Press Release: 6/5/2026

Scientists and fishermen join forces to study Atlantic cod

 

Innovative research effort finds encouraging signs for juvenile Atlantic cod populations 

Dr. Nicholas Calabrese, School for Marine Science and Technology, holding a juvenile Atlantic halibut 

After ten days at sea, researchers from the UMass Dartmouth School for Marine Science and Technology (SMAST) have returned from the Spring 2026 Gulf of Maine video trawl survey with encouraging early signs for one of New England's most iconic fish species: Atlantic cod. 

Conducted in partnership with commercial fishermen and supported by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, the survey uses a unique open cod end video method developed by SMAST researchers to observe fish populations with minimal impact. The collaborative project reflects the growing role of industry-science partnerships in fisheries research while generating data that can help improve understanding and management of Gulf of Maine fish stocks. 

The team departed May 6 and returned May 15 aboard the F/V Justice, owned by New Bedford commercial fisherman Danny Eilertsen. The vessel crew included Captain Robert Kohl, First Mate Tim Barrett, and Andrew Earle, who served as cook and deckhand. SMAST’s scientific team included Chief Scientist Dr. Nicholas Calabrese, PhD student Stephanie Merhoff, and MS student Helena Norton. On the first day of the survey, a film crew joined the expedition to collect footage for a documentary film about the historical and ongoing importance of the fishing and seafood industry in Boston and Massachusetts. This short film will be a centerpiece for the Boston Fisheries Museum’s upcoming exhibit during Sail Boston. 

An innovative approach to counting fish 

Developed by SMAST researchers and fishing industry collaborators, the open video trawl survey method represents a unique approach to fisheries science. Unlike traditional trawl surveys, the system uses a modified open cod-end that allows fish to pass through the net unharmed while underwater cameras record marine life moving through the gear. The approach enables researchers to observe fish populations with minimal impact while collecting valuable video data for stock assessments. 

This most recent expedition produced approximately 65 hours of underwater video footage that researchers will analyze to identify and count fish species. 

Tracking an iconic species 

Atlantic cod remain one of the most historically and culturally significant fisheries species in Massachusetts and throughout New England. Once foundational to the region’s coastal economy and identity, Gulf of Maine cod populations have experienced significant declines in recent decades, making accurate stock assessments increasingly important for both ecosystem management and fishing communities. 

Preliminary observations from the survey indicated higher numbers of juvenile Atlantic cod than have been seen in recent years, with fish broadly distributed throughout the survey area. Researchers also observed a variety of other species, including sand lance, Atlantic herring, longhorn sculpin, yellowtail flounder, winter flounder, Acadian redfish, several Atlantic halibut, and an Atlantic sturgeon. 

The survey is funded by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts through the Massachusetts Fisheries Institute and the Blue Economy initiative supported by New Bedford Representative Tony Cabral.  

 SMAST researchers hope these findings will provide valuable new information and greater clarity regarding the status of Gulf of Maine groundfish resources