FRV Alba Na Mara 1517A
Cruise plan
| Cruise Info. | |
| Ship name (ship code) | FRV Alba Na Mara (74NM) |
| Cruise identifier | 1517A |
| Cruise period | 2017-08-31 — 2017-09-19 |
| Status | Completed |
| Port of departure | Fraserburgh, United Kingdom |
| Port of return | Mallaig, United Kingdom |
| Purpose | Research |
| Objectives | 1517A will survey the waters around Lochinver and North Minch/Skye to collect stereo video imagery of Funiculina quadrangularis within survey boxes with different VMS characteristics. In addition, 1517A will also aim to survey around the Small Isles Marine Protected Area (MPA). The primary objective of this survey is to survey monitoring sites previously visited in 2012-2016 that support Scotland's Priority Marine Features (PMFs). Work from these surveys will be used to determine the effect of MPAs established in Scottish waters. A secondary objective is that the data will contribute to a potential impact (BACI) study once protective measures within the MPA are introduced. Specific objectives are as follows:
1. To survey known Funiculina quadrangularis habitat using the stereo camera system within survey boxes with different VMS characteristics. 2. To conduct further assessments of Funiculina quadrangularis abundance within the Small Isles MPA and areas outside. 3. To further survey known populations of other priority marine feature (PMF) species within and outside the Small Isles MPA. Scientists will join the vessel on 31 August in Fraserburgh. Weather permitting Alba na Mara will depart from Fraserburgh on the same day, heading for Lochinver. |
| Chief scientist | Philip Boulcott (Marine Scotland Aberdeen Marine Laboratory) |
| Cruise programme |  (0.78 MB) |
| Ocean/sea areas | |
| General | Inner Seas off the West Coast of Scotland |
| Specific | Lochinver and North Minch/Skye |
