Bigelow Paired Gear Efficiency Study

This study was conducted in a relatively small area of Georges Bank where an earlier Georges Bank pilot flatfish survey indicated the highest abundance of yellowtail flounder. Side-by-side towing was conducted on the F/V Hera using the same gear and methods used for the Georges Bank flatfish survey and on the R/V Bigelow using the standard NEFSC bottom trawl survey gear and methods. In addition, an independent method of abundance estimation will be derived using images from HabCam transects conducted simultaneously aboard the R/V Connecticut. The results from this study will be used to estimate the relative catchability of the three different methods for yellowtail flounder which will provide additional information for fisheries managers to allow comparison between the gear used for the Georges Bank pilot flatfish survey and the standard bottom trawl survey.