FRV Alba Na Mara 1022A
Cruise plan
| Cruise Info. | |
| Ship name (ship code) | FRV Alba Na Mara (74NM) |
| Cruise identifier | 1022A |
| Cruise period | 2022-07-15 — 2022-08-02 |
| Status | Completed |
| Port of departure | Fraserburgh, United Kingdom |
| Port of return | Fraserburgh, United Kingdom |
| Purpose | Research |
| Objectives | Objectives
1. To carry out a survey of scallop stocks on the East coast of Scotland. 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 record and retain marine litter obtained during the dredging process (for MSFD). 6. To collect whole scallops for heavy metal testing as part of the OSPAR assessment of hazardous substances in the marine environment. 7. To collect tissue samples for genetic testing and shellfish analysis. Procedure The survey will depart Fraserburgh on 16 July (weather dependent) and, after vessel drills, fishing will commence at the stations nearest Fraserburgh. 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. 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. Additional Scallops (ten individuals) per station will be collected and frozen for genetic and shell isotope analysis by Heriot-Watt University. 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 vessel will return to Fraserburgh for unloading by 2 August. |
| Chief scientist | Peter Gibson (Marine Scotland Aberdeen Marine Laboratory) |
| Cruise programme |  (0.12 MB) |
| Ocean/sea areas | |
| General | North Sea Unknown |
| Specific | East coast of Scotland |
