Survey strategy for monitoring Norwegian deep-sea fish species

This document reports on the results of the project 13327 on establishing methods for the surveillance of deepwater resources. After a presentation of the project mandate and background information on past surveys and their role for advice and research, a general method for survey evaluation is presented and specific aspects of survey design are evaluated with quantitative methodologies. Based on the results of these analyses, a multiannual survey strategy is proposed. It is build on three core surveys: two surveys along the continental slope approximately 62°N-75°N (Egga Sør) and 62°N-80°N (Egga Nor), and a survey in the Norwegian Sea (“open sea deepwater”). Egga Nor and Egga Sør should be conducted every two year, alternating, while the schedule of the “open sea deepwater” survey should be defined in accordance with recommendations from ICESWGRS. Additionally deepwater stations should be maintained on ecosystem survey in the Barents Sea and on shrimp survey in the North Sea (Norwegian Trench). This new survey strategy offers a 4 substantial reduction in requested annual ship-time in comparison with recent years, even for 2011 when all three surveys should be conducted.