For the past 6 years, the 50-foot F/V Mary Elizabeth out of Scituate, Massachusetts and the 40-foot F/V Tenacious II out of East Dennis have set out on a 3-week, 45-station longline research survey. They target areas in the Gulf of Maine where the fish like to hide and the ocean bottom is rougher, making it hard to sample with trawl gear. 

This year a new generation of data collection system is ready to be tested, and under the realities of COVID-19, the plan is to focus on docksite testing with a small number of people and limited physical contact. On a few day trips, researchers and crew can test the new setup on each vessel, identify and address bugs, and document new protocols. 

Science is always evolving and improving. The new data collection system is a step forward in how we collect fisheries survey data that ultimately support our nation's fisheries. After testing, the new gear and data collection technology will be ready to be used at sea.