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FRV Alba Na Mara 0518A

Cruise plan

Cruise Info. 
Ship name (ship code)FRV Alba Na Mara (74NM)
Cruise identifier0518A
Cruise period2018-04-14 — 2018-05-02
StatusCompleted
Port of departureFraserburgh, United Kingdom
Port of returnGreenock, 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 frozen whole scallops for heavy metal testing as part of the OSPAR assessment of hazardous substances in the marine environment.
7. To undertake underwater filming trials using a Go-pro camera in sheltered areas.

Procedure

The survey will depart Fraserburgh on 14 April, and after vessel drills will make passage for the west coast stations on the survey plan. 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 in the Clyde if time permits. 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, starfish numbers and species. Tissue samples will also be collected from selected sites and frozen for heavy metal analysis back at the laboratory. The survey will end in Greenock on the 2 May where all equipment and staff will then return to the laboratory.
Chief scientistPeter Gibson (Marine Scotland Aberdeen Marine Laboratory)
Cruise programmeFRV Alba Na Mara 0518A cruise programme 0518a.pdf  (0.54 MB) 
Ocean/sea areas 
GeneralInner Seas off the West Coast of Scotland