NOAA Teacher at Sea
Sam Garson
Aboard NOAA Ship Henry B. Bigelow
September 6th – September 25th, 2024
Mission: 2024 Fall Bottom Trawl Survey
Geographic Area of Cruise: Northeast Atlantic Ocean
Date: September 20th, 2025
Weather Data:
Latitude: 35°31’43.1″N
Longitude: 75°16’18.3″W
Wind Speed: N 14.68 kt
Air Temperature: 22.9°C (73°F)
As a participant in NOAA’s Teacher at Sea program, I’ve had the incredible opportunity to see first-hand the innovative tools scientists use to study marine life. One such tool that has become indispensable is the Fisheries Scientific Computing System (FSCS), a specialized software developed to help scientists efficiently process the specimens brought up in trawl nets during research surveys. In this blog, I’ll take a closer look at how the FSCS software guides scientists through the complex task of collecting, analyzing, and recording biological data from the sea’s many inhabitants.
Photo Credit: Sam Garson
What is FSCS?
The Fisheries Scientific Computing System (FSCS) is a powerful, custom-built software that NOAA scientists use to manage the massive amount of data gathered during trawl surveys. Every time a trawl net is brought aboard, scientists are faced with a diverse haul of marine specimens that need to be sorted, identified, measured, and cataloged. FSCS streamlines this entire process, ensuring that data are collected accurately and consistently across multiple surveys and locations.
The FSCS software is designed specifically for the high-paced environment aboard research vessels, where time is of the essence. There are times during a busy string of trawl operations that a net’s worth of samples will barely be complete before the next net is already onboard ready to be dumped into the checker. It operates as a centralized platform, allowing scientists to record and track a variety of biological data, including species identification, lengths, weights, and even environmental conditions like water temperature and depth. By digitizing the data collection process, FSCS not only improves accuracy but also allows the information to be instantly accessible for analysis.
The Trawl Processing Workflow with FSCS
Once a trawl is hauled aboard, the real work begins. First, the catch is emptied into a sorting table called “the checker” where the catch is fed in manageable amounts onto the first conveyor belt and brought up into the sorting table. In the past, this sorting process involved manually recording data on paper, but FSCS has helped this step by providing real-time data entry directly into the system via rugged, waterproof touchscreens and computers.
Once the catch has moved down the sorting table it is processed by the Watch Leader into the system and then fed down the last conveyor belt to the 3 cutting stations. The Watch Leader is responsible for:
- Species ID: Using guides and reference materials, scientists identify each species brought up in the trawl. This is important because in the paper log days, each container would be re-identified by the cutting team, and mistakes could be made with look-alike species. The system now removes this source of error.
From there, the specimens are processed one by one. For each fish or invertebrate species, scientists enter:
- Length and Weight: FSCS is connected to precision scales and measuring boards, allowing data to be automatically uploaded into the system.
- Sex and Maturity: For certain species, scientists may record sex and reproductive status to assess population dynamics.
- Stomach Contents: For certain species the stomach volume and contents are examined and identified
- Freeze Sample: Based on the research needs of scientists ashore and programs supported by the trawl, certain species are collected, bagged and frozen for further processing back ashore.
FSCS’s intuitive interface helps guide scientists through this complex process, ensuring no key steps are missed. It also automatically flags any anomalies, such as unusually large or small specimens, prompting scientists to re-check measurements for accuracy.
Why FSCS is Important for Marine Research
The FSCS software plays a critical role in ensuring the consistency and accuracy of data collection across NOAA’s bottom trawl surveys. Since the same software is used across different vessels and surveys, it standardizes the way data are collected, which is essential when comparing long-term trends in fish populations and marine ecosystems.
Furthermore, FSCS dramatically reduces the risk of human error, which can be a challenge when processing hundreds or even thousands of specimens in a single day. By integrating measurement devices directly into the software, FSCS ensures that all data are automatically logged without the need for manual entry, reducing errors and speeding up the overall workflow.
This efficiency is particularly important for scientists working in the field, where time is often limited. With FSCS, scientists can process specimens more quickly and move on to analyzing the data, which helps them make faster, more informed decisions about the health of fish populations and ecosystems. The software also allows for real-time data transfer, meaning that the data collected can be immediately uploaded to NOAA’s central databases for use in managing fisheries and conservation efforts.
FSCS and Data-Driven Decisions
The data collected through FSCS are vital for the sustainable management of marine resources. By providing real-time, high-quality data on fish populations, FSCS helps inform decisions about fishing quotas, endangered species protections, and ecosystem conservation measures. The software ensures that scientists have access to accurate, up-to-date information, which is crucial for making data-driven decisions that can have long-lasting impacts on the health of our oceans.
NOAA uses the data collected through FSCS to assess the status of important commercial fish species like cod, haddock, and flounder. These assessments along with commercial catch data form the basis for setting annual catch limits and developing regulations to prevent overfishing and ensure that fish populations remain healthy for future generations.
Personal Log
During my time aboard the NOAA Ship Henry Bigelow, I have had the opportunity to observe the close collaboration between scientists and crew members during trawling operations. Each person, from the captain navigating the ship to the scientists analyzing the catch, contributes their expertise to ensure the success of each trawl. It’s evident that communication and coordination are at the core of every operation, with everyone knowing their role and adapting as needed to changing conditions.
What stands out most is how the team handles the demanding work involved in trawling. The deck crew efficiently deploys and retrieves the nets, often under challenging conditions, while the scientists are quick to sort, measure, and record data on various species. The entire process is a well-practiced routine, yet there is constant attention to detail and safety. This level of cooperation is not just about completing the task but about ensuring that the data collected is reliable and valuable for ongoing research.
Watching the crew and scientists work together has given me a deeper understanding of the complexities involved in marine research. It’s not just the technical skills that matter but the ability to work as a cohesive team, problem-solve on the spot, and maintain a shared focus on the mission. This experience has been an eye-opening look at the dedication and collaboration required to conduct scientific research at sea.
What coding language does a fish use?
Sea++
Did You Know?
A fun fact about sea robins is that they have “legs” and “wings”! While they don’t actually have legs, sea robins possess spiny, modified pectoral fins that look and act like little legs, allowing them to “walk” along the ocean floor. These fins are used to feel for prey like crabs, shrimp, and small fish. Additionally, their large, wing-like pectoral fins can be spread out like a fan, making them look like they’re flying underwater—adding to their unique and quirky appearance!
