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FRV Alba Na Mara 0917A

Cruise plan

Cruise Info. 
Ship name (ship code)FRV Alba Na Mara (74NM)
Cruise identifier0917A
Cruise period2017-06-08 — 2017-06-27
StatusCompleted
Port of departureFraserburgh, United Kingdom
Port of returnFraserburgh, United Kingdom
PurposeResearch
ObjectivesObjectives

1. To carry out a survey of scallop stocks on the East Coast.
2. To age, measure and assess shell damage on all scallops caught.
3. To collect information on by-catch of other commercial fish and shellfish species.
4. To identify and quantify numbers of starfish species in all dredge tows.
5. To collect flesh samples for genetic analysis back at the laboratory.

Procedure

The survey will depart from Fraserburgh on 8 June. After drills, the vessel will head for the first station, the location of which will be decided by the SIC in conjunction with the captain.

Scallop dredge hauls will be made at sites used on previous surveys. Hauls will be of 30 minutes duration. 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. Scallops will be collected for genetic analysis.

F. Mackay will join for one day to observe how the survey is undertaken and gear operated. The date for this is flexible and will be undertaken from a suitable port. If time allows, further camera trials started in January 2017 will be undertaken. These trails will not impact of the identified objectives of the survey.

The survey will end in Fraserburgh on 27 June when all equipment and staff will return to the laboratory. Normal contacts will be maintained with the laboratory.
Chief scientistPeter Gibson (Marine Scotland Aberdeen Marine Laboratory)
Cruise programmeFRV Alba Na Mara 0917A cruise programme 0917a.pdf  (0.08 MB) 
Ocean/sea areas 
GeneralNorth Sea
SpecificEast coast of Scotland