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FRV Alba Na Mara 0108A

Cruise summary report

Cruise Info. 
Ship name (ship code)FRV Alba Na Mara (74NM)
Cruise identifier0108A
Cruise period2008-04-01 — 2008-04-17
StatusCompleted
Port of departureFraserburgh, United Kingdom
Port of returnFraserburgh, United Kingdom
PurposeResearch
ObjectivesObjectives

1. To undertake grab (cores) at Stonehaven sea disposal site (Contingency in the event of winch slipring being unavailable for UTV work to be undertaken).

2. To undertake grab, RoxAnn and Agassiz surveys of the sea disposal site at Whiteness. (Contingency in the event of winch slipring being unavailable for UTV work to be undertaken).

3. To undertake underwater television (UTV), grab and RoxAnn surveys of the sea disposal site at Inverness.

4. To undertake underwater television (UTV) at Gills Bay disposal site prior to use of the site for disposal of sediments from Dounreay.

5. To undertake underwater television (UTV) and RoxAnn surveys of the sea disposal site at Scrabster.

6. To undertake grab, underwater television (UTV) and RoxAnn surveys of unused disposal site south of Crowlin Islands and inspection for the distribution of synthetic debris with a view to reusing the site.

7. To undertake grab and underwater television (UTV), Agassiz and RoxAnn surveys of the sea disposal sites at Rothesay, Ayr Bay, Maidens and Stranraer, assess the condition of the seabed, identify the predominant benthic epifauna species, and the distribution of synthetic debris.

8. To undertake underwater television (UTV) surveys of sites visited in 2007 at SW Islay and the Sound of Eigg (Contingency).

9. Sediment samples for Objectives 1, 2, 6, and 7 will be analysed for chemical and physical parameters.


Narrative

Alba-na-Mara departed from Fraserburgh Harbour on the 1 April at 1300 and passage was made to Aberdeen Bay anchorage. The following morning passage was made to the Stonehaven sea disposal site where thirteen grab sample stations were successfully completed along with a RoxAnn transect of the entire disposal site and three underwater TV, (UTV) transects. Anchorage was made in Stonehaven Bay in preparation for the transfer of staff and equipment from and to the Temora early on 3 April. Work proceed
Chief scientistColin Megginson (Fisheries Research Services Aberdeen Marine Laboratory)
ProjectAE02n
Coordinating bodyFRS
Cruise programmeFRV Alba Na Mara 0108A cruise programme 0108a.pdf  (0.02 MB) 
Cruise reportFRV Alba Na Mara 0108A cruise report 0108a.pdf (0.03 MB) 
Ocean/sea areas 
GeneralNorth Sea
Inner Seas off the West Coast of Scotland
SpecificStonehaven, Whiteness, Inverness, Scrabster, Crowlin Islands, Rothesay, Ayr Bay, Maidens, Stranraer, Gills Bay, SW of Islay and Sound of Eigg.