Resources

FRV Scotia 0111S

Cruise plan

Cruise Info. 
Ship name (ship code)FRV Scotia (748S)
Cruise identifier0111S
Cruise period2011-01-06 — 2011-01-21
StatusCompleted
Port of departureAberdeen, United Kingdom
Port of returnAberdeen, United Kingdom
PurposeFisheries
ObjectivesObjectives

1. To undertake water, sediment and biological sampling for the Clean Seas Environmental Monitoring Programme (CSEMP).
2. To collect water samples for nutrient studies as part of the Scottish Coastal Eutrophication Assessment Survey (SCEAS).
3. Undertake CSEMP sediment sampling in the Firth of Forth for SEPA.
4. Undertake WFD biological sampling at 3 sites in and near the Forth and WFD sediment sampling off Lerwick for SEPA.
5. Undertake additional sampling for integrated assessment ROAME.
6. Monitor and record all litter brought aboard in all trawls. Sample water column and sediment for microplastic litter.

Procedure

At the 4 CSEMP fixed sites (NMMP85, NMMP95, NMMP105, NMMP165) water, sediment (for chemistry only) and fish will be sampled.

Stratified random samples of sediment will be taken from one stratum on the East coast, four strata in the Fladen Ground, two strata in the Moray Firth, two strata in the North Minch and one stratum in the Sea of Hebrides. Fish sampling will be carried out within these strata, except for the Sea of Hebrides.

Water and sediments will be sampled for chemical analyses at all locations. Sediment will be sieved for macrobenthos analysis only at the stratified random sampling locations. Fish will be sampled for biological effects measurements and chemical analyses. Some biological effects measurements will be carried out during the cruise. Nutrient samples will be collected and appropriately stored throughout the cruise.

Additional sampling will be carried out at 5 sites in the Firth of Forth, in support of CSEMP sampling for SEPA. Five sites off Lerwick will be sampled for SEPA, for benthos only. Three sites will be sampled for phytoplankton/nutrients and chlorophyll in support of WFD for SEPA.

Surface water will be collected for hydrographic nutrient studies (SCEAS) from coastal regions around the east and west coast mainland and around Orkney and Shetland at fixed time intervals. Completion of this objective will be time and weather dependent.

In support of the Integrated Assessment ROAME both plaice and dab will be sampled, if present, in the Moray Firth (both strata), Shetland and the Fladen Ground.

Monitoring of all litter brought on board during trawling operations will continue throughout the cruise. Testing of the sampling equipment for microplastics in the water column will be carried out at one site in the Forth. Further sites will be sampled - these will be within the CSEMP cruise track and will be defined in advance. Sediment samples will also be taken at all sites sampled for microplastics in the water column.

Weather and time permitting extra sediment will be collected to provide a chemistry laboratory reference material.
Chief scientistMarie Russell (Marine Scotland Aberdeen Marine Laboratory)
ProjectAE11p/AE11s, AE11t, AE11101
Cruise programmeFRV Scotia 0111S cruise programme 0111s.pdf  (0.07 MB) 
Ocean/sea areas 
GeneralNorth Sea
Inner Seas off the West Coast of Scotland
SpecificFladen Ground, Moray Firth, North Minch, Sea of Hebrides, Firth of Forth.
Track chartsFRV Scotia 0111S cruise track — 0111strk.pdf (0.03 MB)