Federal officials are embarking on a study of seven Hawaii fish to assess the overall health of the population.

Researchers with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration plan to announce the start of the upcoming study today aboard a NOAA research vessel on Ford Island. The survey will bring local commercial fishermen and scientists together to get a count of several species of deep-water grouper and snapper, which are popular table fare.

It will be the first-ever comprehensive assessment of the bottom fish around the islands. Researchers will use deep-sea video technology as well as data provided by fishermen who will use standardized fishing techniques.

The research will help inform conservation and management plans for the fish and their habitat.