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FRV Alba Na Mara 1221A

Cruise plan

Cruise Info. 
Ship name (ship code)FRV Alba Na Mara (74NM)
Cruise identifier1221A
Cruise period2021-09-10 — 2021-09-24
StatusCompleted
Port of departureTroon, United Kingdom
Port of returnTroon, United Kingdom
PurposeResearch
ObjectivesObjectives

1. Undertake flatfish sampling in the Clyde and Solway (with sediment) in support of the Clean Seas Environment Monitoring Programme (OSPAR and MSFD D8).
2. Undertake fish sample preparation for subsequent eco-toxicological analyses (biological effects).
3. Undertake survey of seabed litter and sea-surface litter in the Firth of Clyde and Solway Firth (MSFD D10).
4. Undertake sediment sampling in support of the BLUE CARBON project (to update with project details)

Procedure

Scientific gear will be loaded on to the MRV Alba na Mara in Troon on 10 September. Scientific crew will board the vessel on the same day and sail 11 September after all relevant safety drills have been completed. Sediment sampling will be carried out in the Solway Firth, where five sediment samples will be collected. At each location two surface (0-2 cm) sediment samples will be collected by Day grab, one for contaminant analysis and one for microplastic analysis. Sediment samples will also be collected in the Clyde region in support of the Blue Carbon project in conjunction with MASTS.

Water sampling will take place at six fishing sites before fishing has commenced. The ship's sea water pump will be used to collect the water samples. At the first two stations, Nisken bottle water sampling will be taken in addition for data comparison. Water samples will be taken for nutrients and salinity. It is important that nutrient samples are not contaminated with fish and therefore require separate freezer (MSS will provide freezer). A single ten litre water sample will also be taken from the inner firth for RGU.

Flatfish (dab, plaice or flounder) will be collected for determination of disease status, contaminant concentrations and contaminant-induced biological effects from the Solway, Bowling, Holy Loch, Hunterston, and Garroch Head fishing stations. Fish sample preparation for subsequent analysis will also take place on board. In addition, extra samples will be taken for preparation of EROD laboratory reference material. Benthic macrolitter collected during trawling will also be identified, quantified and recorded.

The catamaran neuston net will be towed at five knots in order to survey and sample sea-surface litter from various locations. Priority areas for sampling include Loch Long and the Solway. If time allows, microplastic analysis may be carried out on board. If time allows, additional sediment sampling will be undertaken for Blue Carbon in the Sea of Hebrides region.
Chief scientistGuillaume Hermann (Marine Scotland Aberdeen Marine Laboratory)
Cruise programmeFRV Alba Na Mara 1221A cruise programme 1221a.pdf  (0.34 MB) 
Ocean/sea areas 
GeneralInner Seas off the West Coast of Scotland
Irish Sea and St. George's Channel
Unknown
SpecificFirth of Clyde and Solway Firth. Bowling, Holy Loch, Hunterston, Garroch Head, Loch Long.