The Fisheries Research Division hosts several cruises throughout the year that span along the United States west coast. These cruises assess the distributions, abundances, and biological compositions of Coastal Pelagic Species (CPS) and Highly Migratory Species (HMS) stocks, their prey, and their biotic and abiotic environments. Information taken from these annual surveys provide crucial insight on oceanographic conditions over the years and essential information on the current conditions of CPS and HMS stocks in the Pacific Ocean. 

Follow weekly updates of current surveys to see how scientists are collecting information that progress our understanding of our oceans.   

Coastal Pelagic Species

Small, schooling coastal pelagic species (CPS) - sardines, jack and Pacific mackerel, anchovy and market squid - are integral components of the California Current ecosystem and function as forage fish for a wide range of sea life. They are also a valuable catch commodity for commercial fisheries, party and charter boats, and anglers. The Fisheries Resources Division conducts several fisheries and ecosystem surveys to monitor the distribution, abundance, and population trends of these important species and to better understand the California Current pelagic ecosystem.  Read more: Coastal Pelagic Species; Ship Operations

California Cooperative Oceanic Fisheries Investigations (CalCOFI) Survey

The California Cooperative Oceanic Fisheries Investigations (CalCOFI) are a unique partnership of the California Department of Fish & Wildlife, NOAA Fisheries Service and Scripps Institution of Oceanography. The organization was formed in 1949 to study the ecological aspects of the sardine population collapse off California. These agencies conduct four seasonal surveys (winter, spring, summer, and fall) each year. The surveys are designed to assess the California Current marine ecosystem through monitoring oceanographic conditions, distribution and abundance of pelagic fish stocks, and their prey.

Winter 2018 CalCOFI Survey

Fall 2017 CalCOFI Survey

Summer 2017 CalCOFI Survey

Spring 2017 CalCOFI and Saildrone Ground Truthing Survey

Winter 2017 CalCOFI Survey

Coastal Pelagic Species (CPS) Survey for Daily Egg Production Method (DEPM)

Biological data collection during the spring Coastal Pelagic Species, or CPS survey for DEPM (Daily Egg Production Method) is a primary responsibility of the Fisheries Resources Division to provide support to the Pacific Fisheries Management Council. This cruise often occurs during the same period as the spring CalCOFI.

Spring 2017 CPS DEPM Survey

California Current Ecosystem Survey (CCES)

The California Current Ecosystem Survey (CCES) is the product of two previous surveys, SaKe (Sardine and Hake Survey) and the Coastwide Sardine Survey, which now encompasses all CPS in the Pacific Ocean from Canada to Mexico. 

Summer 2017 West Coast Pelagic Fish Survey

Summer 2016 CCES Survey

Highly Migratory Species

Highly migratory species (HMS) play a vital role in the oceanic ecosystem as top predators and are an invaluable sector of the fishing industry, harvested both commercially and recreationally by 36 nations in the Pacific. Due to their vast importance across domestic and international lines, several HMS are managed and protected by an array of international laws, treaties, and management organizations. he HMS program of the Fisheries Resources Division (FRD) is responsible for conducting research and assessments of Pacific migratory fish species for U.S. fishery scientists and commissioners of the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) and two international RFMOs— the Inter-American Tropical Tuna Commission (IATTC) and the Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Commission (WCPFC) .

Juvenile Thresher Abundance Survey

The Juvenile Thresher Abundance Survey samples throughout the Southern California Bight and recently included sampling locations north of Point Conception, CA. Survey samples help determine inshore distribution of neonate thresher sharks and aid a fishery-independent abundance survey for pre-recruit thresher sharks. 

Summer 2016 Juvenile Thresher Shark Survey