[Rimarinefisheries] Call for Applications: Lobster & Jonah Crab Research Fleet

Call For Applications:

Lobster and Jonah Crab Research Fleet

The Commercial Fisheries Research Foundation (CFRF) is seeking 2-3 commercial vessels to join the Lobster and Jonah Crab Research Fleet [cfrfoundation.us16.list-manage.com]. This program was established in 2013 in collaboration with the commercial fishing industry to provide year-round biological information on offshore lobster and Jonah crab populations. The data collected by the Research Fleet complements the data collected by state and federal surveys, supporting the stock assessment for both species.

We are particularly interested in offshore lobster and/or Jonah crab vessels that fish in and around the shelf break in NOAA stat areas 616, 537, 526, 525, and 562 (see circled area in the photo below). Research Fleet participants are provided the equipment and training required for sampling as well as a monthly stipend up to $1,400. 

Responsibilities & Requirements:

• Sample 100 lobsters 3x per month
• Record sex, length, shell disease and hardness, egg presence and stage, v-notch
• Sample 50 Jonah crabs 3x per month
• Record sex, width, shell disease and hardness, egg presence
• Sample standard ventless traps 5x per month
• Haul temperature and/or dissolved oxygen sensor(s)
• Regularly communicate with CFRF staff, upload data, and troubleshoot equipment

Compensation and Benefits:

• Vessels will receive a monthly stipend up to $1,400 if all sampling sessions are completed
• Vessels will receive a temperature logger and be able to view data in near real-time
• Co-ownership of data collected and copies of data summary reports are provided

The online vessel application is available HERE. [cfrfoundation.us16.list-manage.com]

Contact information:
For questions or help with the application, please contact Noelle Olsen, Senior Research Biologist, CFRF
Email: nolsen@cfrfoundation.org, Phone: (401) 515-4892