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LONG-TERM GOALSThe ultimate goal of this project is to substantially improve our understanding of the relation between ecologically important key fish species (e.g. sardine and albacore) and the physical environment by collecting synoptic measurements with improved spatial and temporal resolution of observations. OBJECTIVESOur partnership program is striving to develop a new method for detection of fish and synoptically mapping their environment at nested spatial and temporal scales. This new technique involves employing aerial data collection techniques (which are able to collect data at a much larger range of temporal and spatial scales than traditional methods) and coupling them with directed and coordinated ship-based observations, buoy data, and satellite-derived information. The nested array of observations are being analyzed and modeled in a GIS-based environment to provide qualitative and quantitative views of habitat-and behavioral-induced fish distribution patterns. APPROACHThe overall objective of this work is to develop a new technique to detect epipelagic fishes and map their habitat and to test this technique in the EEZ of Oregon and Washington. The secondary objective is the analyze the array of spatial data collected to better understand the connection and affects of habitat and fish behavior on fish detection and distribution. The technique combines data from satellites, aircraft, ships, and moorings. Each platform covers a unique set of spatial and temporal scales, and each instrument has its own advantages and disadvantages. A technique combining data from multiple platforms can be much more powerful than any one alone.Field work for this project was completed in June, 2006, and we are beginning synthesis and processing of year 1 and year 2 data. In the coming year we will coordinate efforts with collaborators to combine satellite data, airborne LIDAR and radiometer data, shipborne fish and plankton sampling data, shipborne acoustic echosounder data, and acoustic mooring data using a GIS-based technique for spatial and temporal relationships.