Duration: 04 to 24 November 2025

Area: Baltic Sea

Purpose: Baltic International Trawl Autumn Survey (BITS)

SOLEA's 856th voyage is part of the Baltic International Trawl Survey (BITS) in the Baltic Sea, which is coordinated by the International Council for the Exploration of the Sea (ICES). The aim of the voyage, in which eight neighbouring countries are participating, is to record the demersal fish species in the southern part of the Belt Sea and the Arkona Sea.

Tasks of our research trip:

• Standard hauls at randomly selected stations to determine indices for the quantitative calculation of cod and flatfish stocks (hydrographic data are determined in parallel)
• Stock analyses of cod and all flatfish species
• Qualitative and quantitative analyses of bycatch
• Sampling as part of national and international enquiries
• Exploration of new towing routes
• Catch of live fish.