Resources

FRV Alba Na Mara 0519A

Cruise plan

Cruise Info. 
Ship name (ship code)FRV Alba Na Mara (74NM)
Cruise identifier0519A
Cruise period2019-04-11 — 2019-04-30
StatusCompleted
Port of departureFraserburgh, United Kingdom
Port of returnOban, 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 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 record and retain marine litter obtained during the dredging process ( for MSFD).
7. Participate in scientist exchange WGScallop.
8. To deploy JOMOPANS mooring at location 58 34.488 N / 002 07.177 W.

Procedure

The survey will depart from Fraserburgh on 11 April and after vessel drills will sail to deploy the JOMOPANS mooring at location 58 34.488 N / 002 07.177 W then continue passage to the west coast where the survey will begin. 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. The survey will end in Oban on 30 April 2019 where all equipment and staff will then return to the laboratory.
Chief scientistShona Kinnear (Marine Scotland Aberdeen Marine Laboratory)
Cruise programmeFRV Alba Na Mara 0519A cruise programme 0519a.pdf  (0.54 MB) 
Ocean/sea areas 
GeneralInner Seas off the West Coast of Scotland