Large-mesh bottom trawl surveys for crabs and groundfishes in Cook Inlet and Prince William Sound, 1989–2018

The Alaska Department of Fish and Game conducted bottom trawl surveys for crabs and groundfishes in Cook Inlet and Prince William Sound from 1989 to 2018. The trawl surveys superseded earlier pot surveys as the primary assessment of Tanner and red king crab abundance. Three areas were surveyed either annually or biennialy: Kachemak Bay (1989–2018), Kamishak Bay (1990–2012), and Prince William Sound (1990–2018). A 400-mesh Eastern otter trawl with either a 70 or 78 ft headrope, 95 ft footrope, and nominal swept width of 40 ft, was towed for 0.5 or 1.0 nmi. Stretch mesh sizes were 4.0 inches in the wings and body, 3.5 inches in the intermediate, and 1.3 in the codend liner. Tanner, king, and Dungeness crab catch was fully accounted for throughout the duration of the survey. Full catch accounting of other species began in 1995 for Kachemak Bay, 1998 for Kamishak Bay, and 1999 for Prince William sound. Prior to these years recording of bycatch, as well as the list of target species which were fully documented, varied. Taxonomic identification generally became more specific and correct over time.