FRV Alba Na Mara 1719A
Cruise plan
| Cruise Info. | |
| Ship name (ship code) | FRV Alba Na Mara (74NM) |
| Cruise identifier | 1719A |
| Cruise period | 2019-10-04 — 2019-10-18 |
| Status | Completed |
| Port of departure | Troon, United Kingdom |
| Port of return | Troon, United Kingdom |
| Purpose | Research |
| Objectives | Objectives
1. To carry out a dredge survey of king scallops in the Clyde. 2. To age, measure and assess shell damage for all king scallops caught. 3. To collect information on by-catch of other commercial fish and shellfish species. 4. To identify and quantify all starfish species in all dredge tows. 5. To collect data on king scallop ring measurements. 6. To collect king scallop meat weight and biological data. 7. To record and retain marine litter obtained during the dredging process. 8. To collect frozen whole scallops for heavy metal testing as part of the OSPAR assessment of hazardous substances in the marine environment. 9. To collect tissue samples for possible genetic testing. 10. To carry out camera trials if conditions and time allow. Procedure The survey will depart from Troon on 4 October with the aim of conducting a dredge survey of king scallops in the Clyde region. This is a preliminary survey to collect catch rate data in an area that has not been recently surveyed for king scallops. The survey will also collect biological information on this species. An industry representative will be invited on board to view the ship and fishing gear before the survey commences. Once vessel drills have been undertaken, the vessel will steam to the first station, the order of which will be which will decided by the SIC in consultation with the skipper. Hauls will be of 30 minutes duration. From each haul all king 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. A sub sample of king scallops will be selected for ring measurements to enable growth studies. A separate sub sample will be dissected to collect biological data which will include examination of the gonad to try and ascertain spawning period. Scallops (10 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 standard operating procedure 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 to collect footage of the fishing gear while in operation. If time allows, additional stations may be added out with the Clyde. Areas of particular focus would be to the south of Islay and the area to the east side of the North Channel. The survey will end on 18 October 2019 and the vessel will be berthed in Troon where all equipment and staff will then return to the laboratory. |
| Chief scientist | John Turriff (Marine Scotland Aberdeen Marine Laboratory) |
| Cruise programme |  (0.14 MB) |
| Ocean/sea areas | |
| General | Inner Seas off the West Coast of Scotland Unknown |
| Specific | Firth of Clyde |