FRV Alba Na Mara 1010A
Cruise plan
| Cruise Info. | |
| Ship name (ship code) | FRV Alba Na Mara (74NM) |
| Cruise identifier | 1010A |
| Cruise period | 2010-07-30 — 2010-08-13 |
| Status | Completed |
| Port of departure | Fraserburgh, United Kingdom |
| Port of return | Fraserburgh, United Kingdom |
| Purpose | Fisheries |
| Objectives | Objectives
1. Develop an experimental trawl with vertical separator panels and three separate codend to enable quantification of the horizontal distribution of fish entering the mouth of the net; 2. Quantify the horizontal distribution of fish entering the mouth of the net (in particular cod, megrim AND monkfish) with consideration to possible explanatory variables; and 3. Describe the behaviour of fish species entering the mouth of the net (in particular cod, megrim AND monkfish) with reference to explaining their horizontal distribution as described in 2). Protocols Equipment will be loaded at Fraserburgh on 27 July 2010. Additional preparation of the fishing gear and RCTV system will continue on 28 & 29 July, as required. Staff will travel to Fraserburgh on the morning of 30 July. The vessel will then travel to Shetland (Scalloway) to collect visiting staff (P MacDonald; NAFC). The cruise will end in Fraserburgh on 13 August 2010. Gear Development The first part of the cruise (estimated to be ~5 days), will focus on the development and testing of the "3T trawl". Behavioural data (catch & video) will still be collected during this part of the cruise but the priority for each haul will be given to gear development. Behavioural Observations Once the gear development is complete, the remainder of the cruise will be used to investigate the behaviour of fish immediately ahead of the trawl. Behavioural data, in terms of horizontal (& vertical) distribution of fish as they enter the net, will be collected both quantitatively (from catch data in the "3T Trawl") and qualitatively (using cameras in fixed positions on the net). Any qualitative data will be used to substantiate observations from the catch data and investigate likely behavioural mechanisms. Particular attention will be made to the behaviour of cod, megrim and monkfish. Video cameras will be placed in fixed and co-ordinated positions on the net. Two tactics will be adopted for these cameras positions: 1. To provide a "panoramic" overview of the fish and their movement as the net approaches (how "panoramic" will clearly be dependent on ambient conditions - i.e. turbidity & light levels); and 2. To view fish entering the trawl at close range (<3.0m focal length) to allow individual fish to be identified to a species level. All cameras will be time-synchronised and have overlapping fields of view, to allow for the detailed tracking of the behaviour and movement (using camera type 1) of positively identified fish (using camera type 2). The optimum positions for the cameras will be selected before the cruise (where practical). These positions will be marked on the net and fitted with reinforcing, etc, to aid quick and secure attached of the cameras and recorders. Purpose build, low-profile camera frames will be used, which will allow camera angle adjustment, where necessary. Handling the Catch There will be three codends per haul. Although catches in individual codends are likely to be relatively small, it will be essential to manage the catch carefully to ensure accurate recording of catch data. The codends will be colour-coded on the selvages to ease identification. Half-height catch bins will be used on deck for receiving and storing the catch from individual codends, while the remainder of the catch is sorted and measured. The catch will be sorted into key species, weighed and individual total length measurements recorded. |
| Chief scientist | Michael Breen (Marine Scotland Aberdeen Marine Laboratory) |
| Project | MFO600 |
| Cruise programme |  (0.03 MB) |
| Ocean/sea areas | |
| General | North Sea |
