FRV Scotia 1707S
Cruise summary report
| Cruise Info. | |
| Ship name (ship code) | FRV Scotia (748S) |
| Cruise identifier | 1707S |
| Cruise period | 2007-11-13 — 2007-12-04 |
| Status | Completed |
| Port of departure | Aberdeen, United Kingdom |
| Port of return | Aberdeen, United Kingdom |
| Purpose | Fisheries |
| Objectives | Objectives
1. To participate in the ICES coordinated Western Division Demersal Trawling Survey. 2. To obtain temperature and salinity data at each trawling position. 3. To collect additional biological data in accordance with the EU Data Directive 1639/2001. 4. To identify and record all invertebrate species caught. 5. To sample and collect DNA from specified Elasmobranchs, for FTFB group on behalf of MBS 6. To collect samples of selected O-group Gadoids for the Population Biology group Narrative Scotia sailed from Aberdeen at 1100 on the 13 November and proceeded northwards toward the survey area. On route, the opportunity was taken to deploy and check the operation of the trawl gear; in particular, to measure the gear dimensions under strain. It was also decided at this time to test deploy the CTD to check the associated software and to provide a training opportunity for a member of staff unfamiliar with the CTD operation. Unfortunately, during the recovery of the CTD, the hydro winch cable parted, resulting in the loss of the CTD, reverser bottle and a deepwater digital thermometer. At no time during the recovery procedure did the equipment foul the ships side or any other obstruction. Initial investigations suggest wear on the cable due to a malfunctioning block suspended by the hydro crane or wear from some other part of the hydro winch roller assemblage. Further discussions will take place between FRS and MVM regarding this incident. Fishing commenced the next day at 0630 at the station in rectangle 46E5. The medium term weather forecast was very favourable for this time of year and we took advantage of this to progress westward and southwards for the next eight days, allowing us to complete all the exposed stations to the west of the Hebrides and Ireland. Scotia docked alongside Killybegs port at 0800 on the morning of the 23 November, to allow for an exchange of scientific staff and to adhere to FRS working time policy. Scotia sailed from Killybegs port at 0800 on the 24 November and resumed the survey, beginning with stations to the north of Ireland. The survey continued with no weather restrictions, from the Clyde up through the South and North Minches and terminated with additional stations to the west of the Orkney Isles. The final station was completed on the morning of the 3 December. Scotia then immediately proceeded to Aberdeen, docking at around 0100 the following morning. |
| Chief scientist | Craig G Davis (Fisheries Research Services Aberdeen Marine Laboratory) |
| Project | RV0713 |
| Coordinating body | FRS |
| Cruise programme |  (0.05 MB) |
| Cruise report | (0.14 MB) |
| Ocean/sea areas | |
| General | Inner Seas off the West Coast of Scotland North East Atlantic Ocean (limit 40W) |
| Specific | North West Scotland and Ireland |
| Track charts | (0.05 MB) |
