Tag Archives: NOAA Vessel Reuben Lasker
Researchers Are Finding Ash From Los Angeles Fires 100 Miles Out to Sea
According to UC San Diego’s Scripps Institution of Oceanography and NOAA Fisheries’ Southwest Fisheries Science Center, billowing smoke from the Palisades, Eaton, and other fires has deposited ash and debris on the ocean’s surface as much as 100 miles from the coast. The crew aboard a NOAA research vessel called the Reuben Lasker was gathering water samples when the fires began. Over the next few days, they collected samples of the ash piling up on the deck of the ship, as well as in the sea. “We’re positioning ourselves to answer the question, ‘What does this mean for West Coast fisheries and the food web that we all depend on?’” said Nicolas Concha-Saiz, NOAA Fisheries’ chief scientist. more, >>CLICK TO READ<< 06:46
Trawl developed for research survey work
NOAA Fisheries’ surveys off the US West Coast have begun deploying a new trawl net specifically designed to catch multiple fish species at different depths. Scientists are looking at integrating two fisheries surveys into one. Such a net is expected to save time and money in the long term and improve data collection for managing West Coast fisheries. NOAA Fisheries’ scientists collaborated with fishing industry experts from Ocean Gold Seafoods and Seattle-based net manufacturer Swan Nets. They designed gear that improves trawling efficiency and flexibility, called the Multi-Function Trawl net. It enables trawling at or near the surface – such as for sardines and anchovies – at night. It also allows for trawling in midwater depths, such as for Pacific hake, during the day. NOAA Fisheries previously dedicated two surveys on separate vessels to assess these species, each using a different style of trawl net configuration at different depths. In late 2023, and continuing this past summer, NOAA Fisheries’ scientists, crew, and fishing industry experts conducted sea trials using the net. They observed the net’s performance and fine-tuned the various deployment configurations. Photos, more, >>CLICK TO READ<< 12:08
