EK60 Water Column Sonar Data Collected During SE1208

Comparison of fishery-independent methods for sampling Main Hawaiian Islands Bottomfish assemblages (SE1208, EK60). Optical, active acoustics, and research fishing data on bottomfish abundance and biomass were collected over predetermined grids to compare results of methodologies. Optical data were collected using a baited stationary Botcam, a TOAD (tethered optical assessment device) camera, and a BRUVS (shallow water baited/unbaited underwater video camera system). Acoustics data were collected using a narrow-beam EK60 system operating at 38, 70, and 120 kHz frequencies. Research fishing was conducted using hook-and-line on small boats. Biosampling on some of the fish was carried out including measurement of length and weight and preservation of otoliths, gonads, and stomach for post-survey analyses. Bottomfishing off the Sette were conducted simultaneously with acoustics data collection to groundtruth the acoustics data. CTD-mounted video camera drops we conducted simultaneously with acoustics recording to further groundtruth the acoustics data.