2010, CMACS, Zone 9 Celtic Array, Autumn Fish Trawl Surveys series https://portal.medin.org.uk/portal/start.php?tpc=015_54e49e8cee064c41f64616ddd1deae7b The autumn 2010 survey provides the first set of annual 4m beam trawl survey data designed to sample demersal fish and epifauna present in and around the zone. The second survey is scheduled for spring 2011. After this second survey comparisons between the two data sets will be made and the definitive community descriptions will be provided. In addition, comparisons to Cefas data sets for their survey sites located within the zone will be undertaken and information regarding fish spawning areas will be provided following a literature review. Survey methodology was agreed with the main statutory agencies (JNCC, Cefas and CCW) and twenty-five survey locations across the zone were identified. The autumn survey was conducted over four days in early November 2010. Due to inclement conditions only 22 of the original 25 survey sites were able to be surveyed. Trawls were undertaken using a 4m beam trawl with a 40mm inserted mesh cod end. All fish and epifaunal species were identified and recorded with commercial fish being measured and elasmobranchs measured and sexed. Results from the survey showed the most dominant fish species present to be the poor cod and the small-spotted cat shark, the latter being recorded from all sites across the zone. The most common commercial fish species was the flat-fish plaice. No rare or endangered fish species were recorded from the survey and elasmobranch species were recorded from all sites. Dominant epifaunal species were linked by area with certain parts of the zone supporting different benthic communities. 20101231