Resources

FRV Scotia 1517S

Cruise plan

Cruise Info. 
Ship name (ship code)FRV Scotia (748S)
Cruise identifier1517S
Cruise period2017-10-20 — 2017-11-09
StatusCompleted
Port of departureAberdeen, United Kingdom
Port of returnAberdeen, United Kingdom
PurposeResearch
ObjectivesObjectives

1. Conduct a Type 1 monitoring survey of the NEF NCMPA focusing sampling within boxes positioned to allow for sampling to occur across the range of depths, biological zones and proposed management measures at the site. This will include visual (camera) and physical (box corer or grab) sampling. Visual data will be collected from areas understood to contain deep-sea sponge aggregations within the site boundary and from adjacent areas outside the site along the same depth contours. Physical samples will be obtained for further for further characterisation of the wider seabed within the site. Environmental data will be collected during visual sampling.

2. Conduct a Type 1 monitoring survey of the WTR focusing on sampling within boxes A, B and C which are positioned to allow for sampling to occur across the range of depths, biological zones and proposed management measures at the site. The focus will be on visual (camera) methods only. Environmental data will be collected during visual sampling.

Narrative

Scotia will depart Aberdeen Harbour as early as possible on 20 October. After shakedown deployments of the chariot, box corer and Harmon grabs, Scotia will proceed north towards the NEF area.

In boxes A-C four long (~3km) chariot tows will be used to characterise the epifaunal communities present within the boxes and 16 short (200m) drop-frame camera transect stations will facilitate collection of high definition video and still images. In box D 60 stations have been generated of which a core 30 will be prioritised for physical sampling. Initially the vessel will sample with chariot and box core/Harmon grab in alternate 12 hour shifts until all chariot runs are completed. Thereafter, sampling may concentrate on the dropframe runs until these are completed with the remainder of the time used for remaining box core/Harmon grab deployments. Where time permits sampling of suitable sponge aggregations may be undertaken in boxes B or C using box core or Harmon grab.

Upon completion of work at NEF the vessel will proceed to WTR and visually sample in box A using the drop frame using a systematic grid approach. Sampling will also focus on the area within and adjacent to a proposed static gear closure to determine the distribution and extent of Vulnerable Marine Ecosystems (VMEs), including sponges and corals.

For the purposes of this survey the NEF will be prioritised over the WTR and visual sampling will be prioritised over physical sampling. Contingency plans in NEF to undertake further physical sampling in box D where moderate conditions preclude camera work. In WTR contingency for moderate weather is sampling with Harmon grab at a predefined location to the west of the site. In both cases contingency includes transit to already identified inshore survey locations in the event of prolonged unworkable conditions.

The vessel will undertake a port call in Scrabster around Monday 30 October (date flexible) to exchange scientific staff. A full and detailed survey plan and scientific rationale will be presented at the pre-brief meeting, before the beginning of the survey.
Chief scientistJames Drewery (Marine Scotland Aberdeen Marine Laboratory), Philip Boulcott (Marine Scotland Aberdeen Marine Laboratory)
Cruise programmeFRV Scotia 1517S cruise programme 1517s.pdf  (1.08 MB) 
Ocean/sea areas 
GeneralNorth East Atlantic Ocean (limit 40W)
SpecificFaroe-Shetland Channel.