Ongoing Research Opportunities:

Black Sea Bass Research Fleet

The CFRF and Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management operate a Black Sea Bass Research Fleet to collect critically needed biological black sea bass data from the Southern New England and Mid-Atlantic Bight region. The Black Sea Bass Research Fleet employs commercial fishermen from a variety of gear types that encounter black sea bass, including trawlers, lobstermen, gillnetters, and hook and line fishermen. Participant fishermen will use On Deck Data to efficiently and accurately electronically record data about their fishing gear, location, effort, landings, discards, and catch composition (length/sex of discarded and retained black sea bass). For more information about this project, please visit the Black Sea Bass Research Fleet webpage.

To Apply: The CFRF is soliciting applications from Fishermen for three additional F/V slots in the Research Fleet specifically from the Rhode Island and New Jersey fish pot fisheries. If you would like to submit an application, please send an application to the CFRF either via email, fax, or mail. To download the application, please CLICK HERE.

 CFRF-WHOI shelf research fleet

The CFRF, in partnership with scientists at the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution (WHOI), has organized a fishing vessel research fleet to collect temperature and salinity data in six designated areas across the continental shelf off the coast of Rhode Island over the course of two years. This project is an ongoing research fleet and the CFRF welcomes interested vessels to inquire and apply.  For more information about this project, please visit the Shelf Research Fleet webpage.

To Apply: Submit an application to the CFRF either via email, fax, or mail.  To download the application, please  CLICK HERE. To download the fishing vessel briefing document, please  CLICK HERE.

Lobster and Jonah Crab Research Fleet

The CFRF Lobster and Jonah Crab Research Fleet project focuses on implementing a cost-effective method to collect critically needed biological data for two commercially important species, the American lobster and the Jonah crab. A fleet of lobster and Jonah crab fishing vessels use digital calipers and the On-Deck Data app to collect biological data from their catch in commercial and ventless traps throughout the year. For more information about this project, please visit the Lobster and Jonah Crab Research Fleet webpage.

To Apply:  If you would like to submit your F/V's information for consideration, please send an application to CFRF via email, fax, or mail.  To download the vessel application, CLICK HERE.  Sampling protocols are available on the Lobster and Jonah Crab Research Fleet webpage.