October 15, 2026 — Our Habitat Camera (HabCam) Survey uses a towed camera sled system to collect images of the seafloor. We analyze the images to estimate the abundance and size composition of Atlantic sea scallops. The sea scallop abundance, size composition, and distribution data are used annually as part of the sea scallop stock assessment and management processes. The survey is one of the primary fishery-independent surveys used in the sea scallop stock assessment model.
We also annotate the images for other seafloor features and animals such as crabs and finfish. We conduct the survey in the Mid-Atlantic Bight and Georges Bank. Because the camera sled is towed behind the vessel, the survey can sample more seafloor than traditional sea scallop survey methods.
Dates and Legs
The 2026 HabCam Survey began on May 11, 2026 and completed operations on May 29, 2026. We conducted the Spring survey aboard the NOAA Ship Henry B. Bigelow and it occurred in two legs:
- Leg 1: May 11–19 in Mid-Atlantic Bight
- Leg 2: May 20–29 in Georges Bank
Survey Location
This survey monitored the Mid-Atlantic and Georges Bank Atlantic Sea Scallop management areas:
In the Mid-Atlantic, the survey monitored:
- Delmarva
- Elephant Trunk
- Hudson Canyon South
- A mid-line through New York Bight and Long Island
- Mid-Atlantic Bight Nearshore areas
In Georges Bank, the survey monitored:
- Nantucket Lightship-West
- CL1 (Groundfish Closed Area 1)
- Northern Flank
- CL2-North (Groundfish Closed Area 2)
- Great South Channel