Echo sounders

Description

The Norwegian Institute of Marine Research currently uses the 'Simrad EK60' fisheries echo sounders on the research vessels 'G.O. Sars', 'Johan Hjort' and 'Kristine Bonnevie'' (previously 'Dr. Fridtjof Nansen'). Over time we have developed tools and methods to be able to utilise broadband technology to improve the system and the uncertainty in the target strength with the use of the 'Simrak EK 80' broadband echo sounder. These tools and methods are now ready to go into The Norwegian Institute of Marina Research's data collection for improved abundance estimating. The tools have been further developed over many years use of 'Simrad EK 500' and 'Simrad EK 60', and are based on the data format these deliver. Phasing in of a replacement of the current 'EK 60' must deliver compatible data format, and have transducers that can also operate in 'EK 60'. The Norwegian Institute of Marine Research's knowledge of the market indicates that only Kongsberg Maritime can deliver this. Since The Norwegian Institute of Marine Research will receive 2 new vessels with 'Simrad EK80' ('Kronprins Haakon' and 'Dr Fridtjof Nansen'), it will be necessary to safeguard the continuity and compatibility between all data collection on The Norwegian Institute of Marine Research's vessel. The Norwegian Institute of Marine Research therefore intends to enter into contract with Kongsberg Maritime for the procurement of 3 'Simrad EK 80 Scientific broadband echo sounders'.