SFWF Ventless Trap Survey

Purpose of work:

This survey is designed to assess the seasonal abundance, distribution, movement, and habitat use of lobster and Jonah crab in the South Fork Wind area and two reference control areas to the east and west of Cox Ledge for two years prior to, one year during, and three years after the construction of the South Fork Wind Farm (SFWF). Sampling is conducted twice per month from May - November of each survey year at 30 survey stations, with trawls consisting of 10 traps (6 ventless traps and 4 standard traps). Biological data is collected for lobsters, Jonah crabs, and bycatch species.

SFWF Ventless Trap Survey Areas.jpg

Project Team:

  • N. David Bethoney, PhD, Executive Director, CFRF

  • Michael Long, Senior Research Biologist, CFRF

  • Luca McGinnis, Research Biologist, CFRF

  • Jeremy Collie, PhD, Graduate School of Oceanography, URI GSO

  • Gregory Lisi, Owner/Operator, F/V Amelia Anne, Point Judith, RI

  • Mark Sweitzer, Owner/Operator, F/V Erica Knight, Point Judith, RI

  • Brian Thibeault, Owner/Operator, F/V Ashley Ann II, Point Judith, RI

Participant Vessels:

  • F/V Amelia Anne, Point Judith, RI

  • F/V Ashley Ann II, Point Judith, RI

  • F/V Erica Knight, Point Judith, RI

Data To be Recorded:

Ventless Trap Survey Overview:

  • 10 stations in each survey area sampled twice per month, with a target soak time of 5 days

  • All individuals are speciated and enumerated within each trap

  • Date, time, location, depth, bottom water temperature, and sea state are recorded at each sampling station

  • Habitat video surveys are conducted once per month to determine the bottom type at each sampling station

The following parameters are recorded for every lobster and Jonah crab caught at each sampling station:

  • Sex

  • Size

  • Shell disease severity

  • Shell hardness

  • Egg stage

  • V-notch status (lobster only)

  • Cull status

  • Mortality

Survey Dates:

The pre-construction survey occurred from May to November in 2021 and 2022, with sampling occurring twice per month in each of the three survey areas. The same sampling design will be followed for the construction (2023) and post-construction (2024-2026) surveys.

Data Updates:

PRECONSTRUCTION PHASE:

Year 2:

Read the Year 2 Report Here

Year 1:

Read the Year 1 report here

View the Year 1 summary poster here

picture gallery