Kona Integrated Ecosystem Assessment Survey (SE1104, EK60). This cruise accomplished the following objectives: Oceanographic data were collected from a total of 25 CTD casts while continuous TSG and ADCP measurements were taken along a predefined grid off the west coast of Hawaii to assess the influence of physical dynamics on the region's biological productivity. CTD-mounted fluorometer measurements were carried out by two fluorometers. Chlorophyll was measured for ten discrete samples per CTD using a bench top Turner 10-AU fluorometer. Water samples were preserved for post-cruise flow cytometry to determine phytoplankton size structure. Biological backscatter was monitored using the EK60 echosounder system, both during trawl operations and along 17 acoustic transects (including at least one daytime and one nighttime transit of each transect). Twelve nighttime oblique mid-water trawls were conducted, with replicate trawls at each of six sites. These trawls all targeted the shallow sound scattering layer. Data on cetacean distribution, school size, and school composition were collected with a towed passive acoustic array on 14 transects, including both a daytime and nighttime transit of each transect. Daytime visual cetacean surveys were conducted to help develop habitat envelope models for the Kona region. Fourteen casts of a DIDSON imaging sonar were conducted to collect high resolution information on the density of high sonic scattering layers.

TZCF Oceanographic Survey (SE0802, EK60). Oceanographic data were collected along the 158°W Meridional from 22°30′N-35°00′N. CTD cats were conducted at predetermined stations. CTDs were equipped with oxygen sensors and fluorometers, and chlorophyll and nutrients were measured at discrete depths. Biological backscatter and currents were monitored using the EK60 echosounder system (38, 70, and 120 kHz) and an RD Instruments ADCP along the transect. Shipboard visual surveys were conducted for marine debris and marine mammals. An UAS was tested for operations flying a glider at a predefined survey pattern.

Oceanographic Survey of Cross Seamount and Control Sites (SE0803, EK60). The goals of the cruise were to collect acoustic backscatter and oceanographic data at Cross Seamount (18°43.285’ N, longitude 158° 15.710’ W) and at control sites in the surrounding environment. Data collected consisted of CTD casts, trawl samples, and continuous monitoring of currents and biological acoustic backscatter. CTD cats were conducted at predetermined stations. CTDs were equipped with oxygen sensors and fluorometers. Trawl operations were conducted at predetermined stations using a Cobb trawl at depths of the shallow (nighttime) and deep (day and nighttime) sound scattering layers. Currents were continuously monitored using an RD Instruments Acoustic Doppler Current Profiler (ADCP) operating at 75 kHz frequency. Biological backscatter were recorded along predetermined transects using the EK60 echosounder system at 38, 70, and 120 kHz frequencies.

Mesophotic coral environment monitoring and habitat surveys at the Main Hawaiian Island Chain (SE0807, EK60). The goals of the cruise were to collect a variety of data to assess the status of mesophotic corals in the Auau Channel, off the west coast of Maui. Camera surveys of corals and fish were conducted by a live feed video camera attached to a Towed Optical Assessment Device (TOAD). Two instrument arrays were deployed to monitor environmental variables (temperature, salinity, currents) for a period of one year. In addition, two smaller arrays were deployed to monitor temperature and occurrences of transient large fish that have been tagged previously. CTD casts were conducted at predetermined stations off a small boat, and light measurement profiles were taken at midday over a period of 4 days. Biological backscatter were recorded using an EK60 echosounder system operating at 38, 70, and 120 kHz along predetermined transects.

Comparison of fishery-independent methods for sampling Main Hawaiian Islands Bottomfish assemblages (SE1208, EK60). Optical, active acoustics, and research fishing data on bottomfish abundance and biomass were collected over predetermined grids to compare results of methodologies. Optical data were collected using a baited stationary Botcam, a TOAD (tethered optical assessment device) camera, and a BRUVS (shallow water baited/unbaited underwater video camera system). Acoustics data were collected using a narrow-beam EK60 system operating at 38, 70, and 120 kHz frequencies. Research fishing was conducted using hook-and-line on small boats. Biosampling on some of the fish was carried out including measurement of length and weight and preservation of otoliths, gonads, and stomach for post-survey analyses. Bottomfishing off the Sette were conducted simultaneously with acoustics data collection to groundtruth the acoustics data. CTD-mounted video camera drops we conducted simultaneously with acoustics recording to further groundtruth the acoustics data.

Kona Integrated Ecosystem Assessment Survey (SE1606, EK60). During this cruise, small-boat surveys were conducted of surface slicks in order to assess their ecological relevance and underlying physical derivers. To assess the slick-associated plankton community and to collect samples for microplastics, a stern-towed surface plankton net and vertical drop net of varying mesh sizes (50 and 335 um) were utilized. To assess the presence of higher, more mobile trophic groups near surface slicks, active acoustic surveys were performed in conjunction with plankton tows. Physical and chemical sampling of surface slicks occurred in concert with plankton and acoustic surveys. A hand-held CTD, hand lowered over the side to collect vertical profiles of temperature, salinity, and water clarity. Grab samples of water were collected for nutrient and chlorophyll concentrations. Areal surveys of surface slicks were performed using an NMFS Unmanned Areal System (UAS), specifically an APH-22 hexacopter to provide high-resolution areal imagery of surface slicks in the region.

Kona Integrated Ecosystem Assessment Survey (SE1304, EK60). This cruise accomplished the following objectives: Oceanographic data were collected from a total of 21 CTD casts and continuous TSG measurements along a predefined grid off the west coast of Hawaii to assess the influence of physical dynamics on the region's biological productivity. CTD-mounted fluorometer measurements were carried out by two fluorometers. Chlorophyll was measured for ten discrete samples per CTD using a bench top Turner 10-AU fluorometer. Water samples were preserved for post-cruise flow cytometry to determine phytoplankton size structure. Biological backscatter was monitored using the EK60 echosounder system, both during trawl operations and along 71 acoustic transects at 38, 70, and 120 kHz frequencies. Twenty two nighttime oblique mid-water trawls were conducted targeting the shallow sound scattering layer. Visual surveys for a total of 70 hours were conducted to collect data on cetaceans. A Seaglider was successfully deployed to collect temperature, salinity, and fluorometry data.

West Hawaii Integrated Ecosystem Assessment Survey (SE1704, EK60). During this cruise, small-boat surveys were conducted of surface slicks in order to assess their ecological relevance and underlying physical derivers. To assess the slick-associated plankton community and to collect samples for microplastics, a stern-towed surface plankton net and vertical drop net of varying mesh sizes (50 and 335 um) were utilized. To assess the presence of higher, more mobile trophic groups near surface slicks, active acoustic surveys were performed in conjunction with plankton tows. Physical and chemical sampling of surface slicks occurred in concert with plankton and acoustic surveys. A hand-held CTD, hand lowered over the side to collect vertical profiles of temperature, salinity, and water clarity. Grab samples of water were collected for nutrient and chlorophyll concentrations. Areal surveys of surface slicks were performed using an NMFS Unmanned Areal System (UAS), specifically an APH-22 hexacopter to provide high-resolution areal imagery of surface slicks in the region.

Marine Resource Survey in waters surrounding Guam and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (SE1002, EK60). The goals of the cruise were to collect a variety of data to assess the status of marine resources in waters surrounding Guam and CNMI. Marine resource habitats were mapped using a Reson 8101ER multiubeam sonar operating at 240 kHz frequency. Seabed was characterized by still and video recordings using a SeaBED AUV and a Towed Optical Assessment Device (TOAD). Biological backscatter were recorded using an EK60 echosounder system operating at 38, 70, and 120 kHz along predetermined transects. Fish were sampled by Baited Remote Underwater Video Stations (BRUVS) and BotCam drops equipped with stereo cameras at predetermined locations. During the survey, a High-frequency Acoustic Recording Package (HARP) was deployed at 15° 18.998'N 145°27.542'E.

Oceanographic Survey in waters of the Northern Mariana Islands, Guam, and Micronesia (SE1003, EK60). The goals of the cruise were to collect acoustic backscatter and oceanographic data at the vicinity of CNMI, Guam, and in the northern part of Micronesia. Data collected consisted of CTD casts, trawl samples, and continuous monitoring of currents and biological acoustic backscatter. CTD cats were conducted at predetermined stations. CTDs were equipped with oxygen sensors and fluorometers, and water was sampled at discrete depths during each cast for nutrients and chloropigment determinations. Trawl operations were conducted at predetermined stations using an Isaacs Kidd midwater trawl at depths of the shallow sound scattering layer. Currents were continuously monitored using an RD Instruments Acoustic Doppler Current Profiler (ADCP) operating at 75 kHz frequency. Biological backscatter was recorded using an EK60 echosounder system along predetermined transects, operating at 38, 70, and 120 kHz frequencies.