Schedule

A schedule for the different components of the Georges Bank Study is shown in Figure 13. The study is envisioned to begin in 1993 with the major field experiments to be conducted in 1994, 1996, and 1998. During these even-numbered years, smaller-scale process studies will be undertaken in parallel with comprehensive broad-scale studies. The decision on which process studies to emphasize in which year will depend on several factors. These include scientific rationale, status of supporting technology and methodology, and availability of resoures (especially scientific personnel, instrumentation, shiptime, and funding). Some work in each process area could be undertaken in each year. The plan at present is to conduct mixing/stratification studies in 1994, source/retention/exchange studies in 1996, and cross-frontal mixing studies in 1998. In the intervening years, 1995 and 1997, less intensive broad-scale survey work should be conducted to monitor inter-annual variability. Some process-oriented work directed at measurement of vital rates affecting population dynamics may be continued as well. Some elements of the long-term physical/ biological moored array should be maintained continuously through 1993-1998 to observe conditions during the rest of each year and also to monitor inter-annual variability. Instrument and other technological developments are envisioned to proceed until 1997. Planning meetings and data analysis workshops will be convened at least once per year; a coordinating group should meet more frequently in order to manage the program efffectively.

Shiptime is required for broad-scale surveys, process studies, and setting and retrieving moorings and drifters, allocated as follows:

BROAD-SCALE SURVEY

                # of Cruises      # of Days/Cruise       Total Days/Year

        1994          9                  16                    144
        1995          6                  16                     96
        1996          9                  16                    144
        1997          6                  16                     96
        1998          9                  16                    144

PROCESS STUDIES

        1994          3                  21                     63
        1995          0                   0                      0
        1996          3                  21                     63
        1997          0                   0                      0
        1998          3                  21                     63

MOORING AND DRIFTER CRUISES

        1994          3                   7                     21
        1995          3                   7                     21
        1996          3                   7                     21
        1997          3                   7                     21
        1998          3                   7                     21