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FRV Alba Na Mara 1617A

Cruise plan

Cruise Info. 
Ship name (ship code)FRV Alba Na Mara (74NM)
Cruise identifier1617A
Cruise period2017-09-21 — 2017-10-10
StatusCompleted
Port of departureMallaig, United Kingdom
Port of returnGreenock, United Kingdom
PurposeResearch
Objectives1617A will survey the waters 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. Work will cease on the afternoon of 28 September to allow time to travel to Troon on 29 September for the half landing on 30 September. There will be a change of scientific staff at the half landing. If weather permits, after the half landing a further study of sites in and around the South Arran MPA will be conducted to survey monitoring sites previously visited in 2015 and 2016. Specific objectives are as follows:

1. To conduct further assessments of Funiculina quadrangularis abundance within the Small Isles MPA and areas outside.
2. To further survey known populations of other priority marine feature (PMF) species within and outside the Small Isles MPA.
3. To conduct further assessments of PMF abundance within the South Arran MPA and areas outside.

Scientists will join the vessel on 21 September. Weather permitting Alba na Mara will depart from Mallaig on the same day, heading for the first survey box.
Chief scientistPhilip Boulcott (Marine Scotland Aberdeen Marine Laboratory)
Cruise programmeFRV Alba Na Mara 1617A cruise programme 1617a.pdf  (0.44 MB) 
Ocean/sea areas 
GeneralInner Seas off the West Coast of Scotland
SpecificSmall Isles Marine Protected Area (MPA), South Arran MPA.