This is an acoustic survey of small pelagic fish that will be carried out aboard the vessel Miguel Oliver in Spanish and Portuguese waters of the Gulf of Cadiz until 6th April.
Sardines and anchovies will be especially evaluated, as well as the characterization of planktonic communities.
The Pelago 2025 survey of the Gulf of Cadíz has begun, aiming to assess the pelagic ecosystem in the Gulf of Cádiz, with Spanish research vessel Miguel Oliver conducting an acoustic survey of small pelagic stocks up to 6th April, in collaboration with the Portuguese Institute of the Sea and Atmosphere (IPMA), across Spanish and Portuguese waters.
The focus is on sardine and anchovy, as well as examining planktonic levels, and also mackerel and horse mackerel. The survey also takes in analysis of eggs and larvae as part of a comprehensive examiniation of the pelagic ecosystem. This survey also includes observations of birds and marine mammals.
The resulting data will then be analysed by ICES groups to assess the stock status, and forms a basis for recommendations for TACs and quotas to be approved by the Council of Ministers, as well as for establishing the sardine catches agreed between Spain and Portugal.
