RV Cefas Endeavour 09/12
Cruise summary report
| Cruise Info. | |
| Ship name (ship code) | RV Cefas Endeavour (74E9) |
| Cruise identifier | 09/12 |
| Cruise period | 2012-06-14 — 2012-06-26 |
| Status | Completed |
| Port of departure | Portland Harbour, United Kingdom |
| Port of return | Portland Harbour, United Kingdom |
| Purpose | Research |
| Objectives | Aims
1. To collect samples of fish for chemical analysis from the Irish Sea, Celtic Sea and Western English Channel in support of the Clean Seas Environmental Monitoring Programme (CSEMP). 2. To collect fish at CSEMP sites for fish disease assessments and sampling of tissues for biochemical marker analysis. 3. To sample representative CSEMP stations using Day Grab for trace metal contaminants, sediment particle size analysis, PAHs and benthic fauna. 4. To conduct marine litter surveys to identify quantities of marine litter (including micro-plastics) in the coastal and marine environment. 5. In support of potential biodiversity descriptor requirements sample Irish Sea Benthos stations. Overview RV Cefas Endeavour sailed from Portland on the afternoon of 14th June and proceeded into the Western English Channel. Sediment was collected at CSEMP stations Lyme Bay (CSEMP534) and Eddystone (CSEMP584). However, deteriorating weather excluded the collection of fish and the decision was made to steam around the Lizard Peninsular and into the Celtic Sea. On arrival at the West Lundy (CSEMP 604) sampling station the sea conditions were still to severe to fish so the Cefas Endeavour continued steaming around and into the shelter of Cardigan Bay. The sea state had improved and on the 16th - 17th June sampling was undertaken at the Cardigan Bay fishing stns (CSEMP 654 and 649). Over night on the 17th June, the ship sampled a series of benthic stations (Irish Sea Benthos IBS, see Annex 3) as she steamed around to fish Red Wharf Bay (CSEMP 776). Fishing continued throughout the 18th of June taking in additional fishing stations at Liverpool Bay (CSEMP 715) and the nearby chemistry trend site. To facilitate a scientific staff transfer the Cefas Endeavour proceeded overnight to Morcecambe Bay (CSEMP 796) where fishing commenced on the morning of the 19th June. After a small boat transfer at Fleetwood the ship then proceeded south to fish at Burbo Bight (CSEMP 706). Additional sediment samples were collected at Burbo Bight for the analysis of brominated diphenyl ethers (BDE's) and flatfish liver samples were collected for EROD AQC. The Endeavour then steamed overnight to sample the South East Isle of Man station (CSEMP 805) on the morning of the 20th June. A series of IBS stations were also sampled before anchoring overnight at St Bees. Fishing at St Bees (CSEMP 769) was completed the following morning and a transit south planned via the West coast of the Isle of Man to incorporate additional ISB stations. However, poor weather caused a cancellation of grabbing early on the morning of the 22nd June. Work could not start again until the Cefas Endeavour had reached Carmarthen Bay (CSEMP 616) on the evening of the same day. The Cefas Endeavour then moved onto the West Lundy (CSEMP 604) and Celtic Deep (CSEMP 605) stations to undertaken additional biota and sediment sampling. The Cefas Endeavour worked through the night collecting a series of IBS stations in the Celtic sea. This work continued through the 24th June as she steamed south and then east back towards Portland. On route, fish samples were collected at Eddystone (CSEMP 584) and Lyme Bay (CSEMP 534). The Cefas Endeavour arrived late on the 25th June and anchored in Weymouth Bay before docking on the morning 26th to disembark scientific crew and equipment. |
| Chief scientist | Brett P Lyons (Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science Lowestoft Laboratory) |
| Cruise report |  (0.17 MB) |
| Ocean/sea areas | |
| General | English Channel Irish Sea and St. George's Channel Celtic Sea |
| Specific | Western English Channel, Lyme Bay, Eddystone, Lizard Peninsular, West Lundy, Cardigan Bay, Red Wharf Bay, Liverpool Bay, Morcecambe Bay, Burbo Bight, southeast Isle of Man, St Bees, Celtic Deep. |
| Track charts | (0.13 MB) |
