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FRV Alba Na Mara 1622A

Cruise plan

Cruise Info. 
Ship name (ship code)FRV Alba Na Mara (74NM)
Cruise identifier1622A
Cruise period2022-10-23 — 2022-10-28
StatusCompleted
Port of departureTroon, United Kingdom
Port of returnTroon, United Kingdom
PurposeResearch
ObjectivesObjectives

1. To undertake flatfish sampling in the Clyde (with sediment) in support of the Clean Seas Environment Monitoring Programme (OSPAR and MSFD D8).
2. To undertake fish sample preparation for subsequent eco-toxicological analyses (biological effects).
3. To undertake survey of seabed litter and sea-surface litter in the Firth of Clyde (MSFD D10).

Procedure

Scientific gear will be loaded on to the MRV Alba na Mara in Troon on Tuesday 18 October. Scientific crew will board the vessel on Sunday 23 October and sail on Monday 24 October after all relevant safety drills have been completed.

Sediment sampling will be carried out in four water bodies in the Firth of Clyde. At each water body, there are five or six locations for sampling. At each location one surface (0-2 cm) sediment sample will be collected by Day grab for contaminant analysis.

Flatfish (dab, plaice or flounder) will be collected for determination of disease status, contaminant concentrations and contaminant-induced biological effects from 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 from Bowling. 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.

On completion of the survey, passage will be made to Troon where MSS scientific gear and staff will be unloaded on 28 October 2022.
Chief scientistMaria Hunter (Marine Scotland Aberdeen Marine Laboratory)
Cruise programmeFRV Alba Na Mara 1622A cruise programme 1622a.pdf  (0.88 MB) 
Ocean/sea areas 
GeneralInner Seas off the West Coast of Scotland
Unknown
SpecificFirth of Clyde (Bowling, Holy Loch, Hunterston, Garroch Head)