Marine

MRV Sir John Murray: Survey 0215SJM Programme

November 17, 2015 by Marine Directorate Communications No Comments | Category Collaborations, Compliance, Marine Directorate general, Marine Directorate Science, Marine Litter, Research Vessel Surveys

Duration: 16-22 November 2015

Sampling Gear:

• SEPA-provided 2 m beam trawl with 50 mm cod-end;
• SEPA-provided bottom trawl with 50 mm cod-end;
• SEPA-provided Day grab and table;
• MSS-provided catamaran and manta neuston net; and
• MSS-provided bongo nets for plankton sampling.

Objectives:

1.  To undertake flatfish and sediment sampling in the Clyde and Solway in support of the Clean Seas Environment Monitoring Programme (OSPAR and MSFD).
2. To undertake sample preparation for subsequent eco-toxicological analyses.
3. To undertake survey of sea-surface litter in the Firth of Clyde and Solway Firth.
4. To take adventitious samples of fish and shellfish for micro-plastics.
5. To obtain samples of sediment, plankton, benthic invertebrates and fish in support of PhD project on the trophic transfer of contaminants within the Clyde.

Procedure:

Scientific gear will be loaded on to the Sir John Murray in Troon on 12 November.  Scientific staff will join the vessel in Troon on 16 November.

Five sediment samples will be collected for contaminant analysis from each of two water bodies in the Firth of Clyde and one in the Solway Firth. Flatfish (dab, plaice or flounder) will be collected for determination of contaminants and their biological effects from the Bowling, Holy Loch, Hunterston (contaminants only), Garroch Head, Outer Clyde, and Solway Firth (disease only) fishing stations. At the Holy Loch and Outer Clyde fishing sites, samples of sediment, plankton, benthic invertebrates and fish will be taken in support of a PhD project on the trophic transfer of contaminants. The manta neuston net will be towed on passage at five knots in order to survey and sample sea-surface litter from the Solway, the Clyde estuary and the inner, middle and outer Firth of Clyde. On completion of the survey, passage will be made to Troon where MSS scientific gear and staff will unload and transfer to Leith to load Alba na Mara for survey 1815A. Staff and frozen samples will then return to Aberdeen on the 23  November.

Rest Day Provision:

This is a seven-day survey programme followed by the transfer of gear to Leith and the loading of Alba; one rest day will be then be taken.

Possible Good Weather Programme:

1. Leave Troon to collect Outer Firth of Clyde fish and sediment samples; use the manta net en route to the Solway Firth.
2.  Sample fish and sediments from the Balcary Point sampling stations, make use of the manta net on return journey to Troon.
3. Collect the Middle Clyde offshore sediments and the Garroch Head sediment/fish; berth at Troon, using manta net in Irvine Bay, Sound of Bute, and en route to/from fishing site.
4. Collect fish from Hunterston and Holy Loch; use manta net en route to berth at Greenock.
5.  Make use of manta net en route to/from collecting fish at Bowling, and in the Gare Loch area; berth in Greenock.
6. Sediment samples from Holy Loch and Largs Channel; manta net en route to Troon; unload.

Poor Weather Programme:

Go into Clyde, working where possible. Fewer manta net tows. Going to Solway if/when weather allows.

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Further Information:

• MRV SJM 0215SJM – Tables 1,2&3
• Current location of Sir John Murray

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