Research vessels Emma Bardan and Vizconde de Eza have been deployed for a month-long research survey to evaluate the state of anchovy and sardine stocks in the Bay of Biscay.
The survey will continue to the end of May also encompasses observation of cetaceans, seabirds, sharks, and finfish, as well as the concentration of microplastics on the surface.
This survey is a collaboration between the General Secretariat of Fisheries and the AZTI Foundation, through an agreement that enables optimisation of resources for the benefit of the Cantabrian fishing sector.
Biomass estimates will be conducted out based on the daily egg production method, the determination of the laying area and hydrographic conditions. In addition, through a multidisciplinary ecosystem approach, the biodiversity of cetaceans, seabirds, sharks, fish and other species will also be studied, as well as zooplankton concentration.
The survey is arranged around a continuous acoustic soundings to estimate the abundance of anchovy and sardine, determine spawning areas and sightings of possible predators (birds and marine mammals) and to examine the marine environment in the Bay of Biscay.
The study area covers waters of the Exclusive Economic Zones (EEZ) of Spain and France, in an area of operation that extends from the central Cantabrian Sea to the mouth of the Garonne and southern Brittany.
This survey is in response to different commitments made internationally for the sustainable management of national waters and is part of the National Basic Data Program for the Fishing Sector. It is co-financed by the European Maritime, Fisheries and Aquaculture Fund (EMFAF).
