FRV Explorer 12/78
Cruise summary report
| Cruise Info. | |
| Ship name (ship code) | FRV Explorer (74EX) |
| Cruise identifier | 12/78 |
| Cruise period | 1978-11-14 — 1978-12-06 |
| Status | Completed |
| Port of departure | Aberdeen, United Kingdom |
| Port of return | Aberdeen, United Kingdom |
| Purpose | Research |
| Objectives | 1) To carry out a Moray Firth, north and west coast of Scotland pre-recruit demersal fish survey
2) Data on the biology of the spurdog Squalus acanthias were collected. Comprehensive samples of second dorsal spines were collected by sex, for age determination. 803 spurdog stomachs were examined and the contents identified and recorded. 3) Samples of herring were deep frozen for later analysis at the laboratory 4) Specimens of different species encountered were preserved at the request of the Institute of Terrestrial Ecology, Banchory 5) Specimens of major fish species and various benthic animals from the British Aluminium smelter sludge dumping ground were preserved Weather conditions restriced work and ''Explorer'' sheltered off Helmesdale for the night on the 15/11/1978 and again in Red Bay on the night of the 20/11/1978. A mid-cruise break took place in Stornoway from the 24/11/1978 till the 25/11/1978. Weather conditions deteriorated again on the 28/11/1978 and the ship dodged towards Lock Rogue for shelter leaving on the 30/11/1978 |
| Chief scientist | Arthur S Jermyn (Department of Agriculture and Fisheries for Scotland Aberdeen Marine Laboratory) |
| Cruise report |  (2.98 MB) |
| Ocean/sea areas | |
| General | North East Atlantic Ocean (limit 40W) |
| Specific | Kinnaird Head, Pentland Firth, Moray Firth, Helmsdale, Inner and Outer Hebrides, South Minch, Firth of Clyde, Tory Island, off the Shiant Islands, St Kilda, Butt of Lewis and Solan areas, Flannan Islands |
| Track charts |  |
| Measurements | |
| Biology and fisheries | |
| Benthic bacteria/micro-organisms | Quantity: number of species = 10 Description: examined at the laboratory for the presence of sludge residues |
| Pelagic fish | Quantity: number of hauls = 42 Description: survey:population,biomass,monitoring,distribution studies. Made using the 48' Aberteen trawl with a small mesh cover. |
| Demersal fish | Quantity: number of hauls = 42 Description: survey:population,biomass,monitoring,distribution studies. Made using the 48' Aberteen trawl with a small mesh cover. 2413 otoliths taken from haddock, cod, saithe and whiting during the cruise were read at sea |
| Taggings | Quantity: number of specimens = 332 Description: Taggings of 249 spurdogs, 83 Scyliorhinus caniculus. |
