RV Cefas Endeavour 10/23
Cruise summary report
| Cruise Info. | |
| Ship name (ship code) | RV Cefas Endeavour (74E9) |
| Cruise identifier | 10/23 |
| Cruise period | 2023-07-18 — 2023-07-28 |
| Status | Completed |
| Port of departure | Portland Harbour, United Kingdom |
| Port of return | Lowestoft, United Kingdom |
| Purpose | Research |
| Objectives | Primary Aims
1. To collect samples of demersal fish for chemical analysis from the Southern North Sea and English Channel in support of the Clean Seas Environmental Monitoring Programme (CSEMP) (OSPAR Common indicator and UK specific Indicator assessments). 2. To collect fish samples at CSEMP sites for fish disease biochemical markers (e.g. EROD and bile metabolites analysis and AChE) (UK specific Indicator Assessments). 3. To sample representative CSEMP stations using day grab, for polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), trace metal contaminants, organic contaminants (PCBs, PBDEs and HBCD), sediment particle size analysis (PSA) and marine litter (OSPAR Common indicator and UK specific Indicator assessments). 4. To sample sediment (using a Shipek grab or Day grab) from 20 stations (maximum) within and around the Inner Tees and Outer Tees dredged material disposal sites. Samples will be assessed for sediment contaminants concentrations and particle size. The survey is funded by the MMO and the results will be summarised in a report which is publicly available on the Defra.gov.uk site and via the MMO. The results will be used by the MMO to aid decisions regarding dredged material disposal applications and the suitability of the screening process for contaminants concentrations. 5. To conduct marine litter surveys of seafloor macrolitter (following the ICES guidelines) and microplastics in sediment and biota, to gather data towards the OSPAR Commission Common Indicator and UK Evidence Group marine litter indicators. 6. To conduct marine litter surveys (OSPAR Common indicator and UK specific Indicator assessments) by collecting benthic litter information from the trawls and collecting sediment samples for litter analysis. 7. To conduct opportunistic sampling of seafloor macro litter for Non-Native Species (NNS) research and development under the Clean Atlantic 2 programme. Secondary Aims 8. To collect water conductivity, temperature, nutrient, and depth information, and Plankton community information to provide additional knowledge on Eutrophication levels (OSPAR Common indicator and UK specific Indicator assessments). Calibration exercise at West Gabbard smart buoy using CTD Rosette. Daily chlorophyll sample (night-time hours of dark for GIA03). 9. To collect additional fish for the EA for a comparison study of whole fish, and fish muscle and liver in the quantity of contaminants). EA require 9 fish from stations Amble (244), Tees Bay (294), Outer Humber (377), Inner Wash (387, Rye Bay (486), Off Newhaven (494). 10. To conduct AVANI trawl sampling of surface waters for microplastics, CALPs, to gather data and evidence towards method and indicator assessment developments, supported by the Ocean Country Partnership Programme (OCPP). 11. To collect sediment and water samples to analyse two variables and better understand their relationship. The variables are procaryote (bacteria, algae) diversity and levels of B vitamins. This analysis is needed for a CSAO-funded project entitled one health, which looks to add granularity on the relationship between productivity and health with micronutrient availability. 12. Collect sediment samples for rapid find assessment (RFA) and porosity, to calculate percentage fines by volume and void space in the sediment mixture. Narrative in attached cruise report. |
| Chief scientist | Freya Goodsir (Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science Lowestoft Laboratory) |
| Cruise report |  (3.60 MB) |
| Ocean/sea areas | |
| General | North Sea |
