FRV Alba Na Mara 1414A
Cruise plan
| Cruise Info. | |
| Ship name (ship code) | FRV Alba Na Mara (74NM) |
| Cruise identifier | 1414A |
| Cruise period | 2014-08-08 — 2014-08-22 |
| Status | Completed |
| Port of departure | Ullapool, United Kingdom |
| Port of return | Fraserburgh, United Kingdom |
| Purpose | Research |
| Objectives | Objectives
1. To investigate areas that may provide potentially suitable habitats for priority marine species using the drop-camera frame. 2. To collect seabed samples using the day grab for sediment size classification, infaunal analysis and carbonate content analysis. Collected infaunal samples will be stored in 4% formalin. If possible, a Hammon grab will be used to sample the horse mussel bed in Noss Head. 3. To carry out dredging for sandeels in the Mousa to Boddam and North-East Lewis areas. Finalisation of sampling stations in the Fair Isle area is pending discussion with the Fair Isle community. If sandeel dredging is possible, the Southern Trench and/or Moray Firth work will be shortened or dropped to make up the time. Procedure Scientific equipment will be loaded onto Alba na Mara on 5 August 2014. Scientists will join the vessel on Friday 8 August, with the vessel proceeding to the first sample station at the earliest opportunity. Daily scientific sampling will occur between 06:00 and 18:00 hrs (all times UTC). The vessel will require docking overnight at a suitable location to top up on fresh water prior to returning to Fraserburgh. Scientific operations will cease on the afternoon of 20 or 21 August, to allow sufficient time for the vessel to transit to Fraserburgh. Unloading will occur in Fraserburgh harbour on the morning of 22 August. Normal contacts will be maintained with the Marine Laboratory. |
| Chief scientist | Philip Boulcott (Marine Scotland Aberdeen Marine Laboratory) |
| Cruise programme |  (1.06 MB) |
| Ocean/sea areas | |
| General | North Sea Inner Seas off the West Coast of Scotland |
| Specific | Scottish Coast |
| Track charts | (0.26 MB) |
