FRV Alba Na Mara 2022A
Cruise summary report
| Cruise Info. | |
| Ship name (ship code) | FRV Alba Na Mara (74NM) |
| Cruise identifier | 2022A |
| Cruise period | 2022-12-06 — 2022-12-20 |
| Status | Completed |
| Port of departure | Leith, United Kingdom |
| Port of return | Fraserburgh, United Kingdom |
| Purpose | Research |
| Objectives | Objectives
1. To determine the abundance, length and age of sandeels in the sediment from regions east of the Firth of Forth and around Turbot Bank. 2. To collect and preserve samples of A. marinus, from the different stations for further analyses. 3. To determine the sex and maturity stage of all sandeels selected for ageing. 4. To determine the abundance, length and age of sandeels in the sediment from stations within the NnG and Seagreen offshore windfarms (OWF). Narrative Scientists joined Alba na mara, berthed in Leith, on 5 December in the afternoon to prepare the laboratory and mount the armoured cable the same afternoon. Alba na Mara locked out of Leith on 6 December at 9.30 and made passage to the survey area and prospect anchor sites clear of creels in daylight. Multiple sites were prospected (Isle of May, Crail), however, the presence of creels forced Alba to anchor West at Largo Bay for the evening. After having cleared the necessary permits with NNG OWF developers, Alba made passage to the OWF on 7 December to sample a site within the OWF boundary, however, a buoy was anchored in the middle of the planned tows and the station had to be abandoned. Alba na Mara went West to sample two stations on Wee Bankie. The weather degraded rapidly and Alba returned to Largo Bay to find shelter for the night. The poor weather conditions made work impossible the next day, however, an anchor site clear of creels was found in St Andrews Bay. On 9 December stations at Bell Rock, Marr Bank and Wee Bankie were sampled and Alba went back on anchor in St Andres Bay to find shelter from the deteriorating weather conditions. On 10 December a water refill was needed and arrangements were made to refill in Montrose harbour. However, the very poor conditions made it impossible to enter the harbour and decision was made to go to Aberdeen harbour for a refill. Due to the very poor conditions, decision was made to stay the night in Aberdeen harbour. On 11 December , Alba na Mara left Aberdeen for the Seagreen OWF where two stations were sampled before reaching Marr Bank where an additional two stations were sampled. The improved weather conditions made it possible to stay out at night and be on Stendysen the following morning. On 12 December, two stations were sampled in Stendysen before making passage to Berwick Bank where sampling on another three stations was completed. The good conditions made it possible to make passage to Turbot Bank East through the night. On 13 December, stations on Turbot Bank East and Turbot Bank Central were sampled before making passage to Fraserburgh harbour to find shelter for the night. The poor weather conditions made work impossible on 14 December and Alba na Mara stayed in Fraserburgh harbour for the day. On 15 December, stations at Rattray head, Aeroplane Bank and Belgar head were sampled before returning to Fraserburgh harbour for the night. The next day (16 December) passage was made to Turbot Bank Central to finish the work there and complete sampling on Turbot Bank West. On 17 December the strong Southerly winds forced Alba na Mara to stay close inshore in the Moray Firth and stations near Buckie and on Aberdour Bay were sampled before returning to Fraserburgh for the night. On 18 December, a station off Fraserburgh was sampled in the morning before returning to harbour to find shelter from the adverse weather. On 19 December work resumed close to shore in the Moray Firth due to strong Southerly winds. Stations in Cullen and Lossiemouth were sampled before anchoring near Lossiemouth. On 20 December a station at Mithcowie Bank was sampled before returning to Fraserburgh harbour, the end of the afternoon and the next morning were used to catch-up with the otoliths reading. On 21 December, servicing of the equipment and laboratory took place as well as cleaning and packing for unloading the next day (22 December). |
| Chief scientist | Thomas Regnier (Marine Scotland Aberdeen Marine Laboratory) |
| Cruise programme |  (0.35 MB) |
| Cruise report | (0.27 MB) |
| Ocean/sea areas | |
| General | North Sea Unknown |
| Specific | Firth of Forth, Turbot Bank |
