15 Balearic researchers join fish survey off Ireland

Fifteen researchers, including staff from the Balearic Islands, have set out on a 37-day fish survey around 200 kilometres west of Ireland. The team is aboard the oceanographic vessel Vizconde de Eza for the 2026 Porcupine campaign at Porcupine Bank, a submerged rise in the North Atlantic fishing area known as Gran Sol.

The Instituto Español de Oceanografía is examining fish that live close to and on the sea floor in waters important to Spanish and international fishing fleets. Francisco Baldó of the Cádiz Oceanographic Centre leads the work.

80 bottom-trawl samples

The team will carry out 80 bottom-trawl operations to measure the numbers, distribution, size, growth and reproduction of key commercial species. These include hake, monkfish, megrim and Norway lobster.

Researchers will also measure water temperature, salinity and dissolved oxygen. The readings are intended to show how conditions in the area affect where the species are found.

Digital system tested at sea

This year’s campaign will also test the Instituto Español de Oceanografía’s digital data system, datos icrOS, during normal work on the vessel. It links digital fish-measuring tools, automated weight recording and a central database.

Baldó said the trial will assess how the system works in the ship’s fishing work area and laboratory while sampling rules remain in place. The results could lead to improvements before it is used in other institute campaigns and programmes.

The Porcupine campaign began in 2001. Its findings feed into international scientific assessments coordinated by the International Council for the Exploration of the Sea and help underpin fishing-management recommendations under the Common Fisheries Policy.

Source: Europa Press / Mallorca.com