Scientific report from the Norwegian and Russian Barents Sea ecosystem surveys in August-October 2024 (BESS)

Abstract

The aim of the national Norwegian/Russian ecosystem surveys in the Barents Sea and adjacent waters, August- October (BESS) is to monitor the status and changes in the Barents Sea ecosystem and provide data to support scientific research and manager advice. The survey has since 2004 been conducted annually in the autumn, as a collaboration between the Institute of Marine Research (IMR) in Norway and the Polar branch of the VNIRO(PINRO) in Russia. The general surveys plan and tasks were agreed upon at the annual IMR-VNIRO/PINROMeeting 12-14 March 2024. Ship routes and other technical details are agreed on by correspondence between the survey coordinators. BESS aims at covering the entire Barents Sea. Each party carries out research in its own sector of the sea but uses the same methodology. <p>

<p>Ecosystem stations are distributed in a 35×35 nautical mile regular grid, and the ship tracks follow this design. In the area around Svalbard/Spitsbergen, some additional bottom trawl hauls for demersal fish survey indices estimation. Additional pelagic trawls were done in the main capelin distribution areas for identification of acoustic records. The research carried out from 17.08-12.10 by the Russian R/V “Vilnyus” and Norwegian R/Vs Kronprins Haakon” G.O. Sars” and Johan Hjort”. <p>

<p>This report summarising results of the observations that are available at the time of publication. Further data will be published later in the next reports. From 2026, the report series will be named «IMR/Polar Branch of VINRO Joint Report Series».