Marine

MRV Alba na Mara: Survey 1716A Programme

September 20, 2016 by Marine Directorate Communications No Comments | Category Compliance, Marine Directorate general, Marine Directorate Science, Marine Directorate Surveys, Marine Litter, Research Vessel Surveys

Duration: 7-21 September 2016

Sampling Gear:

• TV drop frame;
• TV winch and cable; and
• 2 x day grabs and RoxAnn.

Objectives:

1. To undertake grab, underwater television (UTV) and RoxAnn surveys of sea disposal sites and assess the condition of the seabed, identify the predominant benthic epifauna species, and the distribution of man-made debris. Some of the disposal sites are added as contingency.
2. The disposal sites identified for survey are: Fraserburgh*, Scrabster, Scrabster Extension, Thurso, Loch Inchard, Lochinver, Ayr Bay, Ayr Bay B, Birch Point, Cloch Point, Garroch Head, Clyde, Girvan Bay, Girvan 2, Rothsay Bay and Campbeltown* *contingency.
3. Sediment samples for Objectives 1 will be analysed for chemical and physical parameters.

Procedure:

Scientific personnel will join Alba na Mara in Fraserburgh on 7 September. The vessel will depart as soon as possible and proceed to the most proximal sea disposal site to start the work programme outlined in Objective 1.  Each sea disposal site will be surveyed in turn, moving through the sites listed in Objective 2.  The scientific staff change, will occur on 14 September in Greenock.  The Alba na Mara will then continue with the remaining sites detailed in objective 2.  Once all sites have been surveyed, Alba na Mara will proceed to Greenock for unloading on 21 September.

Tags: Alba na Mara, research vessel, sampling

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