58 



another. Total biomass estimates from the use of such electronics may 

 be off by five orders of magnitude. 



Clearly the following need is apparent: 



Further development of the use of hydroacoustics in assessment 

 methodology . 



The Vessel as a Tool 



For the New England Area, the National Marine Fisheries Service has 

 two offshore research vessel s--the Albatross IV and the Delaware II. 

 NMFS has recently ordered another vessel for inshore work. In addition, 

 cooperative programs with other governments have provided use of foreign 

 research vessels on occasion for selected studies. 



As all offshore survey work must be carried out at sea, the 

 suitability of the existing vessels is critical, for an unsuitable vessel 

 carries with it a host of problems. Research scientists require a stable 

 platform upon which to carry out their work. Georges Bank is one of the 

 roughest areas of the Northwest Atlantic. Personnel who spend much of 

 their time in laboratories ashore are far more prone to seasickness 

 than their fisherman counterparts. 



Survey trips that are undertaken at certain specified times every 

 year depend upon use of a vessel that is adequately maintained. Mainten- 

 ance problems can force a vessel to remain in port or abort a trip when 

 it should be carrying out offshore surveys. 



At the present time, the existing survey vessels are called upon 

 to provide time and space for other research needs, reducing available 



