| Abstract | The BTS is coordinated by the ICES Working Group on Beam trawl surveys (WGBEAM). The primary aim of the Beam Trawl Survey (BTS) is to get fisheries independent stock indices and estimates of the age-structure of North Sea plaice (Pleuronectes platessa) and sole (Solea solea, Solea vulgaris). The BTS indices are used by the ICES Working Group on the Assessment of Demersal Stocks in the North Sea and Skagerrak (WGNSSK) for stock assessments and recruitment estimation. Both are important data sources for the catch predictions and hence for management advice.
In addition to flatfish, the applied beam trawl also catches benthic ( = bottom dwelling) organisms (e.g. echinoderms, squid, crabs), which are counted. The BTS thus also contributes valuable information concerning the state of the North Sea ecosystem.
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