Resources

FRV Alba Na Mara 1212A

Cruise plan

Cruise Info. 
Ship name (ship code)FRV Alba Na Mara (74NM)
Cruise identifier1212A
Cruise period2012-07-08 — 2012-07-25
StatusCompleted
Port of departureFraserburgh, United Kingdom
Port of returnFraserburgh, United Kingdom
PurposeResearch
ObjectivesObjectives

1. Conduct selectivity gear trials with large mesh panels fitted in the side netting of the trawl, aiming to release cod but retain megrim and monkfish.
2. Quantify the geometry of the two compartments in the mouth of the trawl, and the trawl overall.
3. Obtain video footage of the panels in operation.

Protocols

Equipment will be loaded at Fraserburgh on 4 July 2012, and the trawl will be rigged onto the net drum. Staff will travel to Fraserburgh on the morning of 8 July. The vessel will then travel to Muckle Flugga in the Shetland Isles. Trawling will be conducted in waters around Shetland, with Flugga and Baltasound fishing grounds being the preferred areas. A rest day for scientific staff will be held at the nearest harbour at a convenient point during the survey. Alba will return to Fraserburgh where the survey will end on 25 July 2011.

Trawling Operations

The new "2T" trawl is based on the 370 Rockhopper trawl (Jackson Trawls Ltd). It has a vertical separating panel fitted down the centre, from the headline/footrope tapering back to the 3rd panel of the trawl. The trawl then splits into two separate tunnel sections, finishing in separate 83mm codends. This enables one side to be modified by inserting large mesh panels into the side netting (either side of the selvedge) (Fig 2). The catch data from this test side can then be compared against the catch data from the unmodified control side. To assess whether cod can be released from the trawl while retaining megrim and monkfish. Three configurations of large mesh panels will be tested during the cruise.

During all hauls scanmar instrumentation will be fitted to ensure the trawl is fishing symmetrically, and that both test and control compartments are quantified. Video cameras and lights will be fitted to the headline for at least one haul of each panel configuration. This will confirm the trawl and panel netting are taught and fishing correctly.

Depending on the catch rates of the target species (cod, megrim and monkfish) fishing tows may be up to 4 hours long, allowing two or three hauls per day. A tickler chain will be fitted during all hauls. Half-height bins will be used on deck for receiving and storing the catch from the separate codends. The catch will be sorted into key species, weighed and individual total length measurements recorded.

Any marine litter brought onboard during trawling operations will be documented and photographed before being placed into "KIMO Fishing for litter" bags. At the end of the cruise, the bags will be deposited safely on the quayside to then be collected for disposal.

Normal contacts will be maintained with the laboratory.
Chief scientistKeith Summerbell (Marine Scotland Aberdeen Marine Laboratory)
Project20141
Cruise programmeFRV Alba Na Mara 1212A cruise programme 1212a.pdf  (0.14 MB) 
Ocean/sea areas 
GeneralNorth East Atlantic Ocean (limit 40W)
SpecificFlugga and Baltasound fishing grounds.
Track chartsFRV Alba Na Mara 1212A cruise track — 1212atrk.pdf (0.21 MB)