Bottomfish Spring 2016 Independent Survey Sampling Complete

Big Mahalo to all of our PIFG captains, crews and observers for their time and effort in completing the Spring 2016 Bottomfish survey sampling mission PIFG1602. In a two month period from February 6th to March 23rd, 2016, 5 vessels  surveyed a total of 253 individual sites assigned by NOAA Pacific Islands Fisheries Science Center.  The sites were spread out among four Main Hawaiian Islands (Hawaii, Oahu, Kauai and Niihau). 

They sampled some of the most remote fishing areas surrounding the Main Hawaiian islands areas such as the north side of Kauai, and around the entire island of Niihau and Hawaii (Big Island). Sampling such a large expanse of areas for the first time did not come without challenges, notably wind and sea conditions that made sampling difficult and at times impossible due to safety concerns for personal and vessels. But thanks to experienced personal our mission was safely completed.