Resources

FRV Alba Na Mara 1815A

Cruise plan

Cruise Info. 
Ship name (ship code)FRV Alba Na Mara (74NM)
Cruise identifier1815A
Cruise period2015-11-26 — 2015-12-01
StatusCompleted
Port of departureLeith, United Kingdom
Port of returnLeith, United Kingdom
PurposeResearch
ObjectivesObjectives

1. To undertake flatfish sampling in St Andrews Bay, and Forth estuary in support of the Clean Seas Environment Monitoring Programme (OSPAR and MSFD).
2. To undertake sediment sampling in St Andrews Bay, Outer Firth of Forth and Forth estuary in support of the Clean Seas Environment Monitoring Programme (OSPAR and MSFD).
3. To undertake sample preparation for subsequent eco-toxicological analyses.
4. To undertake survey of sea-surface litter in surface waters of the Scottish east coast.
5. Adventitious sampling of fish and shellfish for micro-plastics.
6. At two sites in the Forth estuary and Firth of Forth, to sample sediments, benthic infauna, benthic epifauna, demersal fish, phytoplankton and zooplankton in support of PhD project on trophic transfer of contaminants.

Procedure

Fishing and scientific gear will be loaded in Leith prior to Alba na Mara sailing on 26 November. Flounder and five sediment stations will be sampled in St Andrews Bay and in the Forth estuary (Tancred bank), five sediment stations will be sampled in the outer Firth of Forth. The neuston manta trawl will be deployed in the Forth estuary, the Firth of Forth, and off the east coasts of Fife and East Lothian. This net is to be towed at five knots, or less, for 30-90 minutes in order to collect and sample micro-plastics floating on the sea surface. In the Forth estuary and the Firth of Forth additional sediment grabs will be collected for benthic invertebrates. Crabs and other epibenthos will be adventitiously sampled from Tancred bank beam trawls; additional fishing will be undertaken to collect dab and invertebrates (Nephrops, crabs, etc.) as may be found in the Firth of Forth. Six bongo net hauls will be undertaken in the Forth estuary and six in the Firth of Forth in order to obtain plankton samples. On completion of this survey, passage will be made to Leith from where all scientific gear and samples will be transferred to MSS (Aberdeen).
Chief scientistCraig D Robinson (Marine Scotland Aberdeen Marine Laboratory)
Cruise programmeFRV Alba Na Mara 1815A cruise programme 1815a.pdf  (0.09 MB) 
Ocean/sea areas 
GeneralNorth Sea
SpecificSt Andrews Bay, Firth of Forth