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FRV Alba Na Mara 0918A

Cruise plan

Cruise Info. 
Ship name (ship code)FRV Alba Na Mara (74NM)
Cruise identifier0918A
Cruise period2018-06-18 — 2018-07-01
StatusCompleted
Port of departureUllapool, United Kingdom
Port of returnFraserburgh, United Kingdom
PurposeResearch
ObjectivesObjectives

1. To undertake grab, underwater television (UTV) and RoxAnn surveys of sea disposal sites and assess the condition of the seabed, identify the predominant benthic epifauna species, and the distribution of man-made debris. Some of the disposal sites are added as contingency.
2. The disposal sites identified for survey are: Ullapool, Isle of Eigg, Canna, LochMaddy, Stornoway, Lochinver, Scrabster, Scrabster Extension, Thurso, Wick, Fraserburgh, Aberdeen, Stonehaven, Arbroath, Montrose. In addition, a potential site at Uig may be surveyed between Ullapool and Isle of Eigg sites. It is not anticipated that all sites will be surveyed. However, the list allows for contingencies based on weather conditions.
3. Sediment samples for Objectives 1 will be analysed for chemical and physical parameters.
4. Drop-down TV survey of Caithness - Moray cable, working from north (Noss Head end) to south (Portgordon end).

Procedure

Scientific staff and equipment will be transported to Ullapool for loading the vessel and set-up selected survey equipment. The Alba na Mara will depart Ullapool as soon as possible on 18 June, and proceed to the most proximal sea disposal site to start the work programme outlined in Objective 1. Each sea disposal site will be surveyed in turn, subject to weather forecast, moving through the sites listed in Objective 2. The scientific crew change, will occur on 25 June at a port TBC. The Alba na Mara will then continue with the remaining sites detailed in Objective 2. The survey of the C-M cable, as outlined in Objective 4, will be by drop-down TV survey and last a maximum of three days. Once sites listed in Objective 2 and 4 have been surveyed, Alba na Mara will proceed to the unloading port detailed above.
Chief scientistMalcolm Rose (Marine Scotland Aberdeen Marine Laboratory), Michael Bland (Marine Scotland Aberdeen Marine Laboratory)
Cruise programmeFRV Alba Na Mara 0918A cruise programme 0918a.pdf  (0.02 MB) 
Ocean/sea areas 
GeneralNorth Sea
Inner Seas off the West Coast of Scotland
North East Atlantic Ocean (limit 40W)