGION | Strata region | Strata groupings (MAB = Mid-Atlantic Bight, SNE = Southern New England, GB = Georges Bank, GOM = Gulf of Maine) | esriFieldTypeString |
| STRATA | Strata | Unique strata ID number | esriFieldTypeDouble |
| DEPLOYMENT | Deployment | Equipment deployment type | esriFieldTypeString |
| BONGO_PROTOCOL | Bongo protocol | Bongo protocol | esriFieldTypeString |
| DEPTH | Depth (m) | Station depth in meters | esriFieldTypeDouble |
| LAT | Latitude | Latitude of survey station in decimal degrees | esriFieldTypeDouble |
| LON | Longitude | Longitude of survey station in decimal degrees | esriFieldTypeDouble |
| SURVEY_NAME | Survey name | Name of NEFSC scientific survey | esriFieldTypeString |
2.2.6.2 SMIT_EDNA_STRATA
Description
Scientific survey strata for the eDNA Survey.
| name | alias | description | dataType |
|---|---|---|---|
| OBJECTID | OBJECTID | NA | esriFieldTypeOID |
| NUMOFPOLY | Number of polygons | Number of polygons that make up the strata (1 or 2) | esriFieldTypeDouble |
| NUMOFSTA | Number of stations | Number of plankton stations sampled in the strata for current ECOMON/ eDNA program | esriFieldTypeDouble |
| REGION | Strata region | Strata groupings (MAB = Mid-Atlantic Bight, SNE = Southern New England, GB = Georges Bank, GOM = Gulf of Maine) | esriFieldTypeString |
| TYPE | Type | Strata description (C = coastal, IS = inner-shelf, MS = mid-shelf, SB = shelf break, Bank = bank, Off = off-shelf, Basin = deep basin) | esriFieldTypeString |
| ACRES | Area (acres) | Area of strata in acres | esriFieldTypeDouble |
| SURVEY_NAME | Survey name | Name of NEFSC scientific survey | esriFieldTypeString |
| STR_NAME | Strata name | Name of the strata numeric from 1 to 47, except for one stratum that is split into two polygons. Strata 38 is split and the name was changed to distinguish the east and west polygons. | esriFieldTypeDouble |
2.3 Hook and Line Survey
2.3.1 ArcGIS Feature Service
Click here.
2.3.2 InPort Metadata
Yes, see here.
2.3.3 Description
The Hook and Line Survey will collect species-specific aggregate weight and abundance, as well as individual lengths and biological characteristics (e.g., age, maturity, genetics, diet, energetics). Tagging will also be conducted opportunistically and by request. In addition to deploying hook and line gear, the survey will deploy a benthic stereo camera system to collect additional information on fish density, abundance, and demographics. A suite of environmental data will be collected via conductivity, temperature, and depth (CTD) deployments at each survey station. Habitat data will be collected using seafloor imaging (still or video) techniques. Finally, operational and gear deployment data will be collected for every gear set. The Hook and Line Survey is a new survey, so all data uses are prospective. Once the survey is mature, the data will be used in stock assessments for a variety of commercially and recreationally important species and for analyses that support management actions. This will encompass species covered by the Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council (MAFMC), New England Fishery Management Council (NEFMC), and Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission (ASMFC), including but not limited to Atlantic cod (Gadus morhua), haddock (Melanogrammus aeglefinus), pollock (Pollachius pollachius), white hake (Urophycis tenuis), red hake (Urophycis chuss), summer flounder (Paralichthys dentatus), scup (Stenotomus chrysops), black sea bass (Centropristis striata), bluefish (Pomatomus saltatrix), spiny dogfish (Pomatomus saltatrix), Atlantic croaker (Micropogonias undulatus), and skates. At least 5 years of Hook and Line Survey data will be required before abundance indices from the survey are integrated into stock assessments, but habitat and biological data could be used immediately to supplement existing data streams. Beyond stock assessments and management, the data from the Hook and Line Survey will also be used in research to understand the cumulative impacts of offshore wind on resource species and their habitats. Note that the Hook and Line Survey is a new survey and is still in planning and review. The exact geographic extent and survey strata are still under review. The geographic extent displayed here is tentative.
2.4 Gulf of Maine Bottom Longline Survey
2.4.1 ArcGIS Feature Service
Click here.
2.4.2 InPort Metadata
Yes, see here.
2.4.3 Description
The Cooperative Gulf of Maine Bottom Longline Survey is conducted in the western and central Gulf of Maine. We work with our region’s commercial fishing community to collect fisheries data in rocky bottom habitats that complements data collected on our annual bottom trawl surveys. Rocky habitats are a challenge to sample with trawl survey gear. Our Bottom Longline Survey addresses that concern by using gear more likely to capture species that prefer rough-bottom habitat in the Gulf of Maine. The survey provides data on commercially and recreationally important fish species as well as critical information about data-poor species. Our survey provides a more complete picture of the abundance, distribution, and biology of commercially and recreationally important fish that live in rocky habitats. Longlines are good at sampling for fish in rocky areas, increasing the data available to study these populations. As a result, stock assessments are more robust and fishery managers have better information to go on when crafting fishing regulations. By working with fishermen to develop and execute this survey, we hope to build trust in the data produced.
2.4.5 Layers
| id | name | type | geometryType |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0 | SMIT_GOMBLL_SUBSTRATA | Feature Layer | esriGeometryPolygon |
| 1 | SMIT_GOMBLL_STRATA | Feature Layer | esriGeometryPolygon |
2.4.6 Fields
2.4.6.1 SMIT_GOMBLL_SUBSTRATA
Description
Scientific survey substrata for the Gulf of Maine Bottom Longline Survey. The survey substrata give further details on bottom-type (smooth or rough bottom) encountered in the survey area.
| name | alias | description | dataType |
|---|---|---|---|
| OBJECTID | OBJECTID | NA | esriFieldTypeOID |
| SMOOTHBOTT | Bottom Type | A bottom type substratification (0=ROUGH, 1=SMOOTH) specific to the longline survey. Rough bottom strata were defined as areas above the 70th percentile for Terrain Rugged Index values (Hare at al. 2012) within each stratum. | esriFieldTypeDouble |
| STR2 | Str2 | The predefined area where the longline gear was assigned to be deployed. Stratum is a two digit number referring to the stratum number from the SVDBS stratum definition. | esriFieldTypeDouble |
| STRATUMA | Stratum | A predefined area where longline gear was deployed. Code consists of 2 parts: Stratum group code number (2 bytes) and stratum number (3 bytes). | esriFieldTypeString |
| NUMPICKS | Number of picks | Number of survey stations within strata | esriFieldTypeDouble |
| CALCULATED | Area (sq km) | Area of strata in square kilometers | esriFieldTypeDouble |
| SUBSTRATA | Substrata | Substrata ID number | esriFieldTypeString |
| INDIVIDARE | Individual area | Area of substrata in square kilometers | esriFieldTypeDouble |
| PERCENTOFT | Percent of total | Substrata area percent of total strata | esriFieldTypeDouble |
| NEWPICKS | New picks | New station numbers | esriFieldTypeDouble |
| SURVEY_NAME | Survey name | Name of NEFSC scientific survey | esriFieldTypeString |
2.4.6.2 SMIT_GOMBLL_STRATA
Description
Scientific survey strata for the Gulf of Maine Bottom Longline Survey.
| name | alias | description | dataType |
|---|---|---|---|
| OBJECTID | OBJECTID | NA | esriFieldTypeOID |
| STR2 | Str2 | The predefined area where the longline gear was assigned to be deployed. Stratum is a two digit number referring to the stratum number from the SVDBS stratum definition. | esriFieldTypeInteger |
| STRATUMA | Stratum | A predefined area where longline gear was deployed. Code consists of 2 parts: Stratum group code number (2 bytes) and stratum number (3 bytes). | esriFieldTypeString |
| NUMPICKS | Number of picks | Number of survey stations within strata | esriFieldTypeInteger |
| CALCULATED | Area (sq km) | Area of strata in square kilometers | esriFieldTypeDouble |
| SURVEY_NAME | Survey name | Name of NEFSC scientific survey | esriFieldTypeString |
2.5 Sea Scallop Survey
2.5.1 ArcGIS Feature Service
Click here.
2.5.2 InPort Metadata
Yes, see here.
2.5.3 Description
The standardized scallop dredge survey has been conducted since 1975 (annually since 1977) and employs a stratified random sampling design. The original NEFSC Shellfish Strata were based primarily on depth and secondarily by latitude, and locations of sampling stations were randomly selected within each stratum prior to each annual cruise. Starting in 2025, a spatially balanced form of stratified random sampling called Generalized Random Tessellation Stratified (GRTS) was implemented, along with a switch to using Scallop Area Management Simulator (SAMS) areas as survey strata. While still a form of stratified random sampling, this method prevents random stations from being placed very close together. Use of the SAMS areas as strata ensures that sampling is more useful to management.
2.5.5 Layers
| id | name | type | geometryType |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0 | SMIT_SCALLOP_STRATA | Feature Layer | esriGeometryPolygon |
| 1 | SMIT_SCALLOP_STRATA_HISTORIC | Feature Layer | esriGeometryPolygon |
2.5.6 Fields
2.5.6.1 SMIT_SCALLOP_STRATA
DescriptionThe current (as of 2025) NEFSC Scallop Strata (SAMS). Starting in 2025, a spatially balanced form of stratified random sampling called Generalized Random Tessellation Stratified (GRTS) was implemented, along with a switch to using Scallop Area Management Simulator (SAMS) areas as survey strata. While still a form of stratified random sampling, this method prevents random stations from being placed very close together. Use of the SAMS areas as strata ensures that sampling is more useful to management.
| name | alias | description | dataType |
|---|---|---|---|
| OBJECTID | OBJECTID | NA | esriFieldTypeOID |
| SAMS | SAMS | SAMS code | esriFieldTypeString |
| NEWSAMS | New SAMS | New SAMS code | esriFieldTypeString |
| AREAKM2 | Area (sq km) | Area of strata in square kilometers | esriFieldTypeDouble |
| SURVEY_NAME | Survey name | Name of NEFSC scientific survey | esriFieldTypeString |
2.5.6.2 SMIT_SCALLOP_STRATA_HISTORIC
Description
The historic (pre-2025) NEFSC Shellfish Strata. The standardized scallop dredge survey has been conducted since 1975 (annually since 1977) and employs a stratified random sampling design. The original NEFSC Shellfish Strata were based primarily on depth and secondarily by latitude, and locations of sampling stations were randomly selected within each stratum prior to each annual cruise.
| name | alias | description | dataType |
|---|---|---|---|
| OBJECTID | OBJECTID | NA | esriFieldTypeOID |
| AREA | Area | Area of strata in degrees | esriFieldTypeDouble |
| PERIMETER | Perimeter | Perimeter of strata in degrees | esriFieldTypeDouble |
| STRATA_ | Strata | Strata number | esriFieldTypeBigInteger |
| STRATA_ID | Strata ID | Strata ID | esriFieldTypeBigInteger |
| A2 | A2 | A2 | esriFieldTypeBigInteger |
| STRATUM | Stratum | Stratum code | esriFieldTypeBigInteger |
| DEPTH_CODE | Depth code | Depth code | esriFieldTypeSmallInteger |
| ACRES | Area (acres) | Area of strata in acres | esriFieldTypeDouble |
| SURVEY_NAME | Survey name | Name of NEFSC scientific survey | esriFieldTypeString |
2.6 Coastal Shark Bottom Longline Survey
2.6.1 ArcGIS Feature Service
Click here.
2.6.2 InPort Metadata
Yes, see here.
2.6.3 Description
Since 1986, members of the NEFSC Apex Predators Program have conducted thirteen Coastal Shark Bottom Longline Surveys along the US Atlantic coast in April and May of each survey year. The initial survey was conducted in 1986 between Tampa Bay, Florida and southern Rhode Island (Cruise DE II 89-03) in a fixed-station survey design covering 137 stations across three depth strata on the continental shelf. Since that survey, stations and survey range have been truncated due to time constraints and bottom conditions at some stations. The current survey track includes 95 stations and extends from southern Florida to Delaware. In 1996, the gear was updated to reflect that of the commercial large coastal shark fishery and soak times were increased to 3 hours to obtain a higher catch. Bait, gear, and fishing methods have remained the same since that time. Various vessels have been used to stage the survey, with the F/V Eagle Eye II used consistently since 2012. Station locations are fixed but the set direction for transects is dependent on prevailing wind and current directions. The biological studies of sharks conducted during the survey have remained the same since 1986.
2.6.5 Layers
| id | name | type | geometryType |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0 | SMIT_CSBLL_STATIONS | Feature Layer | esriGeometryPoint |
| 1 | SMIT_CSBLL_STRATA | Feature Layer | esriGeometryPolygon |
2.6.6 Fields
2.6.6.1 SMIT_CSBLL_STATIONS
Description
Sampling stations for the Coastal Shark Bottom Longline Survey.
| name | alias | description | dataType |
|---|---|---|---|
| OBJECTID | OBJECTID | NA | esriFieldTypeOID |
| STATION | Station | Station ID number | esriFieldTypeDouble |
| LAT | Latitude | Latitude of survey station in decimal degrees | esriFieldTypeDouble |
| LON | Longitude | Longitude of survey station in decimal degrees | esriFieldTypeDouble |
| SURVEY_NAME | Survey name | Name of NEFSC scientific survey | esriFieldTypeString |
2.7 Bottom Trawl Survey
2.7.1 ArcGIS Feature Service
Click here.
2.7.2 InPort Metadata
Yes, see here.
2.7.3 Description
The Northeast Fisheries Science Center (NEFSC) Bottom Trawl Survey (BTS) is the primary source of synoptic, shelf-wide, multiseason, annually repeated fish and oceanographic data on the Northeast U.S. Shelf. Furthermore, it is the primary data source of relative abundance data for 48 stock assessments (and an important component of an additional 6 assessments), as well as the source of population demography, maturity, and stomach contents data for the region. It is also a reliable source of other biological samples, as requested, from internal and external partners. The objectives of the NEFSC BTS are twofold: (1) to monitor trends in biological parameters (e.g., recruitment, biomass, growth, maturity, mortality) and geographic distribution of fish and invertebrates of the Northwest Atlantic Continental Shelf; and (2) collect and monitor ecosystem-level data for broad-scale oceanographic and environmental changes. The BTS is fully standardized, including sampling gear construction and performance, vessel(s), standard operating procedures, and spatiotemporal sampling consistency. Survey catch is identified to species level for all fish and a subset of invertebrates (i.e. decapods, cephalopods, some bivalves), and aggregate catch weights are recorded for each species. Biological samples and individual weights are collected for subsampled fish, subsampled invertebrates, and all protected species. The gear captures smaller size classes than commercial gears, and therefore provides estimates of cohorts before they enter the fishery, as well as critical samples of immature fish to inform maturity curves. Oceanographic sampling includes a vertical conductivity, temperature, and depth (CTD) cast at all trawl stations, oblique bongo plankton tows at a subset of stations, and continuous measurement of additional variables via a surface water flow-through system.
2.7.6 Fields
2.7.6.1 SMIT_BTS_STRATA
| name | alias | description | dataType |
|---|---|---|---|
| OBJECTID | OBJECTID | NA | esriFieldTypeOID |
| STRATA_NUM | Strata number | Strata ID number | esriFieldTypeBigInteger |
| REGION | Region | Strata region ID | esriFieldTypeBigInteger |
| SECTOR | Sector | Strata sector ID | esriFieldTypeBigInteger |
| SAMP_FREQ | Sampling frequency | Frequency of strata sampling | esriFieldTypeString |
| AREA_SQNM | Area (sq nm) | Area of strata in square nautical miles | esriFieldTypeBigInteger |
| DEPTH_M | Depth (m) | Average depth of strata in meters | esriFieldTypeString |
| STRATA | Strata | Strata ID | esriFieldTypeString |
| N | n | Sample count | esriFieldTypeBigInteger |
| EARLIEST_T | Earliest tow | Year of earliest tow in strata | esriFieldTypeBigInteger |
| LATEST_TOW | Latest tow | Year of latest tow in strata | esriFieldTypeBigInteger |
| SURVEY_NAME | Survey name | Name of NEFSC scientific survey | esriFieldTypeString |
2.8 Northern Shrimp Survey
2.8.1 ArcGIS Feature Service
Click here.
2.8.2 InPort Metadata
Yes, see here.
2.8.3 Description
The Northern Shrimp Survey was initiated in 1983 by the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission (ASMFC) and monitors the relative abundance (number of shrimp), biomass (weight of shrimp), and composition of the northern shrimp stock throughout the Gulf of Maine. The data give an understanding of year class strength and sex stage and maturity of shrimp in the population. The survey focuses its efforts in offshore waters (in depths greater than 50 fathoms) and is timed to sample both males and females during the summer when they are expected to be offshore. The data it collects forms the basis of the annual northern shrimp assessment, which in turn, is used by fishery managers from Maine, New Hampshire and Massachusetts to set each year’s fishing regulations.
2.8.6 Fields
2.8.6.1 SMIT_SHRIMP_STRATA
| name | alias | description | dataType |
|---|---|---|---|
| OBJECTID | OBJECTID | NA | esriFieldTypeOID |
| SHRIMPST_1 | Shrimp ID | Shrimp ID number | esriFieldTypeDouble |
| STRATUMA | Stratum | A predefined area where a net dredge, or other piece of gear was deployed. Code consists of 2 parts: Stratum group code number (2 bytes) and stratum number (3 bytes). Stratum group refers to if area fished is inshore or offshore North or South of Cape Hatteras or the type of cruise (shellfish, State of MA, offshore deepwater). The stratum number (third and fourth digits of code) refers to area defined by depth zone. See SVDBS.SVMSTRATA. The fifth digit of the code increases the length of the stratum number for revised strata after the Hague Line was established. | esriFieldTypeString |
| STRA_ACRES | Area (acres) | Area of strata in acres | esriFieldTypeDouble |
| SURVEY_NAME | Survey name | Name of NEFSC scientific survey | esriFieldTypeString |
2.9 Cooperative Atlantic States Shark Pupping and Nursery Survey
2.9.1 ArcGIS Feature Service
Click here.
2.9.2 InPort Metadata
Yes, see here.
2.10 Ecosystem Monitoring Survey
2.10.1 ArcGIS Feature Service
Click here.
2.10.2 InPort Metadata
Yes, see here.
2.10.3 Description
The principal objective of Ecosystem Monitoring (EcoMon) program is to assess the hydrographic, planktonic and pelagic components of the Northeast U.S. Continental Shelf Ecosystem. Ecosystem Monitoring surveys contribute to stock assessments, protected species assessments, and ecosystem assessments. EcoMon surveys sample the continental shelf from 2 – 4 times per year. Plankton samples are also collected on the Northeast Fisheries Science Center spring and fall bottom trawl surveys.
2.10.5 Layers
| id | name | type | geometryType |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0 | SMIT_ECOMON_STATIONS | Feature Layer | esriGeometryPoint |
| 1 | SMIT_ECOMON_STRATA | Feature Layer | esriGeometryPolygon |
2.10.6 Fields
2.10.6.1 SMIT_ECOMON_STATIONS
Description
There are thirty-five Ecosystem Monitoring fixed hydrographic sampling stations across the Northeast Shelf ecosystem. Four transects run from inshore to off the continental shelf from north of Cape Hatteras to Cape Cod. One transect bisects the Gulf of Maine from the coast of Maine and across Georges Bank. The remaining twelve stations in the Gulf of Maine sample deep basins, banks, coastal areas, and the inflow (Northeast Channel) and out flow (Great South Channel) of the gulf.
| name | alias | description | dataType |
|---|---|---|---|
| OBJECTID | OBJECTID | NA | esriFieldTypeOID |
| EM_SEQ | Em sequence | Em sequence number | esriFieldTypeDouble |
| FIXED_SEQ | Fixed sequence | Fixed sequence number | esriFieldTypeDouble |
| NAME | Name | Unique strata/station ID | esriFieldTypeString |
| REGION | Strata region | Strata groupings (MAB = Mid-Atlantic Bight, SNE = Southern New England, GB = Georges Bank, GOM = Gulf of Maine) | esriFieldTypeString |
| STRATA | Strata | Unique strata ID number | esriFieldTypeDouble |
| DEPLOYMENT | Deployment | Equipment deployment type | esriFieldTypeString |
| BONGO_PROTOCOL | Bongo protocol | Bongo protocol | esriFieldTypeString |
| DEPTH | Depth (m) | Station depth in meters | esriFieldTypeDouble |
| LAT | Latitude | Latitude of survey station in decimal degrees | esriFieldTypeDouble |
| LON | Longitude | Longitude of survey station in decimal degrees | esriFieldTypeDouble |
| SURVEY_NAME | Survey name | Name of NEFSC scientific survey | esriFieldTypeString |
2.10.6.2 SMIT_ECOMON_STRATA
Description
Ecosystem Monitoring plankton stations are selected using a random-stratified design based on the Northeast Fisheries Science Center bottom trawl survey design. There are forty-seven plankton strata across the Northeast Shelf ecosystem. The strata are combined into four regions from Cape Hatteras to Cape Sable (Mid-Atlantic Bight, Southern New England, Georges Bank, and Gulf of Maine). Thirty randomly selected stations are targeted for sampling from each region during a survey.
| name | alias | description | dataType |
|---|---|---|---|
| OBJECTID | OBJECTID | NA | esriFieldTypeOID |
| SURVEY_NAME | Survey name | Name of NEFSC scientific survey | esriFieldTypeString |
| NUMOFPOLY | Number of polygons | Number of polygons that make up the strata (1 or 2) | esriFieldTypeDouble |
| NUMOFSTA | Number of stations | Number of plankton stations sampled in the strata for current ECOMON program | esriFieldTypeDouble |
| REGION | Strata region | Strata groupings (MAB = Mid-Atlantic Bight, SNE = Southern New England, GB = Georges Bank, GOM = Gulf of Maine) | esriFieldTypeString |
| AREA | Area (sq km) | Area of strata in square kilometers. Note area reported for 381 and 382 is the same, and equals total for the two polygons combined | esriFieldTypeDouble |
| TYPE | Type | Strata description (C = coastal, IS = inner-shelf, MS = mid-shelf, SB = shelf break, Bank = bank, Off = off-shelf, Basin = deep basin) | esriFieldTypeString |
| ACRES | Area (acres) | Area of strata in acres | esriFieldTypeDouble |
| STR_NAME | Strata name | Name of the strata numeric from 1 to 47, except for one stratum that is split into two polygons. Strata 38 is split and the name was changed to distinguish the east and west polygons. | esriFieldTypeDouble |
2.11 Seal Aerial Survey
2.11.1 ArcGIS Feature Service
Click here.
2.11.2 InPort Metadata
Yes, see here.
2.11.3 Description
The NEFSC has been conducting aerial surveys of gray seal pupping colonies since 2005 to monitor the number of pups born in U.S. waters. Surveys are flown from either a Cessna 252, Cessna Skymaster, or NOAA Twin Otter at altitudes ranging from 180-230 meters, using hand-held or belly-mounted Canon camera systems. Surveys may also be conducted with Uncrewed Aircraft Systems (UAS) at select colonies. Ideally, surveys are flown after all pups are born and before they start leaving the colony, but in some years surveys may have been flown before or after this optimal window. Furthermore, not all colonies may have been surveyed each year due to logistics or if the site was not yet an established pupping colony. The Northeast Fisheries Science Center has been conducting aerial surveys of harbor seals since 1983 to monitor the abundance of the population in U.S. waters. Surveys are flown during the pupping season when animals are concentrated on the coast of Maine and timed to coincide with peak pupping estimated to be around the end of May. Surveys are flown from a NOAA Twin Otter at 230 meters within 2 hours of low tide using a hand-held Canon camera and fixed 300mm lens. Close to 1,000 ledges are surveyed and grouped into bay units for analysis.
2.11.6 Fields
2.11.6.1 SMIT_SEAL_STATIONS
| name | alias | description | dataType |
|---|---|---|---|
| OBJECTID | OBJECTID | NA | esriFieldTypeOID |
| POINTNUM | Point number | Unique point number | esriFieldTypeDouble |
| BAYNUM | Bay number | Unique bay number | esriFieldTypeBigInteger |
| POINTNAME | Point name | Name of surveyed point | esriFieldTypeString |
| LAT | Latitude | Station latitude in decimal degrees | esriFieldTypeDouble |
| LON | Longitude | Station longitude in decimal degrees | esriFieldTypeDouble |
| HG | Hg (Grey Seal) | Y/N (yes/no) whether Grey Seal was observed at site | esriFieldTypeString |
| PV | Pv (Harbor Seal) | Y/N (yes/no) whether Harbor Seal was observed at site | esriFieldTypeString |
| HGPUPSURVEYSITE | Hg pup survey site | Y/N (yes/no) whether site is Grey Seal pupping site | esriFieldTypeString |
| PVPUPSURVEYSITE | Pv pup survey site | Y/N (yes/no) whether site is Harbor Seal pupping site | esriFieldTypeString |
| SURVEY_NAME | Survey name | Name of NEFSC scientific survey | esriFieldTypeString |
| SPECIES | Species | Seal species | esriFieldTypeString |
| SURVEY_TYPE | Survey type | Type of survey (pupping or non-pupping survey) | esriFieldTypeString |
2.12 North Atlantic Right Whale Aerial Survey
2.12.1 ArcGIS Feature Service
Click here.
2.12.2 InPort Metadata
Yes, see here.
2.12.3 Description
The North Atlantic Right Whale Aerial Survey is a NOAA Fisheries program conducted by the Northeast Fisheries Science Center, which conducts aerial surveys to locate and record the seasonal distribution of North Atlantic Right Whales (Eubalaena glacialis) off the northeastern coast of the United States. The purpose of these North Atlantic Right Whale (NARW) aerial surveys is to monitor the population, track injury rates, and identify areas of entanglement and vessel collision risks. The Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA) and Endangered Species Act (ESA) mandates the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) to evaluate the status of the NARW population and reduce mortality below the population’s Potential Biological Removal (PBR) in order for the species to recover. A major component of the surveys is photo identification of individual right whales to estimate the population and its annual rate of mortality. Distance sampling data is collected for all large whale species during systematic aerial surveys of neritic waters of the eastern seaboard of the U.S. Additional aerial surveys are focused in areas of seasonal right whale occurrence. Right whale absolute density (individuals km2) is calculated from spatial, temporal, and environmental covariates, accounting for detectability differences between observation conditions, and corrected for perception and availability biases, whale dive behavior, group composition, and group size. Seasonal densities are calculated using covariate maps. When right whales are encountered, the aircraft breaks from the systematic trackline to circle and collect photographs of natural markings on the whales for individual identification using handheld digital cameras. Estimation of the NARW population is based on a state-space model of the sighting histories of individual whales constructed from the central photo-ID catalog curated at the New England Aquarium. Most of the population is photographically captured each year. The comprehensive capture effort provides small credible intervals to the population estimate, which in turn provides relatively precise estimates of annual mortality. High precision estimates of right whale mortality are critical to meet conservation goals. Photographic captures in specific areas over shorter periods can provide estimates of both local abundance and seasonal residency of individuals. The track lines displayed here are surveyed by the NEFSC or its contractors. While they illustrate the general extent of survey coverage, they do not represent a comprehensive record. For near real-time visualizations of survey effort, please see WhaleMap.
2.12.5 Layers
| id | name | type | geometryType |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0 | SMIT_NARW_LINES | Feature Layer | esriGeometryPolyline |
| 1 | SMIT_NARW_STRATA | Feature Layer | esriGeometryPolygon |
2.12.6 Fields
2.12.6.1 SMIT_NARW_LINES
Description
Aerial survey lines for the North Atlantic Right Whale Aerial Survey.
| name | alias | description | dataType |
|---|---|---|---|
| OBJECTID | OBJECTID | NA | esriFieldTypeOID |
| SURVEY_NAME | Survey name | Name of NEFSC scientific survey | esriFieldTypeString |
| LOCATION | Location | Name of survey area/location | esriFieldTypeString |
| MILES | Length (miles) | Length of survey line in miles | esriFieldTypeDouble |
2.13 Marine Mammal and Sea Turtle Survey
2.13.1 ArcGIS Feature Service
Click here.
2.13.2 InPort Metadata
Yes, see here.
2.13.3 Description
The Marine Mammal and Sea Turtle Survey, conducted by the Conservation Ecology Branch at the Northeast Fisheries Science Center, develops abundance and distribution models that incorporate environmental factors to better understand how protected species such as whales, dolphins, and sea turtles use our waters. The program coordinates the data collection and analysis efforts of NOAA Fisheries Northeast and Southeast Science Centers and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Division of Migratory Birds. Through these efforts, we are providing enhanced data to managers and supporting conservation initiatives.
2.14 Turtle Ecology Survey
2.14.1 ArcGIS Feature Service
Click here.
2.14.2 InPort Metadata
Yes, see here.
2.14.3 Description
The primary goal of the Turtle Ecology program is to assess and monitor sea turtle populations in the Greater Atlantic Region in order to support scientific resource management needs and species recovery goals, as mandated through the Endangered Species Act and other federal statutes. Our research approach provides infrastructure, data streams, and data products through partnership with a wide array of organizations.
2.15 Passive Acoustic Monitoring Survey
2.15.1 ArcGIS Feature Service
Click here.
2.15.2 InPort Metadata
Yes, see here.
2.15.3 Description
This dataset provides information on the locations and deployment details of Passive Acoustic Monitoring (PAM) devices associated with NOAA Fisheries, NEFSC and its partner projects. The data were sourced from the Regional Wildlife Science Collaborative (RWSC) Research Planning Map and were provided in part by the Marine Mammal Subcommittee.
2.15.6 Fields
2.15.6.1 SMIT_PAM_DEPLOYMENTS
| name | alias | description | dataType |
|---|---|---|---|
| objectid | OBJECTID | Internal feature number. | esriFieldTypeOID |
| operator | OPERATOR | The primary affiliation for the operator of the device - this could be the funder or the group/individual responsible for deployment (if those are different entities) | esriFieldTypeString |
| poc_email | POC EMAIL | Email for the primary point of contact | esriFieldTypeString |
| project_name | PROJECT NAME | Name of the project | esriFieldTypeString |
| site | SITE | The site or station ID. For example, a line of three recorders off Cape Hatteras could have the following individual site IDs: H1, H2, and H3. | esriFieldTypeString |
| latitude | LATITUDE | Latitude of recorder, in decimal degrees (DD). NAD83, 1986 (as per BOEM guidelines). | esriFieldTypeDouble |
| longitude | LONGITUDE | Longitude of recorder, in decimal degrees (DD). NAD83, 1986 (as per BOEM guidelines). | esriFieldTypeDouble |
| instrument | INSTRUMENT | Recording instrument type if available, please select one from the following list (or let us know if there’s a type that should be added): SoundTrap, DASAR, Omnidirectional, AMAR, MARU, HARP, HTI, APC, RT Moored Surface Buoy, Rockhopper, Array, Sentinel, Lander, VR2, VR2AR | esriFieldTypeString |
| co_deployment | CO DEPLOYMENT | Are there any other acoustic receivers co-deployed with the instrument? For example, VEMCO, acoustic telemetry or active acoustics. Select YES or NO. | esriFieldTypeString |
| other_instruments | OTHER INSTRUMENTS | Co-deployment instrument types if available, please list as semicolon separated items | esriFieldTypeString |
| status | STATUS | Current status of the deployment as of submission date. Please select from the following list: Retrieved, Deployed, Proposed | esriFieldTypeString |
| deploy_start_date | DEPLOY START DATE | The start date in the MM/DD/YYYY format for the start of usable data for that deployment (i.e. the recorder is on and in the water). | esriFieldTypeDate |
| deploy_end_date | DEPLOY_END_DATE | The end date in the MM/DD/YYYY format for the end of usable data for that deployment (i.e. the recorder is off or out of the water). | esriFieldTypeDate |
| deploy_end_date_map | DEPLOY END DATE | The end date in the MM/DD/YYYY format for the end of usable data for that deployment formatted for time slider capabilities in the map. | esriFieldTypeDate |
| data_repository | DATA REPOSITORY | Will the data be sent out to a repository, and if so which one? Please list. (Example options: BOEM, NOAA-NCEI, Dryad) | esriFieldTypeString |
| project_in_database | PROJECT_IN_DATABASE | Is the project listed in the RWSC database? Select YES or NO. Please find the database here: https://database.rwsc.org If you need to add the project to the database you can do so using the “Submit new project” button. The purpose of this is so that we can link to the project entry as an attribute for users to easily find project details. | esriFieldTypeString |
| date_submitted | DATE SUBMITTED | The date the entries were filled in and sent back to RWSC | esriFieldTypeDate |
| project_link | PROJECT LINK | URL address to the project in the RWSC Database | esriFieldTypeString |
| date_added | DATE ADDED | Date Added to the RWSC database | esriFieldTypeDate |
| label | LABEL | Label used for map symbology | esriFieldTypeString |
| comments | COMMENTS | Any additional comments submitters would like to share | esriFieldTypeString |
| shape | shape | Feature geometry. | esriFieldTypeGeometry |
| surface_expression | surface_expression | Is there a buoy or other surface marker attached to the device? Select YES or NO. | esriFieldTypeString |
2.16 Standard Operating Procedure
2.16.1 Naming convention for spatial tables in oracle database
NEFSC scientific survey strata are compiled in the oracle database under the MDEB_SPATIAL schema. All spatial tables are projected in North American Datum of 1983 (NAD 83). NEFSC scientific survey strata naming conventions are as follows:
For example, the Bottom Trawl Survey strata:
MDEB_SPATIAL.SMIT_BTS_STRATA
Surveys with associated substrata are named as follows:
SCHEMA.SMIT_SURVEYCODE_SUBSTRATA
Surveys with associated historical strata are named as follows:
SCHEMA.SMIT_SURVEYCODE_STRATA_HISTORIC
Surveys with an associated point layer (ex. sample stations) are named as follows:
SCHEMA.SMIT_SURVEYCODE_STATIONS
Surveys with an associated line layer (ex. surveylines) are named as follows:
SCHEMA.SMIT_SURVEYCODE_LINES
There are three tables containing metadata for the associated survey strata. They are named as follows:
SCHEMA.SMIT_META_FEATURES contains information about survey strata feature services.
SCHEMA.SMIT_META_FIELDS contains information about fields, including aliases and fields descriptions.
SCHEMA.SMIT_META_LAYERS contains information about layers within feature services.
2.16.2 Table 1. NEFSC Scientific Survey names and survey codes
| Survey code | Survey name |
|---|---|
| BTS | Bottom Trawl Survey |
| COASTSPAN | Cooperative Atlantic States Shark Pupping and Nursery Survey |
| CSBLL | Coastal Shark Bottom Longline Survey |
| ECOMON | Ecosystem Monitoring Survey |
| EDNA | eDNA Survey |
| GOMBLL | Gulf of Maine Bottom Longline Survey |
| HL | Hook and Line Survey |
| MMST | Marine Mammal and Sea Turtle Survey |
| NARW | North Atlantic Right Whale Aerial Survey |
| OQ | Ocean Quahog Survey |
| SC | Atlantic Surfclam Survey |
| SCALLOP | Sea Scallop Survey |
| SEAL | Seal Aerial Survey |
| SHRIMP | Northern Shrimp Survey |
| TURTLE | Turtle Ecology Survey |