The 2026 Celtic Sea Pelagic Ecosystem Survey (CSPES), will be conducted aboard the RV Tom Crean from the 11th of September to the 1st of October and aims to assess the abundance and biomass of key small pelagic fish (SPF) species, including herring, sprat and sardine, in the Celtic Sea and South Irish Sea. The survey will use acoustic methods and biological sampling to provide a fisheries‐independent index of abundance and biomass for use in stock assessments modelling.
Survey Highlights
The CSPES provides an invaluable opportunity for graduates and postgraduate students interested in fisheries science, specifically in:
- Fisheries acoustics
- Fisheries biometric sampling
- Plankton sampling
Participants will also gain exposure to broader ecosystem data collection, including marine mammal and seabird observations.
Acoustic Surveys Background
The CSPES is part of a larger framework of acoustic surveys conducted by the Marine Institute, contributing to the sustainable management of marine resources. Learn more about the background of Marine Institute acoustic surveys HERE. Recent CSPES survey reports are available at the Marine Institute Open Access Repository.
Survey Schedule
The 2026 survey will be conducted over two legs:
- CSPES Leg 1: 11th to 21st September
- CSPES Leg 2: 21st September to 1st October
Who Can Apply
Applications are invited from graduate and postgraduate students at Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) across Ireland, the UK, and the EU who aspire to develop a career in fisheries science and marine biology.
How to Apply
Submit your application online HERE.
For guidance on the application process, see Applying for SMART Marine Institute Research Vessel Bursaries.
Application Deadline: Friday 24th of July.
Eligibility Requirements
To participate in the survey, applicants must hold the following certifications:
- Current ENG 11 Medical Certificate
- Current PST STCW 95 Certificate or equivalent
- STCW Proficiency in Security Awareness
For information on obtaining these certifications click here.
Survey Data & Intellectual Property
All data collected during the survey are the intellectual property of the Marine Institute. Participants must comply with the data privacy and protection policies outlined by the Chief Scientist.
Further Information
Email John.Boyd@atu.ie for more information.