Approximately 70 core trawl stations are completed annually to provide
distribution and stock composition estimates for fish species. Station, catch,
length (all species) and biological data (selected species) are collected
using research vessels and GOV trawls. Benthic catches are also recorded. The
surveys are carried out in support of EU data regulations and as part of the
Internation Bottom Trawl survey. Additional aims include collection of water
temperature, salinity and litter data.