The goal of the Kattegat cod survey is to estimate the abundance, biomass and distribution of cod and to establish a fisheries independent time series of catch and effort series. Furthermore, a recruitment index will be established. The results should be used, together with commercial catch and effort data to strengthen the scientific advice on the cod stock in Kattegat. The survey will also monitor the amount and distribution of cod within the proposed “closed area” in order to analyse the effect of the closure.