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FRV Alba Na Mara 0610A

Cruise plan

Cruise Info. 
Ship name (ship code)FRV Alba Na Mara (74NM)
Cruise identifier0610A
Cruise period2010-05-12 — 2010-05-28
StatusCompleted
Port of departureUllapool, United Kingdom
Port of returnFraserburgh, United Kingdom
PurposeFisheries
ObjectivesObjective

1. To undertake underwater TV (UTV) and RoxAnn surveys of Kyle Rhea in advance of the proposed deployment of marine tidal devices in the area.
2. To undertake sediment grabs, underwater UTV and RoxAnn surveys of the marine renewable energy sites southwest of Tiree and west of Islay in advance of proposed offshore wind farm development, amounting to the proposed generation of 2180MW total capacity.
3. To undertake sediment grabs, UTV and RoxAnn surveys of an unused disposal site south of Crowlin Islands and inspection for the distribution of man-made debris with a view to reusing the site, following up on the 2008 surveys.
4. To undertake sediment grabs, underwater UTV and RoxAnn surveys of the west coast sea disposal sites at Stornoway, Isle of Eigg, Isle of Muck and Portnahaven identifying the predominant benthic epifauna species, and the distribution of man made debris (some as contingency).
5. To undertake sediment grabs, underwater UTV and RoxAnn surveys in the Loch Linnhe area as part of an investigation into suitable disposal sites for Glensanda quarry waste.
6. To undertake sediment grabs, underwater UTV and RoxAnn surveys of the sea disposal sites at Scrabster and Thurso prior to the major redevelopment project of Scrabster harbour.
7. To undertake sediment grabs, underwater UTV and RoxAnn surveys of the sea disposal site at Gills Bay to supplement data obtained during 2009 in preparation for potential repositioning of the site.
8. To undertake sediment grabs, underwater UTV and RoxAnn surveys of Moray Firth sea disposal sites at Wick, Helmsdale and Sutors (some/all as contingency).
9. To undertake sediment grabs, underwater UTV and RoxAnn surveys of the Beatrice offshore wind site (contingency).
10. Sediment samples for Objectives 2 - 9 will be analysed for chemical and physical parameters.

Procedure

C Shand and some of the UTV equipment will join the Alba na Mara on 10 May at Ullapool in order to make the necessary preparations and amendments to the drop frame and UTV equipment, which will be on board from the previous trip. The remaining scientific staff and equipment will join the Alba na Mara on 12 May at Ullapool. The Alba na Mara will depart Ullapool as soon as possible, and proceed south via Kyle Rhea to the marine renewable energy sites south west of Tiree and west of Islay to start the work programme outlined in Objectives 1-9. Each of the areas of proposed works will, where feasible, be surveyed in sequence. The crew change will be made on 18 May, at Oban, where P Hayes and A Sutherland will be replaced by G Graham and R Duncan. The Alba na Mara will depart Oban and head north to complete the remaining objectives. On completion of these surveys, the Alba na Mara will head back to Fraserburgh for 28 May 2010.
Chief scientistColin Megginson (Marine Scotland Aberdeen Marine Laboratory)
ProjectAE02n
Cruise programmeFRV Alba Na Mara 0610A cruise programme 0610a.pdf  (0.02 MB) 
Ocean/sea areas 
GeneralNorth Sea
Inner Seas off the West Coast of Scotland
SpecificKyle Rhea, Tiree, Islay, Crowlin Islands, Stornoway, Isle of Eigg, Isle of Muck, Portnahaven, Loch Linnhe, Scrabster, Thurso, Gills Bay, Moray Firth, Beatrice offshore wind site