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FRV Alba Na Mara 0510A

Cruise plan

Cruise Info. 
Ship name (ship code)FRV Alba Na Mara (74NM)
Cruise identifier0510A
Cruise period2010-04-22 — 2010-05-10
StatusCompleted
Port of departureUllapool, United Kingdom
Port of returnUllapool, United Kingdom
PurposeFisheries
ObjectivesObjectives

1. To conduct a drop camera survey of the area of cold-water coral (Lophelia pertusa) within the East Mingulay reef complex.

2. To collect sediment samples for the purposes of particle size analysis from areas adjacent to the reefs.

3. To conduct a pyramid camera survey of epibenthic communities situated within muddy areas adjacent to the reef complex.

4. To collect ROV footage of areas of the reef previously identified from the drop camera survey.

General

Weather permitting, Alba na Mara will depart on the morning of the 22 April from Ullapool and will arrive at the East Mingulay reef complex the next day. The remainder of the scientific time on this cruise will be spent in and around the boundaries of the site. M Roberts will disembark from the Alba na Mara on the morning of 26 April at Barra. Due to strong water currents operating in the area, the deployment of the ROV will be timed to coincide with periods of slack water. In windier conditions, use of the Alba na Mara's dynamic position system will be made. Where weather conditions make the deployment of a camera drop frame difficult, effort will be diverted to the collection of grab samples. Down time due to severe weather will be used to refine ROV techniques and to refine the survey design. A half landing is planned at Mallaig on 1 May. L Clark will leave the cruise at this time. Alba na Mara will arrive at Ullapool on the morning of the 10 May for turnaround and preparation of next cruise.

Normal contact will be maintained with the Laboratory.
Chief scientistPhilip Boulcott (Marine Scotland Aberdeen Marine Laboratory)
ProjectMF02q
Cruise programmeFRV Alba Na Mara 0510A cruise programme 0510a.pdf  (0.02 MB) 
Ocean/sea areas 
GeneralInner Seas off the West Coast of Scotland
SpecificEast Mingulay reef complex, off Barra.