Integrated West Coast Pelagics Survey (transect)

This layer is intended to represent the geographic extent of NOAA Fisheries’ Integrated West Coast Pelagics Survey. The Integrated West Coast Pelagics Survey started in 2025 and is a jointly led effort by the Northwest and the Southwest Fisheries Science Centers. The Pacific hake and coastal pelagics fisheries rely on data collected through NOAA surveys and the fisheries. These data are essential for tracking our changing environment and creating accurate stock assessments that ensure these fisheries remain productive and sustainable today and in the future. Previously, two fishery independent surveys were conducted to gather data on these crucial West Coast fisheries, the Joint U.S.-Canada Integrated Ecosystem and Pacific Hake Acoustic Trawl Survey and the California Current Ecosystem Survey. Combining these two surveys into the Integrated West Coasts Pelagics Survey is an opportunity to ensure we collect the data we need and improve how we survey, including accounting for evolving oceanic/ecosystem conditions. Notably, an integrated survey maintains the integrity of the CPS and Pacific hake biomass time series to help meet industry needs.