Resources

Ocean Trust 0309H

Cruise summary report

Cruise Info. 
Ship name (ship code)Ocean Trust (7408)
Cruise identifier0309H
Cruise period2009-03-05 — 2009-03-21
StatusCompleted
Port of departureMallaig, United Kingdom
Port of returnMallaig, United Kingdom
PurposeFisheries
ObjectivesObjectives

1. To assess the performance and selectivity of a "Swedish grid" with an 80mm diamond mesh codend on reducing the by-catch of juvenile whitefish in Nephrops trawl. Attain underwater video footage of grid in situ using mini TV.

2. To assess selectivity of 80mm codend with 120mm SMP @ 12-15m.

3. To assess of 80mm codend with 120mm SMP @ 6-9m.

Narrative

Staff and equipment joined Ocean Trust at Mallaig on the 5 March. The rigging of the fishing gear, wheelhouse instrumentation, and fish measuring station commenced on board the vessel whilst along side Mallaig harbour. Also rigged at this time was the Mini TV cameras and IR light on to predetermined positions situated on the extension with the "Swedish grid" in place, and 80 mm codend.

Ocean Trust then set off to grounds suitable for an initial series of camera observations to check the rigging of the" Swedish grid". Having completed these initial observations with no modification required to the grid, further camera observations were undertaken until the observation work for objective 1 was concluded successfully. Selectivity hauls stared on 7 March at the Hillies edge ground and surrounding area where there had been reported catches of round fish, fishing tows continued until deteriorating weather conditions prevented any further work to continue, at which point the half landing was made in Mallaig. Selectivity hauls recommenced from Mallaig on the 19 of March and normal fishing operation were again hampered by gale force winds and poor sea state. All the objectives were completed and the charter ended on the 26 of March at Mallaig.
Chief scientistDavid J Bova (Fisheries Research Services Aberdeen Marine Laboratory)
ProjectMF06Q
Cruise programmeOcean Trust 0309H cruise programme 0309h.pdf  (0.02 MB) 
Cruise reportOcean Trust 0309H cruise report 0309h.pdf (0.02 MB) 
Ocean/sea areas 
GeneralInner Seas off the West Coast of Scotland
SpecificSouth Minch