LeptoMik (KB-36-002-040)

This is a proposal to develop a method to sample macro zooplankton in the available spare time during the annual blue whiting survey. The method focuses on (1) eel larvae, (2) pteropods and (3) possibly other groups that increase the knowledge of blue whiting in the ecosystem. The proposed experiments will be carried out with a MIKnet. In the first year, the optimum depth is determined and whether the sampling should take place at night or during the day. In the second year, the method is improved by experimenting with other grid configurations and by analyzing acoustic data collected during the experimental sampling. In the third year, the knowledge gained is applied during the survey and the method is further disseminated within ICES in order to achieve a structural improvement of the eel and blue whiting assessment in the further future.