Dana on cruise in Skagerrak and the North Sea

From 25 August to 12 September 2025, the research vessel Dana is participating in the International Bottom Trawl Survey (IBTS), which is coordinated by the International Council for the Exploration of the Sea (ICES).

The survey is conducted in spring and autumn every year. Countries with fisheries in Skagerrak and the North Sea (Denmark, France, Norway, Germany, Sweden, the Netherlands and UK England/Scotland) collect data on fish stocks in defined areas to cover a large area in total.

Which data is collected?

Data is collected by short-term fishing at specific stations. Data includes e.g. fish age, length, weight, age and maturity, which are used to estimate abundance and biomass.

In addition, data is collected on oceanographic conditions, such as temperature, which can help explain the distribution of fish stocks.

In the 1st quarter, the IBTS cruise also collects data on herring and sprat larvae.

What is the data used for?

Data from the countries' cruises is collated and processed in ICES. The results are turned into biological advice on the state of the fish stocks. This advice is targeted at the authorities, who use it as a basis when setting fishing quotas and other rules for fishing.

Funding

The data collection is co-funded by the European Union through the European Maritime, Fisheries and Aquaculture Fund (EMFAF).

Where is Dana now?

• See the research vessel Dana's current position