HERAS - 0919S - Herring acoustic survey - 2019 - North sea and west of Scotland dataset https://portal.medin.org.uk/portal/start.php?tpc=012_Marine_Scotland_FishDAC_12240 Objectives: To conduct an acoustic survey to estimate the abundance and distribution of herring in the north western North Sea and north of Scotland between 58º30’-62ºN and from the shelf edge to 2ºE, excluding Faroese waters. To obtain biological samples by trawling with pelagic and demersal trawl for echosounder trace identification. To obtain samples of herring and sprat for biological analysis, including age, length, weight, sex, maturity and ichthyophonus infection throughout the survey area. Collect samples and data for stock identity determination of herring. Photos and otoliths for morphometric stock ID analysis for herring caught west of 4 ºW; tissue samples for genetic analysis from herring throughout the survey area. Use GoPro cameras mounted in the net and on a drop frame to further aid in species identification in the echogram scrutiny process. To obtain hydrographic data for comparison with the horizontal and vertical distribution of herring and sprat. Obtain dissolved oxygen vertical water column profiles for comparison with occurrence of prominent 38kHz scattering layer as part of Aberdeen University Hons student project. Collect near sea bed dissolved oxygen measurements for MSS monitoring programme. 20191022