FRV Scotia 1016S
Cruise plan
| Cruise Info. | |
| Ship name (ship code) | FRV Scotia (748S) |
| Cruise identifier | 1016S |
| Cruise period | 2016-07-18 — 2016-08-03 |
| Status | Completed |
| Port of departure | Aberdeen, United Kingdom |
| Port of return | Aberdeen, United Kingdom |
| Purpose | Research |
| Objectives | Objectives
1. Conduct a Type 1 monitoring survey of GSH focusing sampling within nested boxes positioned to allow for sampling to occur across the range of depths, biological zones (as proposed by Hughes et. al, 2014) and proposed management measures at the site. 2. Conduct Type 3 sampling within a nested box outside of GSH at the same depth and of similar current fishing pressure as a nested box within a proposed management measures area in GSH. 3. Conduct a camera chariot transect and benthic sampling survey within GSH (including within area of existing MBES bathymetry and backscatter data) to gather further information on the distribution of broadscale habitats present within the site. Narrative All staff will join Scotia either on the evening of 17 July or early on 18 July so allowing the vessel to depart Aberdeen Harbour as early as possible on 18 July. After completion of safety drills and exercises, Scotia will proceed westwards towards the Geikie Slide and Hebridean Slope survey area (GSH), stopping at a suitable location (Buchan Deeps) to undertake gear testing on route. The vessel will then make passage to the work site and commence sampling with the 0.25m2 box core and TV frames. In total, 108 TV, sediment and benthic infaunal samples will be collected from the GSH site. Off-site contingency options have been identified following discussion with Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH). These sampling stations may be visited if work is disrupted by prolonged bad weather. The vessel will undertake a port call in Stornoway on Wednesday 27 July to exchange scientific staff. Scotia will cease operations sometime during the day of 1 August to ensure that the vessel is in Aberdeen for the morning of 3 August when all sampling equipment will be offloaded and scientific staff will leave the vessel. A full and detailed survey plan and scientific rationale will be presented at the pre-brief meeting, before the beginning of the survey. The thermosalinograph will be run throughout the survey. Normal contacts will be maintained with the Laboratory. |
| Chief scientist | Eric Armstrong (Marine Scotland Aberdeen Marine Laboratory), Iain M Gibb (Marine Scotland Aberdeen Marine Laboratory) |
| Cruise programme |  (0.85 MB) |
| Ocean/sea areas | |
| General | North East Atlantic Ocean (limit 40W) |
| Specific | Hebridean Slope |