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FRV Alba Na Mara 1209A

Cruise plan

Cruise Info. 
Ship name (ship code)FRV Alba Na Mara (74NM)
Cruise identifier1209A
Cruise period2009-07-24 — 2009-08-03
StatusCompleted
Port of departureFraserburgh, United Kingdom
Port of returnFraserburgh, United Kingdom
PurposeFisheries
ObjectivesObjectives

The trip is a return survey to three impact sites examined initially in an impact/BACI study of scallop dredging in the Firth of Lorn (0609A). Each of the three survey sites are split into three sub-sites: an impact sub-site immediately outside the SAC; a control sub-site outside the SAC and adjacent to the impacted site; and a nearby control sub-site within the boundaries of the SAC. All 9 sub sites will be surveyed by Alba na Mara using the UW camera frame developed during 0409A. Data collected from Cruise 0609A will inform the size and number of areas surveyed.

Procedure

Weather permitting, Alba na Mara will depart during the morning of 24 July from Fraserburgh to arrive in the Firth of Lorn 2 days later. The remainder of the scientific time on this cruise will be spent in and around the boundaries of the Forth of Lorn SAC. Alba na Mara's time during this period will be spent surveying the 3 sites, nine sub-sites, which were the subject of the 0609A cruise. It is hoped that 50 randomly allocated survey points, representing some 200 quadrats in a two level design, will be surveyed each day by the Alba na Mara. Preliminary trials during 0609A suggest that such a target is possible, but whether this target is reached will depend on very benign weather conditions. Use of the camera drop frame in windy conditions may be impossible. Alba na Mara will arrive at Fraserburgh for the morning of 3 August for turnaround and preparation of next cruise.
Chief scientistPhilip Boulcott (Marine Scotland Aberdeen Marine Laboratory)
ProjectMF02Q
Cruise programmeFRV Alba Na Mara 1209A cruise programme 1209a.pdf  (0.02 MB) 
Ocean/sea areas 
GeneralInner Seas off the West Coast of Scotland
SpecificFirth of Lorn