Working Waterfront reports on groundfish survey, quotes grad student
The Working Waterfront reported on the Sentinel Survey, which collects data on the status of groundfish populations in Eastern Maine. The survey, now in its eighth year, is conducted by Maine Center for Coastal Fisheries in collaboration with the University of Maine, according to the article. Fishermen visit a total of 84 survey stations from June to October, along with researchers who study the population, distribution, and most importantly, the genetic makeup of groundfish in each location, the article states. Lead researcher Mattie Rodrigue, a dual master’s student in marine biology and policy at UMaine, said data from a single fish is crucial. “Biological analysis can unlock a picture of where that species has been, the distinct subpopulations it’s related to, what it’s been eating, its reproductive patterns, and more,” she said.