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bioRxiv · 10.64898/2026.06.29.735240

DATRASextra: An R package for streamlined workflows with ICES DATRAS bottom-trawl survey data

Mildenberger, T. K.·Maioli, F.·Berg, C. W.
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Abstract

Scientific bottom-trawl surveys provide essential fisheries-independent data for fisheries and ecosystem research. In the Northeast Atlantic, the ICES Database of Trawl Surveys (DATRAS) compiles haul-level information, species- and length-specific catch data, and individual biological observations across multiple long-term surveys. However, reproducible workflows for processing and integrating these relational datasets remain challenging. We present DATRASextra, an open-source R package that provides modular end-to-end workflows for accessing, cleaning, harmonising, quality-controlling, and analysing DATRAS survey data. The package supports derivation of standardised haul-level survey variables, integration of multiple surveys, and generation of analysis-ready datasets for downstream applications including stock assessment, biodiversity analyses, and large-scale synthesis efforts such as Fish-Glob.

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Mildenberger, T. K., Maioli, F., Berg, C. W.. 2026-06-30. DATRASextra: An R package for streamlined workflows with ICES DATRAS bottom-trawl survey data. https://doi.org/10.64898/2026.06.29.735240

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