Resources

FRV Alba Na Mara 0116A

Cruise plan

Cruise Info. 
Ship name (ship code)FRV Alba Na Mara (74NM)
Cruise identifier0116A
Cruise period2016-01-06 — 2016-01-22
StatusCompleted
Port of departureFraserburgh, United Kingdom
Port of returnFraserburgh, United Kingdom
PurposeResearch
ObjectivesObjectives

1. To obtain estimates of the Nephrops habitat distribution in the open waters south of Mull in the South Minch, using sediment grabs and underwater cameras.
2. To obtain estimates of the distribution and abundance of Nephrops within this area using underwater video cameras.
3. To compare two different methodologies to establish Nephrops burrow abundance (sledge compared to drop frame).
4. To use the video footage to record occurrence of other benthic fauna and evidence of commercial trawling activity.
5. To collect trawl caught samples of Nephrops for comparison of reproductive condition and morphometrics.
6. To deploy the large plankton bongo frame in the Sound of Canna to obtain sea pen larvae.

Procedure

The priority of this survey continues the work previously completed in the sea lochs of the South Minch in 2014 and 2015 (0114A and 0115A) where the extent of the muddy Nephrops habitat was mapped in areas where there is little or no BGS data available. The findings from earlier work in the North Minch were presented at WKNEPH 2013, and the outcomes from these South Minch surveys will be presented at WGNEPS 2016. This information will assist in determining the extent and influence of Nephrops habitat in the South Minch sea lochs and areas of open water, on the Nephrops management advice for the overall South Minch area, where little or no BGS data is available

Each survey site will be located near the boundary of the suspected Nephrops ground. The drop frame will be deployed to provide a visual record of the seabed type as the ship drifts over the ground. The search path will continue in one direction until the presence or absence of muddy sediment becomes apparent. All significant observations will be recorded on DVD as well as manually. These observations will include the muddy sediment boundary, the point where Nephrops burrows begin to appear or disappear, and any signs of fishing activity. The distance between, and the duration of each of these deployments will vary depending on the environmental conditions, obstructions (creels, fish farms, etc.), the size of the survey area and how quickly the boundary between Nephrops and non-Nephrops habitat is detected. A Day Grab will be deployed at a suitable point along the track and on recovery the sediment sample will be frozen.

Once an area has been satisfactorily surveyed to establish the extent of the muddy habitat, depending on available time and the weather conditions, a selection of stations will also be surveyed for Nephrops abundance, whereby the drop frame will be deployed over known Nephrops grounds. The vessel will drift over the grounds whilst a 10 minute recording is made of the sea bed, during which time the number of Nephrops burrow complexes will be recorded. A sediment grab will be required following each of these operations. The number of TV stations to be completed will be determined by the extent of the muddy grounds and time available. Due to the high probability of creels present in the proposed survey areas the drop frame will be used in preference to the sledge.
Chief scientistAdrian Weetman (Marine Scotland Aberdeen Marine Laboratory)
Cruise programmeFRV Alba Na Mara 0116A cruise programme 0116a.pdf  (0.03 MB) 
Ocean/sea areas 
GeneralInner Seas off the West Coast of Scotland
SpecificSouth Minch