The maine new hampshire inshore bottom trawl survey is a biannual fishery independent survey conducted in the spring and fall of every year to assess populations of sportfish and their prey in inshore…

The Department of the Interior Fish and Wildlife Service Region 5 awarded the Maine Department of Marine Resources $290,335.70 under the Sport Fish Restoration program (CFDA 15.605) on January 1, 2026, for a biannual fishery-independent survey of inshore bottom trawl populations in Maine and New Hampshire waters.

The Maine-New Hampshire Inshore Bottom Trawl Survey assesses populations of sportfish and their prey in inshore waters of Maine and New Hampshire during spring and fall surveys each year. The survey stratifies the total area by depth across four strata (5–40 meters, 41–70 meters, 71–100 meters, and 100-plus meters) and five geographic regions. Each survey targets 120 tows, with the number of tows per stratum apportioned by the respective total area. This survey provides data supporting management of species in an area not previously surveyed before project inception.

Place of performance is Maine. The period of performance runs from January 1, 2026, through December 31, 2026. The assistance type is a formula grant, apportioned to Maine under the Sport Fish Restoration Trust Fund formula, which is funded by excise taxes on motorboat fuel, certain electric motors, fishing equipment, and import duties on fishing tackle and yachts.

The maine new hampshire inshore bottom trawl survey is a biannual fishery independent survey conducted in the spring and fall of every year to assess populations of sportfish and their prey in inshore waters of maine and new hampshire. This survey provides data to support and improve management of these species in an area that was not previously surveyed before the start of this project. Total survey area is stratified by depth and region. IT includes four depth strata of 5 to 40 meters 41 to 70 meters 71 to 100 meters and 100 plus meters in five geographic regions. Number of tows per stratum is apportioned according to its respective total area and the targeted number of tows each survey is 120.