AndreaBozzo/ceres-open-data-index huggingface dataset:
CE17009 The Western European Shelf Pelagic Acoustic Survey (WESPAS) Acoustic Survey Leg 1

The Western European Shelf Pelagic Acoustic Survey (WESPAS) survey program is the consolidation of two existing survey programs carried out by Fisheries Ecosystems Advisory Service (FEAS) in the Marine Institute. The Main Shelf herring acoustic survey has been carried out annually since 2008 and reports on the annual abundance of summer feeding aggregations of herring to the west of Scotland and north of Ireland. The boarfish survey has been carried out since 2011 using a chartered fishing vessel and reports on the abundance of spawning aggregations of boarfish 47N to 57N. In 2016 both surveys were combined providing synoptic coverage of shelf waters from 59N southwards to 47N.    The 2017 survey took place over 2 legs; leg one (this cruise) was from 6th - 29th June, and leg 2 from 4th - 21 July 2017 on board the R.V. Celtic Explorer. Age stratified relative stock abundance estimates of boarfish, herring and horse mackerel within the survey area were calculated using acoustic data and biological data from trawl sampling.     Conductivity, Temperature and Depth (CTD) data was aquired at predetermined stations. Zooplankton sampling was carried out alongside CTD stations. Marine mammal and seabird visual surveys were also conducted. Part of an annual survey to carry out acoustic surveys and biological sampling to calculate age stratified relative stock abundance estimates of boarfish, herring and horse mackerel within the survey. Stock estimates of boarfish and horse mackerel are then submitted to the ICES assessment Working Group for Widely Distributed Stocks (WGWIDE).     Other objectives include collecting physical oceanography (CTD) data and visual surveys for marine mammals and seabirds.

Tags: environment
Organization: Marine Institute
CE17008 Exploiting and Conserving Deep-Sea Genetic Resources: SFI cruise I

This 13 day survey, led by National University of Ireland, Galway (NUIG)  took place on board the Marine Institute's R.V. Celtic Expolerer in May/June 2017 in the North East Atlantic.     The survey was conducted to collect large Porifera and Cnidaria, groups with known biodiscovery potential, and some other taxa which have already shown bioactive potential in previous surveys carried out in NUIG.    This survey was the first cruise of the Science Foundation Ireland (SFI)/Marine Institute co-funded project “Exploiting and Conserving Deep-sea Genetic Resources” which commenced in September 2016. The cruise thus makes a direct contribution to Ireland’s desire to increase capacity in Marine Biodiscovery and tap into the economic potential of the marine environment.      The remotely operated vehicle (ROV) Holland 1 was deployed and ROV  video and still image data was obtained, as well as specimens collected. Conductivity-temperature-depth (CTD) sampling was conducted, and multibeam surveys carried out. The survey objectives were to collect fauna – specifically sponges and corals - and high definition video data using the Irish deep-water ROV Holland I deployed from Celtic Explorer from a diversity of deep-water habitats.  The wider objectives of the Science Foundation Ireland Investigators programme project Exploiting and conserving deep-sea genetic resources focuses on biodiscovery research in Irish deep-sea Cnidaria and Porifera. The aims are to:  find new bioactive natural products from deep-sea corals and sponges in Irish offshore waters  develop informed bioprospecting approaches to maximise the chance of finding these compounds in hard to sample environments such as the deep sea  inform conservation planning in relation to biodiscovery hotspots

Tags: environment
Organization: Marine Institute
CE17007 GO-SHIP TransAtlantic Section A02

This survey took place in April-May 2017 on board the RV Celtic Explorer. The Marine Institute (MI) and  National University of Ireland, Galway  (NUIG) led an international partnership to complete the GO-SHIP A02 line.  Onboard teams were from Canada, Germany, the UK, and the USA, and additional support from experts in Denmark and France. The A02 line runs from the margins of the Grand Banks, south of Newfoundland, to the shelf edge of the Celtic Sea off southern Ireland. Continuous underway measurements included surface seawater conductivity (salinity), temperature and partial pressure of carbon dioxide (pCO2), sampled via a hull water intake hose, and water current measurements to ~600 m depth using a vessel mounted Acoustic Doppler Current Profiler (ADCP). At predefined stations along the cruise track, approximately 30 nautical miles apart in the open ocean, the ship’s CTD sensor package and bottle rosette was deployed. Fitted with a range of calibrated sensors that measure conductivity, temperature and depth (CTD), dissolved oxygen  relative fluorescence (chlorophyll), water clarity and water current measurements, the CTD carousel was lowered to just above the ocean floor and then brought back to the surface in an operation that took up to five hours at the deepest stations of > 4.8 km below the ocean surface. Ship-based hydrography is essential for documenting ocean changes throughout the water column, especially for the deep ocean below 2 km (52% of global ocean volume not sampled by profiling floats). Ship based platforms are the only current way to achieve high quality spatial and vertical measurement resolution. GO-SHIP is the only program that provides coincident comprehensive high resolution and quality, full depth inventory of key physical, carbon and biogeochemical observations. These measurements can validate the new generation of autonomous sensors on floats, gliders and buoys. GO-SHIP provides a ship-based platform for sensor development and assessment. GO-SHIP delivers data to GEO, and supports the products produced by the Carbon Dioxide Information Analysis Centre (CDIAC) based in the USA and the Surface Ocean CO2 Atlas (SOCAT).  Objectives  As part of an international programme, this A02 survey section is designed to be multidisciplinary in nature; to monitor and assess the ocean climate of waters to the west of Ireland and across the Atlantic to Canada. This contributes to an important global decadal time-series dataset; along a section that has been surveyed in the past.  The main objectives are to:  1.	Understand and document the large-scale ocean water property distributions, their changes, and drivers of those changes  2.	Address questions of how a future ocean that will increase in dissolved inorganic carbon, become more acidic and more stratified, and experience changes in circulation and ventilation processes due to global warming, altered water cycle and sea-ice will interact with natural ocean variability.

Tags: environment
Organization: Marine Institute
CE17005 Anglerfish and Megrim Trawl Survey

Leg four of the 2017 Irish Anglerfish and Megrim Survey (IAMS) took place from  8-17th April 2017 on RV Celtic Explorer in the North East Atlantic (International Council for the Exploration of the Sea (ICES) area 6a). Regions 6a and 7 are treated separately because they are comprise different assessment and Total Allowable Catch (TAC) areas.     The survey was conducted in order to obtain biomass estimates for anglerfish (Lophius piscatorius and L. budegassa) and establish an abundance index for megrim (Lepidorhombus whiffiaginis and L. boscii).    The IAMS survey is coordinated with the Scottish Anglerfish and Megrim Survey (SIAMISS) and uses the same gear and fishing practices. For this survey, sampling stations were selected at random. The gear, based on a standard commercial otter trawl, was trawled at 3kn for one hour at each station. All fish and invertebrate species were sorted and weighed. Biological data recorded on fish species include sex, maturity and age. The main objective of the survey is to obtain biomass estimates for anglerfish (Lophius piscatorius and L. budegassa) and establish an abundance index for megrim (Lepidorhombus whiffiaginis and L. boscii) in ICES areas 6a (south of 58°N) and 7 (west of 8°W).    Secondary objectives are to collect data on the distribution and relative abundance of anglerfish, megrim and other commercially exploited species. The survey also collects maturity and other biological information for commercial fish species.

Tags: environment
Organization: Marine Institute
CE17003 Anglerfish and Megrim Trawl Survey

Legs one,two and three of the 2017 Irish Anglerfish and Megrim Survey (IAMS) took place from 14th February to 17th March on RV Celtic Explorer in the North East Atlantic (International Council for the Exploration of the Sea (ICES) area 7bcjk). Leg four (see CE17005) took place 8-17th April 2017 in ICES area 6a. Regions 6a and 7 are treated separately because they are comprise different assessment and Total Allowable Catch (TAC) areas.     The surveys were conducted in order to obtain biomass estimates for anglerfish (Lophius piscatorius and L. budegassa) and establish an abundance index for megrim (Lepidorhombus whiffiaginis and L. boscii).    The IAMS survey is coordinated with the Scottish Anglerfish and Megrim Survey (SIAMISS) and uses the same gear and fishing practices. For this survey, sampling stations were selected at random. The gear, based on a standard commercial otter trawl, was trawled at 3kn for one hour at each station. All fish and invertebrate species were sorted and weighed. Biological data recorded on fish species include sex, maturity and age. The main objective of the survey is to obtain biomass estimates for anglerfish (Lophius piscatorius and L. budegassa) and establish an abundance index for megrim (Lepidorhombus whiffiaginis and L. boscii) in ICES areas 6a (south of 58°N) and 7 (west of 8°W).    Secondary objectives are to collect data on the distribution and relative abundance of anglerfish, megrim and other commercially exploited species. The survey also collects maturity and other biological information for commercial fish species.

Tags: environment
Organization: Marine Institute
CE0620 INFOMAR Seabed Survey

The INtegrated Mapping FOr the Sustainable Development of Ireland’s MArine Resource (INFOMAR) programme is a joint venture between the Geological Survey of Ireland (GSI) and the Marine Institute (MI). The programme is a successor to the Irish National Seabed Survey (INSS) and concentrates on creating a range of integrated mapping products of the physical, chemical and biological features of the seabed in the near-shore area.    This survey was conducted in August/September 2006 in the Atlantic Ocean in an area offshore Bantry Bay and Dunmanus Bay, Co. Kerry.     The survey was carried out to provide the INFOMAR project with Swathe Bathymetry, Single Beam Echo Sounder, Sub-Bottom Profiling, Magnetometer, Gravity and ground truthing data. Additionally a programme of grab and box corer sampling on previously surveyed areas in 2005 and 2004 were conducted, as well as a series of Conductivity Temperature Depth (CTD) transects.  A Marine Mammal Observer was also on-board to conduct visual surveys of cetaceans. Mapping Ireland&#039;s seabed.

Tags: environment
Organization: Marine Institute
CE11005 Blue Whiting Acoustic Survey

An acoustic survey targeting blue whiting (Micromesistius poutassou) spawning and post spawning aggregations in the north east Atlantic from 22nd March to 11th April 2011    Spawning takes place from January through to April along the shelf edge from the southern Porcupine Bank area northwards to the Faroe/Shetland Ridge including offshore areas as the Rosemary, Hatton and Rockall Banks. Peak spawning occurs between mid-March and mid April and acoustic surveys are timed to occur during this phase. To facilitate a more coordinated spatio-temporal approach to the survey participating countries meet annually to discuss survey methods and define effort allocation at the ICES led Working Group International Pelagic Surveys (WGIPS).      The 2011 survey covered the core spawning area of blue whiting to the west of Scotland and the Western Isles. Coverage extended from the shelf slopes (250m) westward into the Rockall Trough. The survey was carried out in continuity from north to south and from south to north    The survey was part of an International collaborative survey using the vessels RV Celtic Explorer (Ireland), RV Fridtjof Nansen (Russia), RV Tridens (Netherlands) and the RV Magnus Heinason (Faroes) and the RV G.O. Sars (Norway).    Transect design and effort allocation was pre-agreed for each vessel. A parallel transect design was used to allow transect interlacing in co-surveyed target areas (east-west orientation). Acoustic data were collected using the Simrad ER60 scientific echosounder. Cruising speed was  maintained at a maximum of 10 Kts (knots) where possible.    Biological sampling was done using a single pelagic midwater trawl.All components of the catch from the trawl hauls were sorted and weighed; fish and other taxa were identified to species level. Oceanographic data on temperature, depth and salinity (CTD) were collected at set stations. 1. Collect acoustic data on blue whiting spawning aggregations  2. Collect biological samples from directed trawling on fish echotraces to determine age  structure and maturity state of survey stock   3. Collect CTD data

Tags: environment
Organization: Marine Institute
CE12001 Celtic Explorer Oceanography Survey (Ocean Climate) North East Atlantic Ocean 2012

This ten day survey took place in January 2012 on board the RV Celtic Explorer, led by the Marine Institute.     This cruise was designed to contribute Ireland&#039;s data to the ICES working group on oceanic hydrography (WGOH). WGOH produce the ICES Report on Ocean Climate (IROC) each year which summarises oceanic variability from year to year in the ICES region. The generation of long-term time series to monitor ocean climate is at the heart of understanding the likely impact of future ocean climate scenarios on key marine sectors.     A total of 36 CTD sampling stations were occupied for a variety of parameters including nutrients, salinity and carbon measurements. Not all planned stations were surveyed due to bad weather conditions. Grab sampling and rock dredging was conducted at a number of additional stations on behalf of the Geological Survey Ireland (GSI). An Acoustic Doppler Current Profiler (ADCP) was deployed at wave energy test site (WETS) in Belmullet. The main purpose of this annual cruise is to collect oceanographic data (such as CTD (conductivity, temperature, depth) and nutrient sampling) which will contribute to establishing baseline oceanic weather and oceanic conditions from which future changes can be assessed.

Tags: environment
Organization: Marine Institute
CE12003 Celtic Explorer Cetaceans on the Frontier III Cruise North East Atlantic Ocean 2012

This multidisciplinary survey was conducted by Galway-Mayo Institute of Technology (GMIT) on board the Marine Institute&#039;s R.V. Celtic Explorer, as part of the programme Cetaceans on the Frontier. ‘Cetaceans on the Frontier’ has become an annual research cruise, lead jointly by the Galway-Mayo Institute of Technology (GMIT) and the Irish Whale and Dolphin Group (IWDG) which aims to record abundances and distribution of cetaceans along the continental shelf edge.    This cruise was designed to maximize the use of ship time by simultaneous surveys for cetaceans (acoustic and visual), seabirds (visual) and basking sharks (visual) during daylight hours, and backtracking at night for plankton sampling.    Dedicated surveying was carried out between 24th February and 5th March 2012. The survey area covered waters over the Porcupine Bank, Porcupine Seabight, Whittard Canyon System and Celtic Shelf, and so was predominantly designed to target deep-water canyon and slope habitat.    The survey vessel travelled at an average speed of 10 knots while on transect between the hours of 08:00 to 18:00 each day and Conductivity, Temperature and Depth (CTD) measurements and plankton hauls were carried out between 18:00 and 07:30. The main focus of the survey was to conduct a double platform, absolute abundance survey of cetaceans in key habitats on the slopes and canyon systems in the south Celtic Sea, primarily targeting baleen whales and offshore bottlenose dolphins, as well as seabirds and marine megafauna.

Tags: environment
Organization: Marine Institute
CE12005 Blue Whiting Acoustic Survey

An acoustic survey targeting blue whiting (Micromesistius poutassou) spawning and post spawning aggregations in the north east Atlantic from 22nd March to 11th April 2012.    Spawning takes place from January through to April along the shelf edge from the southern Porcupine Bank area northwards to the Faroe/Shetland Ridge including offshore areas as the Rosemary, Hatton and Rockall Banks. Peak spawning occurs between mid-March and mid April and acoustic surveys are timed to occur during this phase. To facilitate a more coordinated spatio-temporal approach to the survey participating countries meet annually to discuss survey methods and define effort allocation at the ICES led Working Group International Pelagic Surveys (WGIPS).    The 2012  survey covered the core spawning area of blue whiting to the west of Scotland and the Western Isles. Coverage extended from the shelf slopes (250 m) westward to the western flanks of the Rockall Bank. The survey was part of an international collaborative survey using the vessels RV Celtic Explorer (Ireland), RV Fridtjof Nansen (Russia), RV Tridens (Netherlands) and the RV Magnus Heinason (Faroes) and the FV Brennholm (Norway).     Transect design and effort allocation was pre-agreed for each vessel. A parallel transect design was used to allow transect interlacing in co-surveyed target  areas (east-west orientation). Acoustic data were collected using the Simrad ER60 scientific echosounder. Cruising speed was  maintained at a maximum of 10 Kts (knots) where possible.    Biological sampling was done using a single pelagic mid-water trawl. All components of the catch from the trawl hauls were sorted and weighed; fish and other taxa were identified to species level. Oceanographic data on temperature, depth and salinity (CTD) were collected at set stations. 1. Collect acoustic data on blue whiting spawning aggregations  2. Collect biological samples from directed trawling on fish echotraces to determine age  structure and maturity state of survey stock   3. Collect CTD data

Tags: environment
Organization: Marine Institute
CE12006 Biodiscovery and deep-ocean ecosystems

This 16 day bio-discovery and deep ocean ecosystems survey, led by National University of Ireland, Galway (NUIG), took place in April 2012 on board the Marine Institute&#039;s R.V. Celtic Explorer in the North East Atlantic Ocean.     This was a multidisciplinary deep-sea research cruise, combining two components: bio-discovery, and ecosystem functioning and nutrient recycling.  Both components are inter-institutional and interdisciplinary. The survey used the remotely operated vehicle ROV Holland 1 to survey the area and collect  marine specimens. CTD (conductivity-temperature-depth) sampling was also conducted at ROV dive sites where possible. This is a multidisciplinary deep-sea research cruise, combining two components: biodiscovery, and ecosystem functioning and nutrient recycling.  Both components are inter-institutional and interdisciplinary. The scientific objectives of the two components are as follows:    [1]  Biodiscovery  Working on the lower slope and at bathyal/abyssal depths in canyon regions we aim to:  (i)	Identify and map benthic macrofauna using conventional cores and ROV surveys  (ii)	Improve systematic knowledge of Porifera and Mollusca  (iii)	Collect specimens for the MI Marine Biodiscovery Laboratory  (iv)	Collect specimens likely to have novel photoactive molecules  (vi)	Characterise bacterial and archaeal diversity in water and sediment  (vii)	Collect marine invertebrates (particularly sponges), seawater, and sediment to study and compare the microbiota associated with each of the samples, culture microorganisms and construct metagenomic libraries.     [2] Ecosystem function and nutrient cycling  We aim to:  (i)	Examine the mechanisms whereby biogenic material, essentially derived for the spring diatom bloom and deposited on the continental shelf, is advected into layers within the open ocean water column from whence it sinks to the sea bed;  (ii)	Delineate the advective extent of these nepheloid layers of biogenic material derived from the continental shelf;  (iii)	Detect and determine the diversity and abundance of deep-sea nitrogen cycling microorganisms;  (iv)	Characterise and determine the origins, lability and recycling rates of dissolved and particulate organic matter supporting the currently accepted net heterotrophic nature of deep-sea cold-water coral reef communities;  (v)	Collect calcifying detritivores, Lophelia branches, coral rubble and sediment to study the transfer of C and N through the detritivore foodweb; and  (vi)	Determine mixing and resuspension rates at the sediment water interface using natural radiotracers.

Tags: environment
Organization: Marine Institute
CE11001 Celtic Explorer Ocean Climate Oceanography, Biogeochemistry and Geology Survey North East Atlantic Ocean 2011

The 2011 Annual Marine Institute oceanographic survey in the North Atlantic Ocean took place in January 2011 on board the Marine Institute&#039;s R.V. Celtic Explorer in the North East Atlantic Ocean. The aim of the cruise was to collect CTD profile data along the standard offshore stations. The samples were used for  o	Nutrient sampling  o	Phytoplankton and chlorophyll samples  o	Salinity samples  o	Water Chemistry: DIC, TA, DOC, TOC ,DO samples  Grab samples at key locations on the Irish shelf were also collected. An ADCP (acoustic Doppler current profiler) was also deployed off Belmullet, Co. Mayo on the West Coast of Ireland. The M6 weather buoy was not serviced as planned during this cruise due to weather constraints. Three moorings were deployed for the Irish Whale and Dolphin Group (IWDG). The main purpose of this annual cruise is to collect oceanographic data (such as CTD and nutrient sampling) which will contribute to establishing baseline oceanic weather and oceanic conditions from which future changes can be assessed.

Tags: environment
Organization: Marine Institute