Objectives: The purpose of the ASH-I study was to support the international hydroacoustic survey on the atlanto-scandian herring (Norwegian spring spawning herring) by contributing with an own European cruise to the fleet of research vessels assessing the Norwegian spring spawning herring stock during its migration to the open Atlantic waters. This survey was newly designed since the recovery of the stock demanded more research input in the area and the stock. However, for the reason that the European Commnunity has had a long tradition in catches and research on the atlanto scandian herring, the activities resumed after the recovery of the stock. By contrast to previous efforts the EU now invested common and combined efforts into the assessment of the stock by sharing the cruises between European nations
