Because of the support and investment of state funds, MFI has been able to leverage federal resources including new instrumentation such as a MacArtney Focus-2 towed underwater vehicle and a Kongsberg EM3002 multibeam sonar. The Focus-2 has unique stabilization properties and can maintain a constant height off the seafloor, which makes it ideal for trawl imaging and high resolution photo or video imaging of the seafloor. It can be coupled with side scan and multibeam instruments for habitat mapping research.

As one of the most stable platforms available at tow speeds of four to eight knots, the Kongsberg EM3002 couples high resolution multibeam back scatter imaging with water column imaging. This tool allows simultaneous seafloor mapping and imaging of groundfish and pelagic species.

Research is currently underway examining the dynamics of sand waves, the impacts of the Hubline pipeline, and the capabilities of the EM3022 with respect to imaging groundfish. The ultimate goal of these MFI research projects includes:

• Identifying habitats essential to managed species
• Devising measures to conserve and enhance these habitats
• Improving fishing techniques to minimize habitat impact

Cod Conservation Zone
The Cod Conservation Zone (CCZ) was established in 2005 to protect seasonal aggregations of Atlantic cod in Massachusetts Bay. The key component of the CCZ is the prohibition of both recreational and commercial cod fishing for the months of November through February. During these closure months, several research projects have been pursued to provide more information about the cod in this area: A combined hydroacoustic and gillnet survey was conducted over the past two winters to quantify cod abundance and distribution; An industry-based trawl survey for Gulf of Maine Cod made additional tows in the CCZ, providing a regional perspective of the importance of this area; A study to examine the effectiveness of cod pots in Massachusetts waters was also conducted, and currently a project to examine the size selectivity of multi-mesh experimental gillnets on cod is being pursued.

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For additional information, please contact:

Kathryn Ford, Ph.D.
Division of Marine Fisheries
Quest Center
1213 Purchase Street
New Bedford, MA 02740
Email: kathryn.ford@state.ma.us
Office: 508-990-2860 x145
FAX 508-990-0449