The objective of the PELGAS cruise is to monitor the distribution and abundance of commercially-fished pelagic species in the Bay of Biscay. If the anchovy is the target species, it is considered in its multi-specific context at the centre of the pelagic ecosystem.

In order to characterise the pelagic ecosystem in terms of the “ecosystem approach to commercially-fished resources”, these cruises are committed to gather the most parameters possible at each level of the trophic network. In order to optimise the characterisation of horizontal and vertical distribution of the pelagic community, actions are conducted 1) continuously, in accordance with a standardised network of radials, by acoustic prospection on 6 multi-beam frequencies and multi-beam sounder, with identification catches, and by studying the distribution of a clutch thanks to the CUFES egg sampler. 2) according to a grid of locations, by planktonic fishing and vertical profiles establishing the physical parameters using a CTD device These measurement are linked to satellite images and the results of hydrodynamic models. Seabirds and marine mammals are recorded and counted simultaneously to typify higher predators.

These cruises are associated with the "Fisheries information System (SIH)" and the "POPEX" project of the Biology and Environmental Resources department at Ifremer. They are conducted within the context of the DCR (Data Collection Regulation) which defines the minimum community program for collecting data relating to fishing in the EU (EC regulation N° 199/2008 du 06 November 2008). They are coordinated on an international scale within the context of the CIEM WGACEGG working group which includes contributions from France, Spain, Portugal, the UK and Ireland. The data is made available for the following working groups: CIEM WGHANSA, WGWIDE et WGACEGG. The various parameters collected during PELGAS finally provide indicators for evaluating good environmental status of the pelagic ecosystem in the Bay of Biscay, within the context of the new European MSFD.

01-01-2000: Start of PEL cruises (2000 and 2001) covering all of the Bay of Biscay. PELGAS campaigns were carried out following these first missions.

06-05-2002 : First PELGAS cruises

01-01-2003 : Cruises are jointly led by France, Spain and Portugal in accordance with the council’s community regulations.

01-01-2007 : Operations taking place aboard the Thalassa (Ifremer vessel) are accompanied by professional vessels in order to improve the quality and accuracy of indices by increasing the number of catches.

01-04-2009: Establishment of "sentinel" cruises (non-commercial fishing campaigns conducted by professionals) over a period of 2 years (2009-2010).

01-08-2009: Sentinel cruise in addition to the annual monitoring conducted in the spring.

01-12-2009 : Sentinel cruise in addition to the annual monitoring conducted in the spring.

01-04-2010 : Sentinel cruise in addition to the annual monitoring conducted in the spring.

Number of observation or measurement points :

- 3 - 6000 nautical miles continuously for acoustic monitoring and counting of higher predators

- 50 - 100 fishing campaigns (depending on the participation of professional vessels),

- 100 hydro/plankton stations

- 800 - 1000 surface samples using CUFES (ichthyoplankton)

• Sample plan(s) :

Spatial, Stratified

• Precision on the type of data :

Pelagic biotope data

Primary production

Zooplankton and microzooplankton

Ichtyoplankton

Small pelagic fish, in particular anchovy (Engraulis encrasicolus) and sardine (Sardina pilchardus)

Top predators

Macro-waste

• Parameter(s) observed or measured :

1. Temperature, salinity, fluorescence.

2. Number and size of particles.

3. Taxonomy and abundance of phyto and micro zooplankton.

4. Taxonomy and biomass per size class of meso-zooplankton.

5. Abundance, distribution and stages of anchovy and sardine eggs and larvae.

6. Speed and direction of water masses (drifting buoys).

7. Abundance, distribution, sizes, age, sex, maturity of small pelagic fish (sardine, anchovy, sprat, horse mackerel, mackerel, blue whiting,...).

8. Abundance and distribution of marine mammals.

9. Abundance and distribution of marine birds.

10. Nature and distribution of macro-waste

• Resolution of parameter(s) :

1, 5, 8, 9, 10: continuous, along the surface sampling route

1, 2, 3, 4, 5: stationary, at different depths and/or integrated throughout the depth

6: occasionally

7: continuous by acoustic and stationary by fishing

• Format(s):

The available data exist in the format: csv