Resources

FRV Alba Na Mara 0517A

Cruise plan

Cruise Info. 
Ship name (ship code)FRV Alba Na Mara (74NM)
Cruise identifier0517A
Cruise period2017-04-06 — 2017-07-26
StatusCompleted
Port of departureFraserburgh, United Kingdom
Port of returnUllapool, United Kingdom
PurposeResearch
ObjectivesObjectives

1. To carry out a survey of scallop stocks on the West Coast.
2. To age, measure and assess shell damage on all scallops caught.
3. To Identify and sample additional areas of commercial interest to the scallop fishery.
4. To collect information on by-catch of other commercial fish and shellfish species.
5. To identify, quantify numbers, and damage assess of starfish species in all dredge tows.
6. To collect flesh samples for genetic and toxin analysis back at the laboratory.
7. To undertake underwater filming trials using a Go-pro camera.
8. If time permits carry out a depletion study on a selected dredge tow.

Procedure

The survey will depart from Fraserburgh on 06 April and after vessel drills, make passage for the West Coast stations on the survey. Scallop dredge hauls will be made at sites used on previous surveys. Hauls will be of 30 minutes duration. In addition to the historical tows, additional tows will be done to the South West of Islay and if time permits, from the Clyde. From each haul, all of the scallops will be measured to the half centimeter below and aged. Numbers and size distribution of commercial fish and shellfish species will be recorded along with scallop shell damage and starfish numbers and species. Tissue samples will also be collected from selected sites and frozen for toxin analysis back at the laboratory. The survey will end in Ullapool on the 26 April where all equipment and staff will then return to the laboratory. Normal contacts will be maintained with the laboratory.
Chief scientistJohn Turriff (Marine Scotland Aberdeen Marine Laboratory)
Cruise programmeFRV Alba Na Mara 0517A cruise programme 0517a.pdf  (0.31 MB) 
Ocean/sea areas 
GeneralInner Seas off the West Coast of Scotland
SpecificWest coast of Scotland