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FRV Alba Na Mara 1018A

Cruise plan

Cruise Info. 
Ship name (ship code)FRV Alba Na Mara (74NM)
Cruise identifier1018A
Cruise period2018-07-04 — 2018-07-23
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 frozen whole scallops for heavy metal testing as part of the OSPAR assessment of hazardous substances in the marine environment.
6. To carry out camera trials if conditions and time allow.
7. To record and retain marine litter obtained during the dredging process (monitoring for MSFD)

Procedure

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. In addition, numbers and size distribution of commercial fish and shellfish species will be recorded along with scallop shell damage and starfish numbers and species. Scallops (ten individuals per station) will also be collected from selected sites and frozen for heavy metal analysis back at the laboratory. Any litter collected in the dredges will be recorded as set out in the SOP and placed in bags to be disposed of on return to port. Camera trials will be carried out if conditions and time allow - with the aim being to collect footage of the fishing gear while in operation.
Chief scientistShona Kinnear (Marine Scotland Aberdeen Marine Laboratory)
Cruise programmeFRV Alba Na Mara 1018A cruise programme 1018a.pdf  (0.10 MB) 
Ocean/sea areas 
GeneralNorth Sea
SpecificEast coast of Scotland