Dana on cruise in the North Sea

On 7-23 February 2025, the research vessel Dana will participate in the International Bottom Trawl Survey (IBTS) coordinated by the International Council for the Exploration of the Sea (ICES).

During this period, the vessel is chartered by the German Johann Heinrich von Thünen-Institut, the Federal Research Institute for Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries. The institute uses Dana to collect data on fish stocks in the areas of the North Sea where Germany is responsible for data collection.

Countries with fisheries in the Skagerrak and North Sea (Denmark, France, the Netherlands, Norway, Germany, Sweden and UK England/Scotland) each collect data on fish stocks in defined areas to cover a large area in total.

Which data is collected?

Data is collected by short-term fishing at specific stations. Data includes e.g. fish age, length, weight, age and maturity, which are used to estimate abundance and biomass. In addition, hydrographic data is collected, such as temperature conditions, which can help explain the distribution of fish stocks.

What is the data used for?

Data from the countries' cruises is collated and processed in ICES. The results are turned into biological advice on the state of the fish stocks. This advice is targeted at the authorities, who use it as a basis when setting fishing quotas and other rules for fishing.

Where is Dana now?

• See the research vessel Dana's current position