RV „Walther Herwig III“ in Greenland waters
Investigations on the demersal fish stocks in the waters of Greenland
The fisheries research vessel Walther Herwig III has returned on November 22 from a seven week long cruise in the waters west and east off Greenland. The cruise program contained biological, oceanographical, radioecological and ornithological investigations
The aim of the biological investigations was to record the stock dynamics of cod and redfish and other important demersal species in Greenland waters, as a basis for the development of improved management- and utilization-strategies.
The representativeness of the investigations was extended for some species by the use of hydroacoustic measurements. Additionally to the ordinary biological parameters, residue parameters were collected and investigations on parasites were conducted.
In parallel to the stock investigations, oceanographic measurements were conducted and plankton samples were taken. The determination of climatic variability in the waters off Greenland was one of the main foci of the oceanographic work.
The cruise started on Thursday, October 7th 2011 in Bremerhaven and ended there on Tuesday, November 22nd 2011.
Despite the strong winds, the WHIII was able to successfully complete almost the entire cruise program.
Read the complete cruise report here.
Read more in the official cruise program [pdf, in German].