River Tyne to Druridge Bay Mixed Crab and Lobster Survey 2007/08 - Fisheries Science Partnership

The fishing vessel *Wendy Patricia* was chartered between August and October 2007 to carry out a potting survey and an acoustic survey in the mixed crab and lobster fishery in an area off the northeast coast from the river Tyne to Druridge Bay. The main objective was to investigate the population structure of edible crabs in relation to the characteristics of the seabed. Fishing positions were spread throughout the survey area but most stations were in Whitley Bay and north of Newbiggin, corresponding to the pre-survey positions of the gear. Sidescan sonar and underwater video were used during the acoustic survey to map ground types in proximity to the fishing positions. The fishing survey took place in late August and early September and the acoustic survey was carried out in October.