Current Status of Accomplishment or Milestone: Completed
Background: The rotational assignment at the Southwest Fisheries Science Center, Pacific Fisheries Environmental Laboratory (PFEL) is designed to expose the incumbent to environmental data resources and analysis tools not widely available elsewhere for conduct of research in fisheries oceanography. The incumbent for this assignment was Dr. Jean Cramer, SEFSC, whose principal work is stock assessment of Atlantic swordfish.
Purpose of Activity/Goal of Project: The focus of this project was to characterize the environmental conditions associated with high abundances of juvenile swordfish by examining the relationships between discard rates and oceanographic phenomena such as sea surface temperature, salinity, wind speed, vertical velocity, and proximity to frontal areas. The areas studied included the near-shore areas off the eastern coast of Florida, Georgia, and the Carolinas from 24š N to 34š N latitude and 76š W to 82š W longitude.
Description of Accomplishment and Significant Results: Data from the following sources were explored as part of a study of juvenile swordfish: satellite images of SST from the JPL Physical Oceanography Distributed Active Archive Center and from Coastwatch; sea surface temperature from CEOS Comprehensive Ocean and Atmosphere Dataset CDs and from the NOAA Marine Environmental Buoy Data Base; upwelling and vertical velocity data computed at PFEL from FNMOC Surface Pressure Analyses; and bathymetry data from the NGDC. Relationships were found between swordfish catch and temperature fronts, bathymetry, and cyclic eddies. Preliminary results of the research study were presented at the Second International Pacific Swordfish Symposium in Kahuku, Hawaii, and in seminars at the SWFSC Tiburon and PFEL Laboratories.
Significance of Accomplishment (e.g., to the Center, to Management, and to NMFS Strategic plan Goals): This study adds to the understanding of the habitat in which juvenile swordfish are found and will aid in the management of this species. In keeping with the goals of the NMFS Rotational Assignment Program, it also provides valuable experience to the incumbent and valuable interchange between NMFS facilities conducting similar research.
Problems: None
Key Contact: George Boehlert (831-648-8515); Jean Cramer (305-361-4493 x493)