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FRV Alba Na Mara 1113A

Cruise plan

Cruise Info. 
Ship name (ship code)FRV Alba Na Mara (74NM)
Cruise identifier1113A
Cruise period2013-08-14 — 2013-08-30
StatusCompleted
Port of departureFraserburgh, United Kingdom
Port of returnFraserburgh, United Kingdom
PurposeFisheries
ObjectivesObjectives

1. To obtain estimates of the distribution and abundance of Nephrops burrows in the Firth of Forth, Moray Firth and, if time allows, off Arbroath using underwater cameras.
2. To use the TV footage to record the occurrence of other benthic fauna and evidence of commercial trawling activity.
3. To collect trawl caught samples of Nephrops for comparison of reproductive condition and morphometrics in each of the different survey areas.
4. If time permits, deployments of the sledge and then the drop frame will be carried out on the same ground to compare Nephrops burrow density estimates obtained using the two different methods.

Procedure

Where possible, a random stratified approach will be adopted to investigate Nephrops burrow density in different regions of the study areas. A list of proposed stations for the survey will be made available to the ship's complement prior to the cruise.

TV work will normally take place during daylight hours.

There will be a requirement for some trawling to take place in the evening. On days where trawling will take place, work patterns will be arranged so not to exceed WTD recommendations.

It is proposed that work will initially commence in the Firth of Forth and then the Moray Firth.

Normal contacts will be maintained with the laboratory.
Chief scientistAdrian Weetman (Marine Scotland Aberdeen Marine Laboratory)
Cruise programmeFRV Alba Na Mara 1113A cruise programme 1113a.pdf  (0.02 MB) 
Ocean/sea areas 
GeneralNorth Sea
SpecificFirth of Forth, Moray Firth.