The objectives of this cruise were to conduct an ichthyoplankton survey and process studies in the region between the Shumagin Islands and Shelikof Strait so that we could estimate the abundance, transport, and factors influencing the survival of young walleye pollock larvae. We also occupied six of the stations on Line 8 to continue our 26-year time series of environmental and biological conditions in Shelikof Strait. In addition to this sampling, stations selected from the main grid for the GOA-IERP research project were occupied to deploy the neuston gear to acquire larval fish of five target species (sablefish, walleye pollock, Pacific cod, arrowtooth flounder, and Pacific Ocean perch).

To recover and deploy surface and subsurface oceanographic instrumentation moorings. To complete conductivity, temperature and depth (CTD) profiler casts. To complete bongo and CalVET tows.

The primary objective was to conduct an assessment of eggs and larvae of Walleye Pollock (Gadus chalcogrammus) over the eastern Bering Sea shelf. The data collected will be used to examine the interactions among climate, weather, and ichthyoplankton distribution and abundance. This work is needed to describe larval fish assemblages and determine how physical and biological factors affect the transport and survival of fish larvae. The survey is a collaboration between two Alaska Fisheries Science Center (AFSC) programs, Ecosystems and Fisheries Oceanography Coordinated Investigations (Eco-FOCI), and Ecosystem Monitoring and Assessment (EMA). A SBE 49 was deployed synoptically with Bongo, CalVET and Tucker trawls used to sample icythoplankton and zooplankton at selected stations. Temperature and Conductivity were measured and Salinity and Sigma-T were derived from these measurements. While the SeaCAT measures values on the down and upcasts, only the upcasts are used.

The objectives of this cruise were to conduct an ichthyoplankton survey and process oriented studies in the region between the Shumagin Islands and Shelikof Strait so that we could estimate the abundance, transport, and environmental factors influencing the survival of young walleye pollock larvae. Fresh standard length measurements were obtained at each station where larval pollock occurred to supply data for a larval survival index. Standard sampling protocols were used at 6 of the Line 8 stations to continue the historical database for this area.

Eco-FOCI will conduct an ichthyoplankton survey in the Bering Sea in the vicinity of Unimak Island, Alaska. This work is needed to describe larval fish and zooplankton assemblages in the Bering Sea - outer shelf, middle shelf - in the spring. In particular, this area is a known spawning ground for walleye pollock, northern rocksole, Pacific cod, and Alaska plaice, and abundances of larvae at this time of year are high. Data on physical characteristics of the water column will also be collected. Satellite tracked drifters will be released in the Unimak Island vicinity to study depth-discrete current trajectories and to test an oceanographic model of water movements for use in studies of larval transport.

To recover and deploy several surface and subsurface oceanographic instrumentation moorings at PMEL historical mooring sites BS-2 and BS-4. To complete CTD casts and bongo tows at specified Bering Sea locations.

The primary objective of the cruise was the recovery and deployment of moorings in the Bering Sea. The second objective was physical oceanographic property sampling at and near the mooring locations.

The objectives of the cruise were to examine the interactions among climate, weather, and the recruitment of fishes in the eastern Bering Sea. We will conduct ichthyoplankton and zooplankton survey in the waters along the eastern Aleutian Island chain and the Alaska Peninsula. This work is needed to describe larval fish assemblages and determine how physical and biological factors affect the transport and survival of fish larvae. The cruise is collaboration between the North Pacific Research Board's Bering Sea Integrated Ecosystem Research Program (BSIERP) and NOAA's North Pacific Climate Regimes and Ecosystem Productivity (NPCREP).

The primary objective of this cruise will be the recovery and deployment of moorings in the Gulf of Alaska and Bering Sea.

To conduct an ichthyoplankton survey in the Bering Sea in the vicinity of Unimak Island, Alaska. This work is needed to describe larval fish assemblages in the Bering Sea (slope, outer shelf, and middle shelf) in spring. Zooplankton data and data on physical characteristics of the water column will also be collected. The primary objective of this cruise was to examine community structure and transport of fish larvae and plankton on the continental shelf, slope, and deep water areas of the southeastern Bering Sea and Unimak Pass. Hydrographic, nutrient, and microzooplankton samples were also collected.