FRV Alba Na Mara 0314A
Cruise plan
| Cruise Info. | |
| Ship name (ship code) | FRV Alba Na Mara (74NM) |
| Cruise identifier | 0314A |
| Cruise period | 2014-03-11 — 2014-03-24 |
| Status | Completed |
| Port of departure | Fraserburgh, United Kingdom |
| Port of return | Fraserburgh, United Kingdom |
| Purpose | Research |
| Objectives | Objectives
To undertake underwater observations of Nephrops trawl Highly Selective Gear (HSG) modifications in support of the Scottish Conservation Credits Scheme. Main target species are monkfish, cod and Nephrops. Procedure Fishing gear, mini TV equipment and Scanmar instrumentation will be rigged aboard the vessel prior to sailing on 11 March. After sailing on 11 March the intention will be to make for suitable Nephrops grounds in the Moray Firth close to Fraserburgh or MacDuff to undertake underwater observation and test the mini camera systems. As monkfish and cod are the main target species the choice of grounds will need to take this into account. The preferred area of operation is either the west Orkneys (Noup area) or east side of the Shetlands. However, this will depend on the prevailing weather conditions and after detailed discussions with the skipper and taking into account the working practices of the vessel. The work plan is to undertake underwater observations with each cod selective gear modification using net mounted low-light camera systems with up to a maximum of 4 cameras attached to the trawl during each haul. A small collection bag (1m circumference x 3m long in 60mm mesh netting) will be fitted to the top portion of the monk grid to assess its effect on monk catches. This addition to the flex-grid rig which was worked during a similar survey (0212A) should not cause any issues with regard safe fishing operations. The number of hauls made each day and their duration will be variable and depend on the grounds being fished but should be no more than 2 hours long. After the observations on each device have been completed, re-rigging to the next device will be carried out onboard. |
| Chief scientist | Robert J Kynoch (Marine Scotland Aberdeen Marine Laboratory) |
| Cruise programme |  (0.02 MB) |
| Ocean/sea areas | |
| General | North Sea |
| Specific | Orkney or Shetland |
